When you're preparing to leave your home for an extended period, ensuring your house sitter has clear, concise instructions is crucial. A well-documented guide can alleviate stress, prevent misunderstandings, and provide peace of mind. Here, we provide a free, printable house sitting instructions template that you can customize to suit your specific needs.
Before we dive into the template, let's discuss why having a comprehensive house sitting guide is essential and what you should include in it.
Why Create Printable House Sitting Instructions?
Having a physical copy of your house sitting instructions ensures that your sitter has easy access to important information, even without an internet connection. It also serves as a handy reference for both you and your sitter during your initial meeting and throughout your absence.
Moreover, a well-structured guide demonstrates that you value your sitter's time and effort, making them more likely to provide excellent care for your home and pets. It also helps to build trust and fosters a positive relationship with your sitter.
What to Include in Your House Sitting Instructions
Your house sitting instructions should cover all aspects of caring for your home, pets, plants, and even yourself while you're away. Here's a comprehensive list of sections to include in your template:
1. **Emergency Contacts**: List your personal contact information, as well as the contact details of neighbors, friends, or family members who can be reached in case of an emergency.
Home Security and Maintenance
2. **Security System**: Provide detailed instructions on how to operate your home security system, including alarm codes, panic button locations, and any specific procedures for arming and disarming the system.
3. **Lighting and Landscaping**: Explain how to use timers or smart home devices to mimic your daily routine and deter potential intruders. Include instructions for maintaining your landscaping to keep it looking well-kept.
Caring for Pets and Plants
House sitters often take care of pets and plants while you're away. Having clear instructions ensures that your furry friends and green companions receive the best possible care.
While it's essential to provide detailed care instructions, remember that your sitter may not be familiar with your pets' unique quirks or your plants' specific needs. Be sure to schedule a meet-and-greet with your pets and a walkthrough of your plants before you leave.
Pet Care Instructions
4. **Feeding Schedule**: Provide a detailed feeding schedule, including the type and amount of food, as well as any specific instructions for administering medication or supplements.
5. **Exercise and Playtime**: Explain your pets' exercise routines and any specific playtime requirements. If your pets have favorite toys or activities, be sure to mention them.
Plant Care Instructions
6. **Watering Schedule**: Provide a watering schedule, including the frequency and amount of water each plant needs. If you have plants with specific watering requirements (e.g., succulents or orchids), be sure to highlight those details.
7. **Light Requirements**: Explain the light requirements for each plant, including the direction and duration of sunlight they need to thrive.
Home Management and Utilities
Keeping your home running smoothly while you're away involves managing various utilities and services. Your house sitting instructions should provide clear guidance on how to handle these responsibilities.
Mail and Package Delivery
8. **Mail Hold or Forward**: Provide instructions for placing a mail hold or forwarding your mail to a temporary address. If you have a mailbox at your home, include the combination or key code for accessing it.
9. **Package Delivery**: Explain how to handle package deliveries, such as providing a safe drop-off location or requesting that packages be held at a nearby store or post office.
Laundry and Cleaning
10. **Laundry Instructions**: Provide instructions for doing laundry, including the types of detergent and fabric softener to use, as well as any specific washing or drying instructions for delicate items.
11. **Cleaning Schedule**: Outline a cleaning schedule for maintaining your home's tidiness while you're away. Include any specific cleaning tasks or areas that require extra attention.
Final Preparations and Departure
Before you leave, there are a few final tasks to complete and important information to share with your house sitter. Including these details in your house sitting instructions ensures a smooth departure and a stress-free absence.
Packing and Last-Minute Tasks
12. **Packing List**: Create a packing list to help you remember all the essential items you need to bring with you. Include any items you want your sitter to pack away or store while you're gone.
13. **Last-Minute Tasks**: Outline any last-minute tasks that need to be completed before you leave, such as taking out the trash, turning off appliances, or adjusting the thermostat.
Arrival and Departure Information
14. **Arrival Time**: Provide your sitter with your expected arrival and departure times, as well as any specific instructions for accessing your home during those times.
15. **Check-Out Procedure**: Outline the check-out procedure, including any final tasks your sitter should complete before leaving, such as locking up, turning off lights, or adjusting the thermostat.
Using this comprehensive, printable house sitting instructions template, you can create a tailored guide that covers all the essential aspects of caring for your home, pets, and plants while you're away. By providing clear, concise instructions, you'll ensure a stress-free absence and a happy, well-cared-for home upon your return.