Preparing your home for a house sitter is much like preparing it for a guest. You don’t have to go to the extremes that might be necessary if you were renting your home on Airbnb, but you do have to anticipate what your guest might need for comfort, meal preparation, routine housekeeping, and uncommon situations. The goal is to make your sitter feel welcome, appreciated, and prepared.
In addition to preparing your home for a house sitter, you will want to have a written copy of a Welcome Guide available to the sitter for reference. This guide should cover all the finer details about your home and your pets that anyone staying in your home may need to know.
Here you’ll find some suggestions on preparing your home as well as ideas of what should be covered in your Welcome Guide. It’s fairly comprehensive in addressing most scenarios, and can be tailored to meet your needs. Additionally, a free Welcome Guide template is available for download at the bottom of this page.
If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, here is a link to a guide for creating your house sitting listing and selecting a house sitter.
Preparing Your Home For A House Sitter
Approach this as if it were you staying in a hotel. At a hotel, you expect a room that’s been vacuumed and cleaned, a comfortable bed with clean linens, a full bathroom with towels and basic personal hygiene items, and a coffee maker with the staples needed to make a cup of coffee when you wake up. The difference is that your sitter will be preparing their meals, cleaning up after themselves, and caring for your pet.
Clean Your Home
The very first thing you should do is give your home a thorough cleaning. As you are cleaning, begin consolidating all the cleaning supplies you used into one location. This should include your broom, mop, vacuum, swifter pads, window/floor/surface cleaners, cleaning cloths or paper towels, garbage bags, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, and any other items you used (or routinely use) to clean your home. Your home should be clean, and all the items the sitter will need to keep it that way should be in one convenient location.
While you are cleaning, be sure to write down any specific instructions for delicate or special surfaces (no bleach on the granite countertop, use only a lightly damp mop on hardwood floors, etc).
This would also be the ideal time to de-clutter surfaces and store away breakable items.
It’s fair to assume that your sitter will return your home to you in the same clean condition it was received. If you don’t clean it, it’s unfair to assume your sitter will clean your home for you nor do they want to stay in an unkept home.
The same applies to your yard and garden. If the sitter has agreed to care for your lawn and plants, you should have everything trimmed and tidy before they arrive.
Prep The Bedroom And Bathroom
You will want to prepare the sitter’s bedroom or other sleeping accommodations. Change out the bedding with fresh linens. Clear out some drawers and make room in the closet for the sitter’s clothing and other personal items.
Prepare the bathroom for the sitter by removing all your personal items from the counters and wiping down all surfaces. At a minimum, you should have toilet paper, shampoo, soap, conditioner, a hair dryer, and toothpaste available (like a hotel would). You don’t need to provide a month’s supply because you don’t know what their preferences are, but consider that a sitter might travel light and won’t have access to their preferred items until they have time to go shopping. Clean towels, wash cloths, and hand towels should also be available. Don’t forget to provide a small first aid kit with bandages and ointment, and insect repellent (if they are a problem).
Preparing The Kitchen And Pantry/Utility Room
Like the rest of your home, you will want to make sure your kitchen, pantry/utility room, and their surfaces are clean. Empty the trash, the dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer.
Clear out space in your refrigerator and freezer to make room for the sitter. Clean your fridge and pantry of anything that will spoil unless you’re leaving it for the sitter’s use (definitely toss out half-eaten foods, opened containers of perishables, take-out boxes). It’s also nice to have an empty cabinet for the sitter to store their snacks and other dry foods; it’s a necessity if your pet counter-surfs.
Make sure that the basic staples for cooking are available (herbs, spices, oil, sugar, butter, butter, bread) as well as enough coffee and creamer for at least a few days (until the sitter can pick up their preferred brands). It’s always nice to have the basic provisions needed to make a first meal.
Let the sitter know if they are welcome to any additional food and/or beverages you might have on hand. It’s always nice, but not necessary, to provide bottled water or let them know if your sink water is filtered. Some people like to provide snacks and other food for sitters, but you should check in advance to ensure they don’t have any allergies, food restrictions, cultural/religious concerns, or special dietary considerations (vegan, vegetarian, diabetic).
Everyone organizes their kitchen differently, so it’s a thoughtful touch to have cabinets and drawers labeled so that things are easy to find.
Speaking Of Labels…
Labeling cabinets and drawers not only makes it easier to find things, it also makes it easier to put things back where they belong.
Labels can be as simple as post it notes or hanging tags. You don’t have to be as extreme as this airBnb host, but this gives you an idea: => https://x.com/jhooks/status/1281372829968068608.
If you have multiple remote controls (tv, stereo, DVD player, garage door opener, etc), label the remote so that the sitter will know which device the remote controls and what it does. You should also label your light switches if there are several that work for different areas and their purpose isn’t obvious.
If certain foods or treats should only be given to your pet at specific times or in specific amounts, label each of the items with clear instructions.
Electronics, Safety, and Security
Basic safety
Ensure that your smoke and carbon dioxide detectors are functioning on each level of your home. Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and be sure to note its location in your Welcome Guide.
Alarm systems
If you have an alarm system you will want to decide if you want the sitter to use it. If so, prepare a detailed instruction guide on arming and disarming the system as well as your service’s contact details should they trigger a false alarm. Some hosts opt to leave the system disarmed due to the high fees charged by local authorities due to false alarms.
Security cameras
As said previously, house sitting exchanges are based on an element of trust. It is standard practice that any indoor security or monitoring devices be disclosed to the sitter and disabled prior to their arrival. Hidden monitoring devices are prohibited altogether. If you absolutely need to monitor the interior of your home (pet nanny cam, etc) you should have previously disclosed this to the sitter, allowing them to decide if they are comfortable being remotely monitored prior to committing. The location of outdoor security cameras should also be disclosed to the sitter.
Wifi and internet access
It’s good practice to create a guest account on your wifi router. Ensure that you block access to anything on your network (printers, outdoor cams, televisions, etc) so that settings can’t be accidentally changed or devices deleted. It’s also a good idea to add a disclaimer to your Welcome Guide regarding the downloading of copyrighted data, such as “Downloading illegal or copyrighted content is forbidden”. It’s not uncommon to get a legal notice from your ISP if pirated content is downloaded or streamed, even if by accident.
Televisions, streaming services, and entertainment
Sitters appreciate when a host provides them with access to streaming services and television provider service. Virtually every service has the capability to create guest accounts. The same applies to your Amazon Echo or Google Nest devices, which can otherwise be potentially used to make purchases linked to your account. This allows you to protect your service’s settings and restrict unauthorized purchases.
Your sitter would be able to log in to their own accounts and load favorite channels on a Roku or other device. If you are providing access to streaming services, don’t forget to log in to those accounts once you have created the device’s guest account.
Addressing what shouldn’t be used or accessed
Finally, you will want to think about any items you absolutely do not want used/consumed or room(s) that you do not want accessed. It’s unfair to expect the sitter to know (or remember) what they can’t use.
Any items that you would be upset if they were used (that bottle of champagne you’ve been saving since your wedding) or devastated if they were broken or went missing (such as sentimental or valuable items) should be secured so that they are inaccessible, or stored off-site. Sensitive documents and medications should also be secured.
In reading the forums, most sitters said that they weren’t offended when access to items or rooms were restricted. Instead, they said it made a sit more comfortable knowing that any items that might cause an issue with the homeowner were secured away. Having clear boundaries gives both you and the sitter peace of mind.
There are plenty of options for securing your possessions. You can put a hasp lock on a closet door or spare room and magnetic locks, cable locks, or simple zip ties on cabinets and drawers. Below are links to items frequently suggested on Airbnb forums.
Loose Ends
Is there a leaky faucet, a broken appliance, or other issues that you’ve put off taking care of? Is there a pest issue (fleas, roaches, ants)? Now is the time to take care of any outstanding maintenance issues within your home.
If you live in a condo or apartment, you will want to either give the sitter your parking decal or ask for a temporary one that the sitter can use for their vehicle.
If the sitter will be using your vehicle, submit a copy of their driver’s license to your auto insurance so they can be added temporarily to your coverage. Top off the tank and ask that it be returned full. It’s also not unreasonable to ask the sitter to confirm in writing that they would be responsible for any excess costs resulting from an insurance claim such as your deductible.
Have a spare set of keys available, either hidden on your property or with a neighbor, in the event the sitter gets locked out or misplaces the keys.
Contact your vet and let them know that a sitter will be watching over your pet. Make arrangements to have your credit card information on file should your pet need veterinary attention.
Contact the postal service and have your mail and packages put on hold while you are away.
Pause any subscription delivery services.
And most importantly, take photos of everything before the official hand-off. Accidents happen and should something unfortunate occur, it’s good to have time-stamped photos for reference.
While all these preparation suggestions seem like they will take a lot of time and effort, they’re essential for ensuring that things go smoothly while you are away. The bonus is that much of what you have done won’t need to be repeated the next time you need another sitter.
Your Welcome Guide
Your Welcome Guide is an informational packet that contains all the relevant information regarding your household and your pets. A well thought out guide is an invaluable resource to a sitter. It should answer any questions that might otherwise have required contacting you while you are away. Compiling it initially seems like a lot of work, but you’ll be able to reuse this document for future house sits.
Put yourself in the sitter’s position and write your guide so it includes everything you would want and need to know.
Some house sitting exchanges allow you to upload your guide, but you should always have a printed version available for your sitter. It’s much easier to reference a printed version than an online version, which might only be viewable via an app. Avoid putting sensitive information in an uploaded guide (security codes, passwords, etc). Only list those in your printed version.
Your guide should be broken down into topics that address each aspect of your home and pets.
Your home
- Kitchen
- “Feel free to make use of any cooking staples or pantry items and anything in the refrigerator you might need.”
- “The cabinet next to the refrigerator has been emptied for your use.”
- “Our sink water is filtered.”
- “The garbage disposal switch is in the cabinet underneath the sink.”
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Appliances: Dishwasher, Washing Machine & Dryer Preferences
- Cleaning supplies and equipment location (vacuum, mop, broom, etc)
- Specific instructions for delicate or special surfaces (“No bleach on the granite countertop.” “Use only a lightly damp mop on hardwood floors.”)
- Trash days and the process (use specific bins on certain days, does it have to be set out or returned to specific location, how to secure it keep out raccoons, etc).
- Scheduled home services or other visits (housekeepers, lawn care, pest control, scheduled maintenance, repair workers, or possibility a nosy neighbor will pop by)
- Electronics
- Wifi password
- Camera locations and their status
- Alarm/security systems and their codes and preferences
- “We would like the alarm armed any time you leave the house” or “Use it if you like or just leave it off”
- Guest account login for streaming services
- Item locations
- Circuit breaker box location
- Main water shut-off valve location
- Fire extinguisher location
- First aid kit location
- Spare keys location
- Plunger location
- Flashlight location
- Toolbox location
- Extra Instructions
- Packages/Mail Delivery Instructions (“Our mail service will be paused, but if something should arrive please put it on the desk in the den”)
- Known issues in the home (“Breaker will trip if you use the toaster and the mixer at the same time.” “If ants become an issue, please feel free to call our pest control service.”)
- Air Conditioner and heating instructions (and preferences)
- What is and is not off-limits
- “Sitter will have access to living room, dining room, kitchen (oven, microwave, refrigerator/freezer, mini fridge, coffee maker), and pantry with washer/dryer, guest bedroom with full-sized bed (TV, recliner, dressers with tons of empty drawers, closet with hangers) and hall bathroom with shower and cabinet space for toiletries (includes hair dryer and bathroom essentials). Sheets are available in the nightstand to the left of the bed, and fresh towels are located in the hallway closet.”
- “We’ve closed off the master bedroom and home office, but hope you’ll make yourself comfortable in the rest of the house.”
- Guest Policy
- No guests, no overnight guests, no children, or guests only with approval
- Pet Policy
- Can the sitter or their guest bring a pet into your home?
- Smoking Policy
- No smoking or outdoors only?
Your Property
- Maintenance information (“Please mow the lawn every two weeks. The mower is in the garage.”)
- Watering schedule
- Additional information
- “We occasionally see raccoons or fox in the backyard.”
- “The back gate latch sometimes doesn’t close all the way.”
- “The sprinkler system comes on every day at 7am.”
- Any cautionary issues (fire ants, scorpions, rattlesnakes, bears, safety hazards)
- “Wood for the firepit is behind the shed. Please don’t leave the fire unattended and douse any flames when finished.”
Transportation
- Parking arrangements (especially if there’s a towing risk such as apartments/condos with specific guidelines)
- The local public transit schedule
- Where you store your bicycle and its lock and keys
Communication and Preferences
- Our phone number is 123-456-7890 and our email is host@gmail.com
- Our preferred method of regular communication is text but please call and leave a message for more urgent issues
- “If something urgent arises and we don’t respond quickly, please contact our neighbor Terry at 123-456-7890.”
- We’d love an update every few days, but reach out whenever you’d like
- A copy of our itinerary is on the refrigerator
Emergency Contact Information
- Landlord or rental agency contact information
- Plumber contact information
- Electrician information
- Regular veterinarian (Leave your credit card on file at your vet’s office for emergencies, along with your sitter’s name and phone number).
- Emergency veterinarian
- Pest control service
- Internet provider (in case of outage)
- Power company (in case of outage)
Your Pet
Provide a narrative that best describes your pet and its traits. Include whether they are spayed/neutered and if they are reliably housebroken. For dogs, how well are they socialized? Describe the personality of your pets — are there any behavioral traits that your sitter should be aware of? Does your dog smile? It’s good for the sitter to know that showing all its teeth means that your dog is happy and not being aggressive. If you have more than one pet, describe how your pets interact and whether they get along with one another.
- Location of harnesses, leashes, treats, food scoop, food (in a plastic bin), poop bags, kitty litter, etc.
- What’s the longest period of time your pet can be home alone?
- Do they have separation anxiety and might become destructive, or are they routinely alone for 10 hours while you’re at work?
- Feeding schedule and how much per feeding
- What foods can they specifically not have? (table scraps, meat bones)
- Treat schedule and how much per treat
- When/how often do your pets need to go potty? Do they have a potty routine or favorite potty spots? How do your pets let you know they need to relieve themselves?
- Required walks (where and for how long)
- Can they go off-leash
- Are they okay around other people and dogs
- How much time do you typically spend interacting with pet?
- Favorite toys or stimulation items
- Where do your pets sleep?
- If cats, are they indoor or outdoor? If outdoor, what’s the longest they are away and when to get worried.
- A list of your pet’s medications, along with the times and dosages administered.
- Do you have a special grooming routine (brushed nightly after dinner)?
- Is your pet is microchipped?
- How do you secure your dogs in cars when taking them with you?
- Your pet’s hiding spots
- If your yard is fenced, is your pet allowed in the yard unattended?
- Your pet’s quirks:
- Counter surfer
- Trash diver
- Cabinet opener
- Reactive
- Animal-aggressive
- Nighttime roamer
- Escape artist
- High prey-drive
- Hates having tail touched
- Terrified of thunder
- Prone to zoomies?
- Submissive peeing
- Triggers?
What’s Nearby
What’s Worth Seeing
This is optional, especially because everyone’s taste and interests are different. Plus, one internet search and the sitter can find things that appeal to them. But if there are some hidden, not well-known gems that you recommend, it’s worth adding here.
