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House Sitting tips

With House sitting, the host member has peace of mind and the guests enjoy a "home away from home". Here are some tips to help you make a success of it.

House-sitting another member's home

First decide where you want to spend some time, and for how long.
Go through the House sitting listings for that area, and look for the homes that are the size you want and in the location you want.

Email to these members, and let them know that they can contact you about a house-sit.
They will want to get a personal impression of you, apart from the information in your profile. Give them an outline of yourself and the family members who would accompany you, why you would be a good house sitter, why you have chosen their area, etc.

If you get a positive reply

It can of course take some time before another member contacts you in response to your offer. First discuss possible dates to check if you will be available.
If the timing is OK, start the trust needed for a house-sit. Don't forget that the other member needs to feel comfortable about you (and your partner or children) living in his or her home.

If you have Skype (ideally with a webcam), get in touch. You will be able to establish a personal contact and exchange lots of information quickly.

If those first contacts are not convincing, be honest: cancel the arrangement early, and look for another pairing in the listings.

Agree on extras

If the other member is still happy, get down to some details.
- Will you be allowed to use their car or not? Is it covered by insurance if you drive it - theirs or yours? Give details of your driving licence or record.
- Will you take care of pets? Can they be put in boarding somewhere else if you don't wish to be responsible for them? Can you bring your own pet?
- Is garden maintenance required?
- Is the computer available? Are there charges for internet access?
- Can you use the phone? How will you pay for your calls?  

Go for it!

Still all happy? At this point you can swap addresses, phone details and surnames.

Confirm the dates and make sure you have a map or directions to get there. The other member will probably want to meet you before they leave their home in your hands. If not, will you collect the house key from a neighbour or friend? Confirm the time of your arrival (remember time zones and summer/winter time).

Some practical topics

Your hosts have to make sure that you have all the information needed to "operate" their place.
Together with them, read through any instructions or lists that they leave for you, and make a round of the house. You should also know who to contact when you have a question or if there is a problem. Make sure that you have your host's mobile phone number, just in case.

At the end of your house-sit

Agree on the "hand over" for when your hosts return. Will you see them before you leave, and maybe even stay for an extra night together with them? If you won't be able to see each other, decide on how the keys will be returned. Is there a neighbour or a friend who can come over on your last day, check things and act as a go-between?

And finally, when you leave your colleagues' home, leave it in immaculate condition, all laundry clean, essentials in fridge, and perhaps a small gift in a prominent place. In short: leave it as you would like to find yours when you get home.

Have fun!

Have another member house-sit your home

Go through the listings, and have a look at the members who participate in House sitting. Their description of themselves and their area will give you a good idea who could be interested.

Send an email to those members that seem likely candidates, to let them know that your home will be available for a house-sit. You don't need to go into detail yet about exactly when and for how long. Tell them why you think they may want to stay in your place. Give them some more detailed information about your area: tourist attractions, possible activities and day trips, public transport, shops, neighbours, nearest town, etc.

Get to know each other

If they are interested, start the trust needed for a house-sit. The member profiles give you lots of information, but you will probably want more. Feel free to ask!

If you have Skype (ideally with a webcam), get in touch. You will be able to establish a personal contact and exchange lots of information quickly.

If those first contacts are not convincing, be honest: cancel the arrangement early, and look for another pairing in the listings.

Agree on extras

If you are happy with what you see, get down to some details.
- Will you allow them to use your car or not? Is it covered by insurance if they drive it? Do you need to top up your cover for the period of the house-sit? Get details of the other member's driving licence or record.
- Will they take care of your pets? Can your pets be put in boarding somewhere else if they don't wish to be responsible for them? Can they bring their own pet?
- Is garden maintenance required?
- Is your computer available? Will you charge them for internet access?
- Can they use your phone? Who pays for the calls?

Go for it!

Still all happy? At this point you can swap addresses, phone details and surnames, so be sure you are happy with these people in your home.

Confirm the dates.
Make sure they have a map or directions to get to where you live.

You will probably want to meet your guests before you leave your home in their hands. Confirm the time of their arrival (remember time zones and summer/winter time). If you can't meet them, will they collect the house key from a neighbour or friend?

Think like a tourist!

Help your guests make the most of their stay.
Visit your local tourist office and collect maps and brochures, add names of your favourite restaurants, directions to go to your favourite beaches, hiking trails, train and bus stations, tips only a local would know to get to attractions the easy way, parking, etc.
Put it all in a folder, to leave in a prominent place for your guests.

Some practical topics

Leave a few lists:
- explain the kitchen appliances, the heating system or aircon, the washing machine, etc., and make sure the manuals are available.
- explain the security system. Is there a trusted person who can show them how it works? Is there a phone number in case of technical problems?
- any little peculiar things that your house has which might confuse or alarm your guests (a door that sticks, a fridge that makes odd noises, etc.)
- your own mobile phone number, and names and phone numbers for emergencies or information
- the names of people that may turn up (neighbours, family members, workmen, etc.)

Leave enough pet food if pet care is agreed to and the name and phone number of the vet.

Leave the essentials in the fridge so your guests don't have to go shopping for food right away.

Tell them when your rubbish collection day is. Tell the neighbours about your house sitters and give them the names of your guests. Lock any precious valuables away or leave them with a trusted person.

When you come back

Agree on the "hand over" for when you return. Will you meet your guests before they leave, and maybe even spend an extra night together with them?
If you won't be able to see each other, decide on how the keys will be returned. Is there a neighbour or a friend who can come over on their last day, check things and act as a go-between?

And finally, ask your guests if they discovered some hidden gem in your area that you didn't know about!

Have fun!