Once you have arrived at the house and settled in, embarking on your house-sitting journey, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with a set of important guidelines, which we will explore below. These guidelines are designed to equip you with the knowledge and strategies necessary to ensure a smooth and successful house-sitting experience.
Treat the House with Respect
While you will want to make yourself comfortable, do remember that you are a guest in someone else’s home and should behave accordingly. Adhere to the instructions provided in their house manual and respect their established boundaries.
If you find it necessary to move anything from its original location (for example fragile objects for safety reasons), we suggest you make a list of any changes you make. It is also useful to take a picture of the room before making any changes. This way, you can easily put everything back in its proper place before the homeowners return.
Maintain Effective Communication
Effective communication is another crucial responsibility of a house sitter. Some homeowners may establish regular “check-ins” for updates on the pets, while others may prefer minimal contact during their break unless there is an emergency.
If the owners haven’t expressed their preference, it is generally best to send them brief updates every 2 or 3 days. A quick photo or video of the pets is often all that’s needed in order to reassure them that everything is well in their absence. You can also use these updates to ask any questions that may arise during your stay.
Be Professional and Discreet
Professionalism should be at the forefront of a house sitter’s behaviour during the house sit. It is essential to remember that the absence of monetary payment does not grant you any entitlement to take liberties or disregard the agreed-upon responsibilities.
Make sure that you respect not only the home but also the privacy of your hosts. Maintain discretion in your interactions with neighbours, refrain from entering areas they’ve indicated as off-limits, do not post photos online without explicit consent, and always communicate with the hosts before inviting visitors into the home during your stay.
Use Pantry Items and Utilities mindfully
Most homeowners will provide guidelines on what items you can use and which ones are off-limits. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and avoid consuming the item altogether. If you do consume non-perishable items during your stay, it’s a thoughtful gesture to replace them.
Similarly, take care to avoid excessive consumption of utilities, not only to be considerate of the environment but also to ensure your hosts don’t return to an unexpectedly high utility bill. Remember to turn off lights when not in use, conserve water, and adjust heating or cooling settings to an appropriate level.
