comprehensive house sitting checklist for property maintenance
When you entrust your home to a house sitter, it is essential that they understand how to maintain your property in your absence. This comprehensive checklist serves as a guide for house sitters, ensuring that all necessary tasks are completed to keep your home safe and well cared for.
Before You Leave
Prior to your departure, it is vital to prepare your house sitter with the necessary information and tools. Start by providing your contact details, emergency contacts, and relevant information about the property.
Essential Information
1. Emergency Contacts: Include your number, a neighbour’s number, and a local emergency number.
2. Property Instructions: Create a detailed folder with instructions on how to operate all appliances, alarms, and utilities.
3. Mail and Deliveries: Inform your house sitter about any expected mail, deliveries, or packages. Consider having mail on hold or redirected if necessary.
Daily Maintenance Tasks
Encourage your house sitter to perform daily tasks to maintain the property:
1. Watering Plants: Assign a specific watering schedule for indoor and outdoor plants based on their needs.
2. Collecting Mail: Make sure your house sitter collects mail regularly to prevent any build-up that could signal your absence.
3. Trash and Recycling: Instruct them on collection days and where to place bins for pick-up. Ensure they check for any perishable items that may need disposal.
Weekly Maintenance Checks
Aside from daily tasks, there are several checks to carry out weekly:
1. Lawn and Garden Maintenance: Advise on mowing the lawn and trimming hedges if necessary, depending on the season.
2. Pool Maintenance: If you have a pool, provide guidelines on water levels, cleanliness, and chemical balance.
3. Cleaning Duties: Suggest a basic cleaning routine, including vacuuming, dusting, and wiping down surfaces.
Monthly Maintenance Tasks
Monthly checks can prevent larger issues down the line:
1. Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Advise your house sitter to test all alarms and replace batteries as required to ensure safety.
2. Check Heating and Cooling Systems: Have them monitor the thermostat settings and ensure systems are functioning properly.
3. Inspect for Pests: Encourage them to look for signs of pests in the kitchen and other areas, reporting any findings.
Special Considerations
Make sure your house sitter is aware of special considerations that might affect property maintenance:
1. Seasonal Changes: Remind them about seasonal tasks such as gutter cleaning in autumn or heating checks in winter.
2. Security Systems: Provide instructions for arming and disarming security systems. Ensure they know the protocol for alarm responses.
3. Neighbourhood Guidelines: If your home is part of a community, inform them of any regulations regarding noise, parking, or maintenance.
Pet Care
If you have pets, include detailed care instructions:
1. Feeding Schedule: Clearly outline feeding times, dietary restrictions, and any medication needs.
2. Exercise Requirements: Indicate how often pets need walks or playtime and any favourite activities.
3. Emergency Veterinary Information: Provide details for local vets and emergency contacts should any issues arise.
Final Checks
Before leaving, do a final walkthrough with your house sitter, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and feel comfortable. A comprehensive checklist empowers them to care for your property effectively and provides peace of mind while you are away.