Traveling? Hiring a house sitter can set you free.
Our business requires us to be in town, but many of our clients like to go on vacation. We've had people ask about security systems of every kind, inquire about which pet hotel is best, and asked us to drive by and have a look to make sure everything is okay. Our advice for true peace of mind is hire a house sitter.
It's human nature to worry about our stuff left behind when we venture out to new places. We love our homes, our cars, and especially our pets. It's hard to concentrate on enjoying our time off when we are worried or stressed. House sitters are great for maintaining your sanity and your home.
They make it look like you never left. Someone is in the house, turning lights on and off, taking out the trash, bringing in the mail, and accepting deliveries.
They are great with pets: dogs, cats, and fish are the most common, but some are good with snakes, spiders, and some specialize in large animals, like horses. Pets are less stressed at home than in a kennel or a pet hotel.
They take on the weekly tasks like watering plants, mowing the lawn, dusting, vacuuming, and even paying bills, so you don't have to return and play catch-up.
They are great in a pinch and can overnight that prescription, hard-drive, or send files that you need in a hurry.
Some people think that hiring a stranger to stay in your home is terrifying, but it doesn't have to be. One great way of alleviating fear is to find a professional. There are many ways to find a house sitter. Sure, family might be fine, but if they're not, you have alternatives. Ask friends and neighbors to refer house sitters or try an agency website:
https://housesitter.com/
https://www.housesittersamerica.com/
https://www.housecarers.com/
https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/
http://www.luxuryhousesitting.com/
Regardless of how you find your house sitter, always check references. Getting good references and signing a written contract are your best protections against damage and other sticky issues. Ask for a security deposit or bond to cover any damage your house sitter causes.
House sitters come from all walks of life and with all kinds of talents and skills. You can find one who is in their 60's or in their 20's. Some are retired and some, like web designers, can work from anywhere. They're good with special instructions and deeply respectful of your property. You can arrange for overnight stays or daily visits.
A few things you should write down about before hiring:
List responsibilities: feed and play with the dog, let in the maid or florist, wash the patio...
Create some rules: no smoking or drinking, no deep frying, overnight guests okay, off-limits rooms...
Make an instruction sheet: include security and wifi codes, pet feeding, laundry...
Record special notes: the patio door sticks, the hose leaks a little, sprinkers go off at 10PM...
Think about your house tour: where the garbage and recycling are, spare keys...
These instructions can be used over and over again, so it's a great document to create and update as you get away year after year.
If you plan to be away from home for several weeks, you are probably better off hiring a house sitter than you would be leaving your house vacant. Once you find someone you love, they will be your house sitter for years, and a trusted part of your travel planning.
Bon voyage!