House Sitting Tips | Do’s & Don’ts for House Sitters (2022)

[@isabellel7677]

I’ve done a LOT of these and this video is great! I have a couple of other suggestions I’ve found helpful: I ask for instructions via email. Just to be sure... In a rush homeowners might speak the opposite of something, like garbage day etc., an email really cuts down on those things. I ask for their normal vet AND the emergency vet to use if an emergency. If they don’t give me an emergency vet I look it up ahead of time. I’ve only had one emergency and I lost a lot of time finding an emergency vet. Pet was fine but needed the vet. I ask for a “backup” person in the event I can’t reach the homeowner: someone who can make decisions. This is for things like water leaks, weather damage, etc. I ask if there is anyone (housekeeper, repair person) scheduled to come in because I will NOT let anyone in unscheduled. I once refused allowing a mother come inside 😬 The homeowner said no one was coming to visit but then the mom came from out of state for a surprise visit! So odd. After a call to the homeowner, I got paid extra and got to leave early. They were both grateful I didn’t just let her in. Moral of the story: be ready for surprises! Lol I keep the house as if the owner or family/friends will drop in unannounced at any moment. It’s happened a fair amount. I ask if there are inside cameras, but regardless of the answer, I assume there are. I love house sitting. However, being prepared really helps.

[@nickandraychel]

We love these suggestions and really appreciate the time you took to add them! We will absolutely pass them onto viewers of this video and others on our other social media platforms. Good point about the scheduled people! One time we turned away a housekeeper!

[@annabodot962]

Great points. I'm a few months into pet/home sitting and added some of your suggestions. Thanks. I'll add a couple I always ask: where are the water and electric shut offs; 2) where is their first aid kit; 3) where are cleaning supplies and trash bags. I bring my own small cleaning kit that includes simple and scent-free all purpose cleaner, a couple of rags and I bring my own kitchen sponges and dish gloves because I'm picky. I always get rid of my own trash and leave the home better than I found it. I'm not including my pet questions, just my day-to-day home stuff.

[@christina9238]

The camera thing doesn’t bug you out ? It’s one of my hang ups about my experience so far.. I’m not even up to anything I swear - I just value my privacy 😅

[@isabellel4352]

@@christina9238 Nowadays we are all on camera most everywhere. I don’t want one in the bedroom and bathroom for sure! But overall, I’m like you, not up to anything, but I just assume. We are in someone’s home so it could be argued they have the right to know what’s happening in their home.

[@christina9238]

@@isabellel4352 hmm. my research led to me learn that ths has it written in their terms of service that any internal cameras are not authorized to be in operation while a sitter is present. the trouble is- they dont make this obvious to the homeowners, and should you bring it up to a ho ( I recently did ) they will likely just threaten or suggest finding someone else.

[@DavidrKun]

So common sense stuff. Respect and integrity.

[@chechauschecha689]

Excellent tips guys. Thanks!

[@jcampbell100]

very helpful.

[@thelifestyledigs]

Good tips. I've been housesitting since the 80's (yeah I'm old!) and more recently through signing up to housesitting websites. I'm not on Trusted Housesitters, but I'm not ruling it out in the future. I'm just too busy with bookings made through their competitors. Totally agree that homeowners are responsible for paying the house utilities even on long housesits. Would they want their pet being in a house without heat or air conditioning? But I've seen a few ads asking for the housesitter to pay. I don't apply to those! I have a 4 month housesit coming up starting in September and the homeowners contacted me last week to ask about my TV watching habits. I take it they want to cut back/put on hold their cable, Netflix, etc. I don't watch a lot of TV and I have Amazon Prime on my laptop for watching movies and shows, so I don't really care if they want to shut off their extra TV channels to save some money. If I did, maybe then I would negotiate paying it.

[@DewiiAljoe]

Very great tips

[@raymondjblaze7761]

I am currently unemployed and looking into house sitting

[@dynamichue3787]

Hey, great video thank you for sharing! Are you all able to share a code besides the link? When it goes to the sign up page it doesn't automatically apply.

[@DewiiAljoe]

Is house sitting do someone have to take house sitting jobs only for traveling or can someone house sit for a couple hours then go home after the clients get home from work

[@angelapriddy6308]

Hi.how can one get started house sitting and getting paid in our own area?;

[@christina9238]

im using trusted now- and while it beats paying for airbnb and ive met some cool furry friends- I think I need to find a way to monetize this as It isn't feeling totally balanced in value. some of these sits take effort- and not getting any payment ( especially considering I paid for the flight myself ) is a bummer. ive had a few rough sits too- from less than ideal cleanliness levels- and even some indoor cameras which make me feel spyed on.

[@nickandraychel]

Wow that’s terrible, we haven’t personally had any of these experiences but would encourage you to question the hosts or contact customer support immediately if you’re finding cameras in the home. Now that you have some reviews under your belt, if you want to continue using the platform, here’s what we do: we never ever take housesits that feel like work. We never even apply to them. If there are intense gardening needs or even multiple animals we rarely apply. Actually, nowadays - we only really apply to sits with cats instead of dogs so that we have the time to enjoy the city we’re in. I hope you’re in a place to do this. And check out Rover for paid sit opportunities!

[@christina9238]

@@nickandraychel consider yourself lucky! It’s definitely a learning experience. Some of the houses look beautiful in the photos - but then I’ve showed up and cleanliness was pretty poor. Finding it hard to prevent that! And the camera thing - sighhh- i now vow to not take on any more sits with these paranoid owners. I have one coming up and she essentially told me she’ll cancel the sit if im uneasy with the cameras - but I already bought the flight ticket 😞 ) the house is very lovely complete with a koi pond and sauna though so I’ll just look at the positives for that one. I like your strategy of cat stays .. there are so much easygoing!!

[@handin5726]

I don't have any money for food or anything else, can i be house sitter without money ? Is the cost of airplane travel on me or on the one h Who I'll sit in their home ?

[@annabodot962]

I'm paid because I do pets while I sit. Start local and don't expect international travel unless you can pay the airfare. You really have to provide your own food though. I make good money and am absolutely trustworthy. Their rules are their rules. You can do it, but it takes time to build your client list. Get one and do a great job. Jobs lead to jobs. It's a lot of fun! Good luck.

[@parrissneed6562]

How would you go about looking for house sitting jobs?

[@keifyw7444]

Tbh, with the question you asked, this won't be a good job for you, or the ppl who need help.

[@raymondjblaze7761]

There is an application called trusted house sitters… download it

[@albie3229]

Wait so you don't get paid, so how do you live and pay bills

[@nickandraychel]

Housesitting is not our job - we work other jobs. This is just how we dont pay rent or hotel fees when we travel.

[@frozenyogurtist]

Thank you :-)

[@nickandraychel]

You are welcome!