How to Prepare for a House Sitter: 7 Smart Steps for a Worry-Free Trip

Planning a getaway? Whether it’s a weekend road trip or an extended vacation, leaving your home in someone else’s hands can feel daunting.

But with the right preparation, you can ensure a stress-free experience for both you and your house sitter.

Here are 7 smart steps to prepare your home for a house sitter and enjoy your trip worry-free.

1. Clean and Organize Your Home

First impressions matter, and a clean, organized home will set the tone for a positive experience. Here’s how to get your space guest-ready:

A well-organized and clean living room with a cozy guest room visible in the background, featuring fresh linens, bedside lamp, and decorative elements

Declutter Common Areas: Make sure living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms are tidy and functional. Clear countertops and remove personal clutter.

Prepare the Guest Room: Provide fresh linens, extra blankets, and pillows. Include a bedside lamp, some bottled water, and maybe even a note welcoming your sitter.

Deep Clean Key Areas: Ensure the bathroom and kitchen are spotless. No one likes dealing with mystery stains or unpleasant odors while staying in someone else’s home.

Pro Tip: A neat environment not only helps your sitter feel at ease but also ensures they can easily find essential items.

2. Stock Up on Essentials

Running out of household supplies while you’re away can lead to unnecessary frustration for your sitter. Make sure everything they need is on hand:

tidy and well-stocked pantry and kitchen with shelves neatly filled with household essentials like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, dish soap, pet f

Household Basics: Ensure an ample supply of toilet paper, cleaning products, dish soap, and trash bags. A well-stocked home makes everything run smoothly.

Pet Needs: If your sitter will be taking care of pets, leave plenty of food, treats, litter, and any medications they may need.

Emergency Supplies: Include items like a flashlight, batteries, and a first-aid kit for unexpected situations.

Pro Tip: A little thoughtfulness goes a long way. Consider leaving a small snack basket or fresh flowers to make your sitter feel appreciated.

3. Create a Comprehensive Home Manual

A detailed guide will empower your house sitter to handle any situation with ease. Include the following:

A neatly arranged folder or binder on a desk, labeled 'Home Manual,' with papers detailing instructions, emergency contacts, and appliance guides

Emergency Contacts: Provide numbers for your vet (if pets are involved), trusted neighbors, and essential service providers like plumbers or electricians.

Appliance Instructions: Share how to use tricky appliances, like the coffee maker, dishwasher, or thermostat. Don’t forget to include Wi-Fi details.

Schedules and Routines: If your sitter is caring for pets, plants, or mail, write out specific instructions. For example, “Water the plants every two days” or “Feed the dog at 7 AM and 7 PM.”

Pro Tip: Use a folder or binder to organize these details, so everything is easy to find.

4. Secure Valuables and Address Safety Measures

For peace of mind, take steps to safeguard your home and belongings:

secure home interior with a safe box visible for valuables, a smoke detector on the ceiling, and a fire extinguisher in the corner

Lock Away Valuables: Store jewelry, important documents, and other irreplaceable items in a secure location. It’s not about distrust—it’s about protecting what’s precious.

Check Safety Equipment: Test smoke detectors, provide fire extinguishers, and ensure your sitter knows how to operate them in case of an emergency.

Leave Clear Emergency Instructions: Show them how to shut off the water, gas, or electricity in case of a leak or outage.

Pro Tip: Double-check that your sitter knows how to access the house safely, whether it’s a spare key or a garage code.

5. Communicate Clearly and Set Expectations

Clear communication is the cornerstone of a successful house-sitting arrangement. Before you leave:

cozy living room with a house sitter and homeowner having a walkthrough discussion. A clear clipboard with notes is visible, and they are gesturing

Discuss Responsibilities: Whether it’s feeding pets, watering plants, or taking out the trash, make sure your sitter understands their duties.

Set House Rules: Let them know what’s off-limits, like specific rooms or the use of your car. Be clear about policies regarding guests, smoking, or loud music.

Do a Walkthrough Together: Before handing over the keys, give them a quick tour of your home and answer any last-minute questions.

Pro Tip: Encourage your sitter to reach out if they have any concerns while you’re away. Staying connected can help both parties feel more secure.

6. Introduce the Neighborhood

Help your house sitter feel at home in your community:

A picturesque neighborhood with a welcoming vibe, featuring houses, trees, and a local grocery store in the distance. A house sitter is seen holding a

Local Recommendations: Provide a list of nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants.

Neighbors and Services: Let your trusted neighbors know about the sitter and provide their contact information in case of emergencies.

Transportation Tips: If applicable, explain local public transport options or provide clear parking instructions.

Pro Tip: Sharing a few personal tips about your neighborhood can make their stay more enjoyable.

7. Double-Check Everything Before You Leave

Before you head out the door, take one final look to ensure everything is in order:

A well-prepared house with doors and windows secured

Test Locks and Alarms: Make sure all locks and security systems are functioning properly.

Review Instructions: Walk through the house manual with the sitter to confirm they understand everything.

Leave Contact Information: Provide your phone number and a backup contact in case of emergencies.

Pro Tip: A quick walkthrough can help catch any last-minute details you may have missed.

Final Thoughts

By following these seven steps, you’ll not only make your house sitter’s experience pleasant but also gain the confidence to fully relax during your trip. A little effort upfront goes a long way toward creating a worry-free environment for everyone involved.

Remember, the key to successful house sitting is preparation. So, start early, be thorough, and enjoy your well-deserved time away.