You’ve booked the trip AND your pet sitter. Before you head out on your next big adventure, here are our top 5 tips for getting your house ready for a TrustedHouseSitter. Need a little more explanation on TrustedHousesitters? Check out this video below for additional info on why it’s the best service for animal-loving travelers. As you’re packing your bags and putting the finishing touches on your travel plans, here are five ways to set your house sitters and your pets up for success before you go.
EXCHANGE NUMBERS WITH THE SITTERS
This might seem like a no-brainer, but being able to text the sitter you’ve booked through the THS will increase peace of mind and ease communication for both parties. You and the sitter want to know that you’re easily accessible should any issue arise. TrustedHouseSitters has a great messaging platform within the program. Still, I always appreciate knowing either can call at any point. It’s also easier to send informative photos and/or videos this way.
SEND ADDITIONAL PHOTOS & VIDOES OF ENTRY POINTS, TECH, AND PET FOOD
While some things about most homes are apparent, others shouldn’t be left to wonder for your house sitters. Remember – what is routine for you is brand new information for the temporary house guest.
Sharing photos and videos of entry points to your building or house will ensure a smooth start to their visit. If codes, jammed doors, or gates are tricky, a video can go a long way to quickly and easily relay this info while also giving the sitter a sense of place.
Take a picture of what the remotes, wifi codes, and internet routers look like and where they are. If you don’t meet your sitter in person, this will help them settle in quicker. If any outages or service disruptions occur, your sitter will be empowered to resolve issues for themselves while you’re relaxing on vacation.
Take a picture of the cabinet, corner, or jug where the pet food and treats are stored. Let them know if you have a specific cup or scoop for it.
MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS CLEAN & PUT AWAY
Now is the time to pretend like you run an Airbnb. This new person is about to make themselves at home in your house and love on your animals. Make sure they feel comfortable and welcome! Leave freshly laundered bed linens and towels, wash all the dishes, empty the dishwasher and trash cans, and give your house a thorough sweep, mop, and vacuum. This part is like the good ol’ Golden Rule – leave your home for others like you would like them to leave it for you.
If there is anything that you don’t want the sitters seeing or have access to, close and lock the door and let your sitter know of the boundaries beforehand. (For example: “Please do not enter or use the home office. Every other room is freely available to make full use of.” Easy as that!)
LEAVE PET WATER & FOOD BOWLS FULL AND TOYS EASILY ACCESSIBLE
There is typically a slight overlap between when you leave and when the sitters arrive. As a pet parent, you know what works best for your animals. We usually leave a half bowl of food and an entire bowl of water for our dog and cat before we leave to ensure they’re A-Okay until the sitter arrives.
Leave favorite toys or blankets in easy-to-find areas so the sitter can quickly bond with your fur kids.
STASH THE KEY SOMEWHERE SAFE
Whether in a lockbox, with a neighbor, hidden somewhere discreet, or given to the sitter beforehand, lock up and hide your spare key before you leave, then inform the sitter where and how to find it. Be thoughtful and cautious. Then head out and enjoy your trip!
