How to Choose a House Sitter

Going out of town invariably involves planning. Taking a break from your daily life usually means that you need to find ways to do more before you leave or pick up the slack when you get home. But there is a way to have somebody step in for you and keep the home fires burning. If you're thinking about hiring a house sitter, here's what you should know.

Instructions

1. Find a house sitter well in advance of the day you're leaving. You need to make sure that their schedule allows for the time you'll be gone, and you also need to prepare for their stay.

2. Hire the house sitter. Don't ask your kids or a family member to vacation at your home free of charge. It's wise to pay them for the service they'll be providing to keep things professional.

3. Interview your candidates. This doesn't have to be formal. Invite them over and ask them a few key questions like, "Have you ever house sat for anyone before? Will you be working that week? Do you have any friends you plan to bring to my house?"

4. Avoid choosing anybody with a track record of being irresponsible or unstable. If their track record remains unproven, you should also pass on having them watch your home and opt instead for somebody you can trust, regardless of their age.

5. Set ground rules in writing. Write out a list for the house sitter explaining exactly what you need them to during the time you'll be gone, and your rules. For example, if you want them to water the plants twice a day, specify which plants, where they are, and how much water to give them. If you need them to be quiet after 10 p.m. due to a noise ordinance or the rules of your lease, spell this out as well.

6. Go over the rules with the house sitter before you seal the deal. Make sure that you both are clear on what they will and won't be doing at your house before you agree to let them house sit. Leave a copy of this with them when you leave.

7. Have a backup. Life happens. Make sure that you have also chosen a second friend or family member who can step in if the house sitter needs to be away from the house or cancels at the last-minute.

8. Invite your house sitter over the day before you leave and give them any keys they might need. Post important phone numbers including the phone numbers for your cable and utility providers, as well as the number of somebody in town they can call if there's an emergency just in case. Make more than one copy of this information so that it doesn't get lost.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have pets, make sure that the house sitter gets along with the pets, knows how to take care of them and who to contact in case of an emergency, as well as any precautions they may need to know (Fido digs under the fence, likes to eat the cat if they're alone, or barks incessantly if left alone, for example).

Resources

• House Sitting Guide and Info