The napkin is covered in frantic scribbles. “Ficus needs water Tues, trash day is Thurs (recycling too!), Wifi is P@ssword123, cat food in pantry…” You’re 20 minutes from leaving for the airport, and your mind is racing through a thousand what-ifs.
What if the dog gets sick? What if they can’t figure out the TV remote? What if the cat, an escape artist of Houdini-level skill, makes a break for it?
This is the pre-vacation chaos so many homeowners feel. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Caro and I have been on the receiving end of these handovers more times than we can count, from sprawling Italian farmhouses to sleek city apartments.
We’ve seen it all, and the difference between a homeowner who leaves in a panic and one who leaves with total peace of mind comes down to one thing: preparation.
From our perspective as the sitters, we don't expect much. A clean space, clear instructions, and a happy pet are the goals. The rest is just details. So, here’s our insider's guide on exactly how to prepare for a house sitter, the stuff that truly matters and makes for a seamless, worry-free experience for everyone involved.
Crafting the Welcome Guide: Your Sitter’s Bible
Think of this not as a list of rules, but as the master key to your home's ecosystem. A straightforward Welcome Guide is the single most valuable tool you can provide. Forget the frantic napkin; a simple digital house welcome guide or even a neat handwritten notebook is perfect.
It’s the first place we look when a question pops up.
Here’s what to include:
Essential Contacts: Don't make them dig. List these at the very top: Your numbers, a trusted neighbor's number, the local vet's address and phone, and local emergency services (police, fire, ambulance). Travelers from overseas won't know the local equivalent of 911.
Wi-Fi Password: This is modern-day electricity. Make it bold and clear.
Address & Directions: Include simple directions or landmarks, especially if GPS can be tricky in your area.
Trash & Recycling: Be specific. Note the days for pickup and where the bins go. Is it a complex sorting system? Briefly explain it.
Mail & Packages: Let them know your expectations. We usually just bring everything inside and stack it in one designated spot.
Security: Provide alarm codes and clear, step-by-step instructions for arming and disarming the system. Writing it down prevents panicked calls.
Decoding Your Pet’s World: The Routine is Sacred
This is the heart of the housesit. The more detail you provide about your pets, the better we can care for them. The goal is to keep their routine as consistent as possible to minimize their stress (and ours!).
Food: Be precise. What time are meals? How much food exactly? Where is it stored?
Medication: This is non-negotiable. Write down the medication name, dosage, and exact time it needs to be administered. Pro Tip: The best homeowners we've sat for pre-portion meds into labeled daily containers (like a pill organizer). It removes all guesswork and is deeply appreciated.
Walks & Exercise: How many walks a day? For how long? Are there specific routes? Is your dog reactive to other dogs, skateboards, or squirrels? These little details are gold.
Quirks and Personality: This is where you tell us the stuff that isn't obvious. “He’s terrified of thunderstorms.” “She hides under the bed but will come out for treats.” “The cat sometimes disappears for a day but always comes back.” This context prevents unnecessary worry. If you're looking for a sitter, make sure to check for what are red flags in a pet sitter during your search on platforms like Trusted House Sitters.
The House Tour: Setting Boundaries and Expectations
While the guide is the bible, the initial walk-through is the sermon. This is your chance to bring the guide to life and answer questions. It’s also the perfect time to establish clear and friendly boundaries.
Off-Limits Areas: It is completely fine to have a room, office, or closet that is off-limits. Just point it out. Most sitters are incredibly respectful. If you’re genuinely concerned about valuables, don't just hope for the best. Use a lock on the door or invest in a small safe for personal documents and jewelry. This protects both you and the sitter from any potential misunderstanding.
Household Appliances: If you have a quirky washing machine or a complex TV remote, a quick demo is worth a thousand words. One homeowner brilliantly labeled the three buttons we needed to press on the sound system with small stickers. Simple. Effective.
Plants & Garden: Show the sitter which plants need watering and how often. If garden maintenance like mowing is required, this should have been communicated in the initial house sitting job listing. For longer sits, it's fair to ask for basic upkeep like mowing, but it must be agreed upon beforehand.
Visitors: This is a topic best discussed upfront. As sitters, we sometimes have family in the area who might want to stop by for a coffee. We always ask permission first. Be clear about your policy on this. If you are wondering if House Sitters can have visitors, the answer is, it depends on communication.
Creating a Welcoming Space: The Basics Go a Long Way
Remember, a house sitter is a guest in your home, not just an employee. From a sitter's perspective, walking into a welcoming environment sets a positive tone for the entire stay. We really don’t expect much, but these things make a huge difference.
A Clean Slate: The house should be tidy. We’re not expecting a hotel, but basic cleanliness is key. You should expect to return to a home of equal or better cleanliness.
The Bedroom & Bathroom: This is our sanctuary. Please provide clean sheets on the bed and clear some space in a closet or drawer for our clothes. In the bathroom, fresh towels and a few extra rolls of toilet paper are essential. A clear space on the counter for our toiletries is also much appreciated.
Basic Supplies: We don’t expect a full pantry, but having essentials like salt, pepper, olive oil, and basic cleaning supplies (dish soap, surface spray, a vacuum) is incredibly helpful. Washing liquid for laundry is another big one.
The Extras (Never Expected, Always Loved): If you want to go above and beyond, a pre-made meal for our first night, a bottle of local wine, or a few local snacks are gestures we remember long after the sit is over. But honestly, the best gift is a clean, well-prepared home with clear instructions.
Communication and Practicalities: The Final Details
Good communication is the glue that holds a successful housesit together. It starts before the sit and continues until you walk back through your door.
Communication Style: During the initial chat, discuss how often you'd like updates. Some owners want a photo and a text every day; others are happy with a message every few days. We always ask this upfront to match your preference.
Keys and Access: One set of keys is standard. If you can, hiding a spare key in a lockbox or leaving one with a neighbor is a fantastic backup plan in case we get locked out.
Service Providers: If you have a regular cleaner, gardener, or pool service, let them know a sitter will be there. It's also a nice gesture to inform your immediate neighbors, so they aren't alarmed by a new face.
Utilities & Expenses: On platforms like Trusted house sitters, the homeowner covers all utilities. The housesit is an exchange of services, our pet and home care for a place to stay. There is no pay for house sitters in this model; it's a value exchange. The sitter shouldn't be expected to cover bills.
Seasonal Prep: If it's winter, make sure there’s enough firewood or pellets for the heater. In summer, ensure the A/C works and pool chemicals are on hand.
Ultimately, knowing how to prepare for a house sitter is about building trust. When you take the time to create a clear guide and a welcoming space, you're not just making our job easier; you're giving yourself the freedom to truly unplug and enjoy your travels.
You’re leaving your home and beloved pets in the hands of someone you’ve equipped for success. And that peace of mind is the whole point, isn't it?
Happy House Sitting
Konrad and Caro 🐾
What's the most important document to leave for a house sitter?
A comprehensive welcome guide is crucial. It should include emergency contacts (yours, a neighbor's, the vet), the Wi-Fi password, detailed pet care instructions, house rules, and instructions for any tricky appliances or security systems.
Do I need to deep clean my house before a sitter arrives?
While a five-star hotel deep clean isn't necessary, the house should be clean and tidy. You should provide clean sheets and towels, and clear some space in the fridge and a closet for the sitter's belongings. The expectation is that the sitter will leave it in a similar or better condition.
How should I handle my pet's medication instructions?
Write down crystal-clear instructions with dosages and exact times. To make it foolproof and show you're a pro-level planner, pre-portion the medication into daily labeled containers or a pill organizer. This is a huge help and reduces the risk of error.
Is it okay to have 'off-limits' rooms in the house?
Absolutely. It's perfectly reasonable to designate a home office, closet, or an entire room as off-limits. Communicate this clearly in your guide and during the initial house tour. For valuables, it's best to secure them in a locked room or a safe for everyone's peace of mind.
What basic supplies should I leave for my house sitter?
Essential cleaning supplies (surface spray, cloths, vacuum), spare toilet paper, laundry and dishwashing liquid, and basic pantry staples like salt, pepper, and cooking oil are always appreciated and make the sitter's first day much smoother.
