Helpful Hints And Tips For House Sitting

Now, here are the 10 Don’ts when you are house sitting:

1. Don’t break the house rules.

If you were asked not to have house guests over, don’t.

2. Don’t mess with the DVD player.

The last thing you want to do is delete the season finale of The Bachelor that the homeowner has been dying to see. If you can’t figure out the TV or DVR, leave it alone. Same goes for anything else high-tech.

3. Don’t ‘spring clean’ the property.

The house should really just be left as the owner likes it, the way they left it!

4. Don’t offer to undertake jobs beyond your competence level.

The owner should have left details for a nominated tradesperson, if it’s anything more than changing a light-bulb or tightening a tap connector.

5. Don’t ever do anything that you wouldn’t want the homeowner to discover if they were to return to the house unexpectedly.

If you want to do any weird stuff — party like an animal — generally behave like a hooligan, do it in your own house!

6. Don’t raid the wine cellar.

You know that cheap bottle of wine you just popped open? Wouldn’t you be surprised to learn it was a wedding gift from the homeowner’s late Aunty Rosa?

7. Don’t get nosey if you happen across any personal or confidential stuff anywhere around the house.

No normal, sane house sitter would go rummaging through anyone’s underwear drawer. Always be respectful of the homeowner’s personal belongings and property.

8. Don’t make long distance calls from their landline.

Since most house sitters have mobile phones, this is rarely a problem.

9. Don’t leave the house without tidying up first.

Make it a point to do a quick tidy up before leaving the premises. It would be quite embarrassing if the homeowner returned early and found his place looking like a pig sty.

10. Don’t neglect your duties.

While house sitting may sometimes feel like a holiday, it’s important to remember you’ve agreed to taking on specific duties and responsibilities. Complete all house sitting tasks as agreed upon. 

Have you ever experienced house sitting? Share it with us!