As a homeowner, leaving your house in the hands of a sitter can be a daunting experience, especially if you're traveling for an extended period. To ensure that your home is well taken care of and that your sitter has a smooth stay, it's essential to leave clear and comprehensive instructions. In this article, we'll discuss the 7 essential house sitting instructions to leave for sitters, covering everything from household routines to emergency procedures.
1. Household Routines and Maintenance
Start by outlining the daily and weekly household routines that your sitter should follow. This includes tasks such as:
- Feeding and caring for pets
- Watering plants
- Taking out the trash and recycling
- Mowing the lawn (if applicable)
- Checking and responding to mail and newspapers
Also, provide instructions on how to operate and maintain household appliances, such as the dishwasher, washing machine, and HVAC system.
Example:**
- "Please feed our cat, Whiskers, twice a day. You can find her food in the pantry, and her litter box is located in the laundry room."
- "The lawn needs to be mowed every Sunday. You can find the mower in the garage, and the gas can is located next to it."
2. Safety and Emergency Procedures
In case of an emergency, it's crucial to provide your sitter with a list of important contact numbers and procedures. This includes:
- Emergency services (police, fire department, ambulance)
- Your contact information (phone number and email)
- Neighbors' contact information (in case of an emergency)
- Location of fire extinguishers and first aid kits
- How to shut off utilities (electricity, gas, water)
Example:**
- "In case of a fire, please call 911 immediately. The fire extinguisher is located in the kitchen, and the first aid kit is in the bathroom."
- "If you need to shut off the electricity, please go to the circuit breaker located in the garage and flip the main switch."
3. Utility and Appliance Information
Provide your sitter with information on how to operate and troubleshoot household appliances and utilities. This includes:
- How to use the thermostat and HVAC system
- How to operate the dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer
- How to troubleshoot common issues (e.g., resetting the internet router)
Example:**
- "To use the thermostat, please press the 'Heat' or 'Cool' button and adjust the temperature accordingly. The HVAC system is located in the attic."
- "To operate the dishwasher, please load the dishes, select the cycle, and press the 'Start' button. The user manual is located on the top shelf of the pantry."
4. Home Security and Alarm System
If your home has a security system or alarm, provide your sitter with instructions on how to arm and disarm it. This includes:
- How to arm and disarm the system
- How to respond to false alarms
- Contact information for the security company
Example:**
- "To arm the security system, please enter the code '1234' and press the 'Arm' button. To disarm the system, please enter the code '1234' and press the 'Disarm' button."
- "If you receive a false alarm, please call the security company at 555-555-5555 and report the incident."
5. Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies
Provide your sitter with information on where to find cleaning and maintenance supplies, such as:
- Cleaning products (detergents, disinfectants, etc.)
- Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, etc.)
- Trash bags
- Tools (hammer, screwdriver, etc.)
Example:**
- "Cleaning supplies are located in the laundry room, and paper products are located in the pantry."
- "Trash bags are located under the sink, and tools are located in the garage."
6. Neighbors and Local Services
Provide your sitter with information on your neighbors and local services, such as:
- Neighbors' contact information (in case of an emergency)
- Local restaurants and takeout services
- Nearby grocery stores and convenience stores
- Public transportation information
Example:**
- "Our neighbors, the Smiths, live next door and can be reached at 555-555-5555. They can assist with any emergency."
- "The nearest grocery store is located 2 miles away, and you can take the bus or drive there."
7. Emergency Funds and Contacts
Finally, provide your sitter with information on emergency funds and contacts, such as:
- Emergency fund location (e.g., a hidden envelope with cash)
- Contact information for your insurance company
- Contact information for your home warranty company (if applicable)
Example:**
- "In case of an emergency, please use the emergency fund located in the top drawer of the dresser."
- "Our insurance company is XYZ Insurance, and you can reach them at 555-555-5555."
By following these 7 essential house sitting instructions, you can ensure that your home is well taken care of and that your sitter has a smooth stay. Remember to leave clear and comprehensive instructions, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. Share your experiences and tips for house sitting instructions in the comments below!
FAQ Section:
What is the most important information to leave for a house sitter?
+The most important information to leave for a house sitter is emergency contact information, household routines, and utility information.
How do I ensure that my house sitter has a smooth stay?
+To ensure that your house sitter has a smooth stay, provide clear and comprehensive instructions, and make sure to leave all necessary contact information and emergency funds.
What should I do if I have pets and I'm leaving a house sitter in charge?
+If you have pets and you're leaving a house sitter in charge, make sure to provide detailed instructions on pet care, including feeding schedules, medication, and veterinary contact information.