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Members' directory
Home hosting Home hosting tips Home exchange Home exchange tips House sitting House sitting tips ![]() ![]() |
House Sitting tipsWith 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 homeFirst decide where you want to spend some
time, and for how long. Email to these members, and let them know
that they can contact you about a house-sit. If you get a positive replyIt 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 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 extrasIf the other member is still happy, get down to some details. 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 topicsYour hosts have to make sure that you have all the information needed to "operate" their place. At the end of your house-sitAgree 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 homeGo 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 otherIf 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 extrasIf you are happy with what you see, get down to some details. 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.
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. Some practical topicsLeave a few lists: 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 backAgree 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? And finally, ask your guests if they discovered some hidden gem in your area that you didn't know about! Have fun! |
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