How to Leave Detailed House Sitting Instructions

Are you planning a vacation or other travel plans in the near future? Are you planning on having someone look after your home, plants and pets while you're away?

Whether you hire a professional, or enlist the help of family, neighbors or friends, here's a few tips on how-to leave detailed instructions for your housesitter.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• House Sitting Instruction Form

1. It's difficult to remember ALL the specific details you'd like your housesitter to take care of while you're gone. I've created a House Sitting Instructions form that you can download (pdf format) at Scribd.com. Whether you choose to use the form, or prefer to make one yourself, make sure to include as much detail as possible so there is less room for error.

2. You'll need to let your housesitter know: Where you'll be and when to expect you to return home. Your cell phone number and a backup number (a spouse's cell number or a phone number of your hotel).

3. You should also leave the name and number of a neighbor, friend, or relative who lives close by. Make sure to alert this person that you are giving out their information as well, and confirm they will be available for the dates of your travel.

4. Leave detailed information regarding pets, plants and mail. Give as much information you can regarding your pet's diet and exercise routine, favorite toys, etc. It's also important to note if there is specific foods you would prefer they did not eat, and medications or vitamins that need to be administered.

5. Add emergency phone numbers: Vet or Animal Hospital, Plumber, Homeowner's Association, etc.

6. You can also (if you feel comfortable) leave authorization for your housesitter to authorize emergency work in your absence. Make sure to set a dollar amount for any services that could possibly be authorized.

7. If you can, give a copy of the instructions to your housesitter BEFORE you leave. Even better -- go over it with them in person. Then you can leave feeling confident that your home and pets will be well taken care of.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't meet in person, try emailing a copy of your instructions and ask for confirmation that they have received.

Resources

• Download House Sitting Instructions HERE
• www.sitters.com
• Upon Request Assistants
• Travelocity.com

[Smireles]

on 3/2/2009 Great ideas. Very organized! 5*

[crazycatlady]

on 3/2/2009 Great advice. And I will be checking out your other handy forms as well!

[ScarlettOHairy]

on 2/22/2009 Great tips for leaving detailed instructions to whoever watches my kitty! 5*

[AmyRose]

on 2/19/2009 Very good list. I'm always a little uneasy when away from home for long. 5*

[sneedc]

on 1/3/2009 I think I'll copy this verbatim for my daughter to use as her babysitting checklist when she goes on a job it will show her prospective employers that she is ON TOP OF IT! THANK you for this article, it is multi-purposed! 5*