What Should You Not Do When House Sitting?

You’re excited to start house-sitting, but you still have a lot of questions.

You think you understand your expectations. You also know you might be faced with a situation that you haven’t prepared for.

What do you do when a surprise happens? Is there anything you should never do no matter what?

While it’s pretty easy to figure out what to do in most homes, it’s harder to know what not to do.

Keep reading to learn some of the biggest mistakes professional house sitters make. And then don’t make them!

What Should A House Sitter Do?

A house sitter should provide general upkeep of the home while the owners are away. Pet sitters will also provide pet care during these assignments.

Sitters must be responsible and thoroughly complete their tasks. Pay attention to detail to ensure that you do the best job possible.

Before The Job

Make sure your profile is up-to-date and professional. Highlight your skills and experience. If you have references or reviews, display them!

If your house-sitting profile catches the eye of a potential customer, you will be more likely to get a job offer!

Apply to as many jobs as possible. You can even set up a saved search to get alerted when a good opportunity is posted.

When the house owners reach out to you, be prompt and professional. Answer all their questions honestly.

You should also ask them any questions you have. Clarify anything that might be confusing to you.

During The Job

Once you have the logistics figured out, it’s time to begin your assignment.

Make a list of all your daily tasks. Double-check it to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Remember to go above and beyond! Send the owners a cute picture of their dog each day. Text them if you have a question about something.

If their furry friend sheds a lot, clean up their hair. Maybe sweeping wasn’t on your checklist, but it’s a nice touch that they’ll notice when they return.

It’s also important to clean up after yourself. Spot clean the bathroom and kitchen. Wash any dishes that you dirtied.

Replace any toiletry or food items that you used. Make the bed with fresh sheets.

Mostly make sure the entire house will be welcoming to them upon their return!

After The Job

It is good practice to touch base with the homeowner after the job has come to an end. This is a nice gesture that may motivate them to leave you a good review.

If you had a successful experience, let them know that you’d love to help them out next time, as well! Repeat customers are some of the best customers.

What Should A House Sitter Not Do?

A house sitter should not do anything they wouldn’t want someone else to do in their home.

If you are wondering if something is okay, it probably isn’t.

Whenever you’re unsure about something, always ask the house owner. They will let you know their opinion.

Before The Job

Don’t lie about your qualifications. If you want to spruce up your profile, ask a friend if you can house-sit for them. This will give them a chance to give you a good review!

You can also take classes or get certifications. If you know pet first aid, you’ll be more hirable than someone who doesn’t!

Don’t lie during the interview, either. Homeowners will love to hire someone honest. If they realize you’re being dishonest, they won’t trust you in your home.

It’s also important not to procrastinate communication. If it takes you too long to apply for a job or respond to a homeowner, they’ll find someone else to hire instead.

During The Job

Don’t throw a house party or invite unimproved guests. If you have a friend in the area, ask the homeowners if they can visit. Most owners would gladly allow a few close friends.

Don’t eat their food or raid their liquor cabinet. You should bring your supplies.

If the owners say you can eat some of their food, then it’s okay to eat it. If you end up using the last of their salt, buy another before you leave.

Don’t leave early or slack on your duties. They are paying you to do daily tasks. You must complete these tasks.

Don’t mess with any of their possessions. This is especially true if it’s valuable or breakable.

You wouldn’t want to ruin a family heirloom or break an expensive vase. Avoid recklessness around these types of items.

Also, don’t snoop. There’s no good reason to snoop around the house. Sometimes curiosity is strong, but nothing good will come of it in this situation.

After The Job

Don’t ghost the homeowners. While you don’t need to become best friends, it is beneficial to touch base with them.

Let them know that you loved their pets and would gladly sit for them again. Ask them if they would mind writing you a review.

What Does A House Sitter Need To Know?

Long-term house sits are different from short-term sits.

For instance, you will make yourself more at home during a month-long stay. While you should be comfortable, remember it isn’t your home.

You should still be respectful of their belongings. You should still abide by their wishes.

If you’re only there for a couple of days, you might not have time to settle in. While that can be stressful, you mustn’t take over their home.

House sitters should also know that each sitting gig is different. Every house owner will have different expectations.

Therefore, don’t assume anything. Always ask about their expectations ahead of time. Keep an open line of communication so you can exceed their expectations!

Now that you understand the basics of housesitting, you’re ready for your first job!

Remember to be respectful and professional. That should be enough to ensure a successful experience and happy customers!