Will my house be good enough for a sitter? Tips to prep your home

If you love the idea of welcoming a house sitter but you’re worried about whether your home is ‘good’ enough, you’re in the right place. Here we explore the minimum expectations homeowners should meet before welcoming a sitter. 

Plus, we’ll answer some of the common worries from pet parents about having a sitter in their home - from coffee machines, to cleanliness, and food in the fridge.

So without any further ado, let’s prep you and your home for a house sitter.

Is my home ‘good’ enough for a sitter?

It’s only natural to compare your home to others, and wonder whether it’s going to appeal to sitters who’ll stay and care for your furry family members. 

But luckily, as long as your home is safe, hygienic and clean and you’ve been upfront about any quirks along with your expectations, then your home is more than good enough for a sitter.

It’s not about providing a hotel-standard stay

It’s important to remember that it’s not about providing a hotel-standard place to stay. Sitters do what they do because they adore pets, and enjoy exploring new places. In fact, staying in genuine homes in local neighborhoods is often part of the fun for our sitters. Remember, if sitters wanted a pristine hotel, they’d book one!

It’s about the company of pets and new locations

While it can be easy to take your own home and neighborhood for granted, it’s important to remember that for sitters, your location could actually be pretty exciting! And of course, our sitters are here for the love of pets, so no matter the size of your home, you could secure a sitter who’ll adore spending time with your animals, just as much as you do.

Non-essentials for sitters

You might not be surprised to learn that many pet parents like you can get a little bogged-down when considering what their sitter needs. Fortunately, most amenities are extras, and your home won’t necessarily get turned down because it doesn’t have them.

Take a look below for a few of the items and amenities that many of our homeowners worry their sitters might require. But rest assured, they’re certainly not essential!

• Coffee machine
• Television
• Food and drink
• A welcome meal
• Tips
• A completely empty wardrobe
• State of the art cooking equipment
• A car
• A desktop computer

Basic amenities your sitter needs

So, now we’ve established that most of the things you were worried you should leave for your sitter are in fact non-essential, what do you actually need to leave behind for your sitter? Take a look below to check each off.

• A welcome guide (complete this on your TrustedHousesitters profile and share with your sitter ahead of the sit)
• A functioning toilet
• A clean, hygienic, non-cluttered home
• Pet food and other pet essentials (and a plan in place should your sitter need to top up)
• Pet medication
• Cleaning supplies
• Emptied bins, dishwasher and sink
• A comfortable, clean place to sleep
• Fresh bed sheets and towels 
• A functioning shower or bath
• Emergency contact details

How to connect with a house and pet sitter

1. Choose your membership plan. Find the plan that suits you, and with just one annual fee, you can welcome as many sitters as you need throughout the year.
2. Post your listing and receive applications. Be open and honest in your listing so that sitters know what they’re applying for, and let the applications roll in.
3. Travel with peace of mind. Connect with the sitter that’s right for you and your home, and enjoy time away knowing your house and pets are being cared for.

How to prep for a house sitter

• Be open and honest. When writing your listing, describe your home, pets and location in the most specific and honest way possible. That way, sitters can apply with their eyes open, and both of you will have a positive experience.
• Provide clear photos. One of the best ways to showcase your home and pets is to provide a range of clear photos so that sitters can make their decision. Be sure to include pictures of all rooms in your home - it’s important for sitters to know where they’re sleeping, washing and cooking.
• State your needs. Be open and upfront about what you’re looking for a sitter, including the needs of your home and pets. That way, you can welcome a sitter who’s up for the job. Always be clear on what sitters shouldn’t bring into your home, such as alcohol and certain types of food.

To make sure you’ve ticked everything off when preparing your sitter (whether you’re prepping your home for long term absence or not), head to our checklist.

The bottom line

Out of respect for your sitter, you should always make sure your home is clean and tidy ahead of your sitter’s arrival. But when it comes to additional amenities like a car, television or coffee machine, please know they’re not essential.

The most important thing is that you’re open and honest in your listing about the amenities your home has, as some (but certainly not all) sitters will require them.

Useful resources

• The ultimate pet sitter checklist: essentials and to do
• Preparing your home for dog sitting
• How to connect with free pet sitters