When you’re housesitting, it’s important to remember that you are essentially living in someone else’s home. You’ll want to make sure that you follow the homeowners’ rules and take care of their property as if it were your own. This blog post will cover everything from taking care of the property to respecting the homeowners’ privacy. So, whether you’re a first-time housesitter or an experienced pro, be sure to read our tips!
Do: Communicate with the homeowners.
Before you begin housesitting, make sure to have a conversation with the homeowner about their expectations and ask questions. This will help ensure that your stay is as seamless as possible. It’s also important to establish communication lines in case of emergencies or if any issues arise during your stay.
Don’t: Invite people over without asking for permission first.
You should always get the homeowners’ approval before having guests over, even if it’s just a few friends coming by for dinner or drinks. This way, you can be certain that everyone is on the same page and respects the house boundaries while you’re there.
Do: Keep the property clean and tidy.
As a housesitter, it’s your responsibility to keep the house clean and tidy during your stay. This means vacuuming, dusting, making sure all surfaces are wiped down regularly, taking out the trash when necessary, and more.
Don’t: Neglect pet care duties.
If you are housesitting for a homeowner who has pets, make sure to take care of them as if they were your own. This includes feeding them on time and providing proper exercise and playtime. Additionally, you should always ask the homeowners about their pet’s specific needs so that you can ensure their comfort while they’re away.
Do: Have an accident lawyer on your side:
You never know what can happen while you’re housesitting, so it’s always best to have an accident lawyer on call in case of any emergency. Get in touch with dog bite lawyer Laborde Earles to make sure you’re covered in case of any unfortunate accidents that may occur.
Don’t: Leave the property unsecured.
Before you leave, make sure all windows and doors are securely locked to ensure the safety of the home while you’re away. It’s also a good idea to set up motion sensor lights around the house for extra security.
Do: Respect the homeowners’ privacy.
As a housesitter, it is important to remember that you are living in someone else’s space. This means respecting their belongings, not snooping through drawers or cupboards, and staying out of off-limit rooms unless otherwise specified by the homeowner. You should also be mindful of noise levels so as not to disturb the neighbors.
Don’t: Overstay your welcome.
Avoid overstaying when Housesitting. Housesitting is a great way to help out a friend or family member, but it’s important to remember that you are there as a guest and not an occupant of their home. Give yourself enough time to pack up and return the house in its original condition before the homeowner returns.
Do: Be mindful of utility bills.
Make sure to keep tabs on utilities like water and electricity during your stay so you don’t end up with any unexpected charges when you decide to leave. If possible, set air conditioning and heating systems to a reasonable level – this will help ensure that they aren’t running while no one’s home!
Don’t: Ignore the homeowner’s instructions.
Before you start housesitting, make sure to read through all of the homeowner’s instructions thoroughly and execute them as best as you can. This could be anything from watering plants to taking care of any specific requests they may have.
Do: Take photos before you leave.
Taking photos of the property before and after your stay is a good way to document its condition in case of any disagreements or disputes down the line with the homeowner. Having proof of the house’s original condition can come in handy if there are any issues.
Don’t: Leave behind a mess.
Make sure to clean up after yourself before leaving, and never leave the homeowner with a mess to deal with when they arrive back home. This includes wiping down surfaces, vacuuming the floors, and cleaning out the refrigerator or pantry if you used anything from them during your stay.
Do: Let the homeowner know if there’s an emergency.
While you’re housesitting, it is important to remain aware of your surroundings and contact the homeowner immediately in case of any emergency. This could be anything from a broken pipe or appliance to a fire or other hazardous situation – no matter the case, make sure to let them know as soon as possible so they can take the necessary steps to address the situation.
Don’t: Sleepover at a friend’s house.
Even if you’re close with the homeowner, it’s important to remember that housesitting is a job and not an opportunity to stay over at your friend’s place for free. Make sure to respect the boundaries they may have set while they’re away and resist the urge to use their space as your own.
Do: Have fun! Housesitting can be a great experience
Whether you’re doing it for friends or family or as part of your job. Enjoy exploring new places and getting to know the city while you’re housesitting – just remember to do so responsibly!
Don’t: Leave Cleaning for the last day.
Make sure to clean up throughout your stay, not just leave it all for the last few days before you leave. This will help make sure that the house is in its best condition when the owners come back.
Housesitting can be a great way to experience new places and help out family or friends in need. By following these twelve essential do’s and don’ts, you can make sure your stay is enjoyable for both yourself and the homeowner. Just remember to respect their space, follow their instructions, and return the house to its original condition when you’re done!
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