House Sitters - dos and don'ts

[Lesa4969]

As we are heading off for 3 months we have organised a house sitter for the duration. She's the twin sister of our neighbour so we know we can trust her. Just wondering if anyone has any tips / tricks / things to do / things not to do in preparation for a house sitter??

[chester ver2.0]

Had the missus parents sit our place we just stayed with them for a couple of days so they figured everything out

Showed them the circut board and any other weirdness of the house

[Mace]

leave a list of phone numbers, preferred plumber, sparky, telco, etc, just in case.

Make sure manuals for all electrical gear, stoves, heaters, etc, is in one readily accesible place.

[BTMNDR]

When we've had house sitters we've pre arranged with the plumber, sparky, handi-fixer, etc. that the sitter could make arrangements for repairs, and we'd pay on receipt of an emailed invoice.  This way, we felt, the tradie's knew that it was ok to do work and that they'd get paid.  It does remove the option for competitive quotes but we use who we use anyhow. 

[krisandkev]

We have written instructions that we give to our house sitters. We have different instructions for house sitters that are staying in our house to those which stay in their caravan parked at our house. The instructions covers how to, what if and all contact numbers, friends, trade people etc.  We also physically show the house sitters how things operate as well as leaving manuals.  Kevin

[vicandug]

Don't get one off the net!
Found that out the hard way

[UIZ733]

Don't get one off the net!
Found that out the hard way

We have and the house is still standing ................................I believe 

[whitey1]

Don't get one off the net!
Found that out the hard way

Oh come on! We go through am online agency to house sit for people and we're alright! Haha.
Just make sure you ask for references etc.
We're on aussie house sitters if anyone in Darwin needs someone now.

[vicandug]

Maybe I just got a dud

[Lesa4969]

Don't get one off the net!
Found that out the hard way

Luckily our house sitter is a friend so we don't have that worry! She may even clean the joint up a bit.    And the dog is going to her grandparents.    I was more concerned with things like cleaning out cupboard space, locking away personal items and other such things that I have yet to think of. The mere thought about writing down how to work the DVD/TV/PayTV is enough to give me nightmares!!!

[camper48]

HI. When I go away on holidays on my own etc.  I leave a list for my house sitters its not that long really but when I get home they tell me they never had time to read it.
that's sons for u.
enjoy travels

[fishfinder]

disconnect the land line pull the fuses that run the air con and or heaters