To some of you out there, this may seem like cleaning the house before the maid comes or going to the beach with a new swim suit and not getting it wet. It is sort of like that, but it is also different. Listen before you judge, for the torment and headache medication you save in doing so may be your very own.
If you are going away and entrusting your house to someone, it better well be someone you can trust. That is the first issue, and although it may seem obvious, I know that I, on one occasion, settled for a house-sitter not only when I shouldn’t have but also at the same time a little voice was screaming at me, “what is the matter with you?” It caused me some anxiety, but everything turned out okay. Still, not all is well that ends well, despite Shakespeare’s promise.
Here is one important tip that may ease your mind while you are away.
Make a list and check it twice.
This is not to say that you must do Santa’s job, but you must prepare your house sitter for whatever pitfalls and foibles your particular house represents. Surprises, in this case, are neither fun nor a good idea. Look around and make your list. It should include things like:
If you have any pets, does the house-sitter know what they eat and when and have the number of the vet, just in case?
If you have plants, when should they be watered?
If have children, better take them with you.
Does the house sitter have the address and phone of where you will be, so that you can be reached in case of emergency?
If you do not know the house sitter (not at all recommended), have you checked references thoroughly? (If they only know prison inmates, be careful.)
Do your neighbors know who will be taking care of your house? Better tell them. Otherwise an unsuspecting house sitter may end up in jail for breaking and entering!)
Make your own list of what’s important. Even if it’s nowhere near Christmas, check it out for everything including naughty, nice and otherwise.
Have fun on your trip. By the way, did you forget your keys?