When you’re heading out of town for an extended period of time, one of the best things you can do for both your home and your furry friends is to hire a house and pet sitter. This person will not only take care of your pets while you’re gone, but they’ll also keep an eye on your home and ensure everything is secure. However, before you leave, there are a few steps you should take to prepare your home for the sitter. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make sure your sitter has a comfortable and enjoyable experience looking after your home and pets.
Clean and Declutter
The first step to preparing your home for a house and pet sitter is to clean and declutter all of your living spaces. This will not only make it easier for your sitter to navigate your home, but it will also help them feel more comfortable during their stay. Make sure to clear out any cluttered areas, and clean your kitchen and bathrooms thoroughly. Ensure that there are clean towels and linens in each bedroom and bathroom. Your sitter will thank you for it.
Stock Up on Necessities
Before you leave, stock up on all the essentials your sitter will need while staying at your home. This can include things like toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning and supplies. Make a list of everything your sitter will need and make sure to have it ready before you leave. Make sure your pet supplies include food, treats, and any other necessities such as litter boxes, poop bags, and pet-specific cleaning supplies. You may also want to leave a spare key and alarm code in case the pet sitter accidentally locks themselves out.
Pet-Proof Your Home
It’s essential to make sure your home is pet-proof. This means removing anything that can be hazardous to your furry friend. Put away any cleaning supplies, medicines, and chemicals. Check the house for loose wires and power cords that could be chewed. Keep your pet in a secure area or crate while the pet sitter is away to prevent any accidents.
Leave Clear Instructions
One of the most important things you can do for your sitter is to leave clear instructions on how to care for your pets and home. Make sure to include information on how often to feed your pets, when to take them for a walk, any medication they need, and emergency contact numbers. Leave notes in several places in your home so your sitter can find them easily.
Communicate Expectations
Before you leave, take some time to communicate your expectations with your sitter. If there are certain areas of your home that you don’t want them to use or if there are specific rules for your pets, make sure to let your sitter know. This will help ensure that your home and pets are taken care of exactly how you want them to be.
Establish Trust
Finally, it’s important to establish trust with your sitter before you leave. This can include having them come over for a trial visit before you leave, providing references, and staying in touch while you’re away. The more trust you establish with your sitter, the more confident you’ll feel about leaving your home and pets in their care.
Conclusion
If you’re planning to leave your home and pets in the care of a house and pet sitter, taking these simple steps can go a long way towards ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both you and your sitter. From cleaning and decluttering to leaving clear instructions and establishing trust, following these tips will help you prepare your home for your sitter and give you peace of mind while you’re away.