House Sitting Instructions Template: A Comprehensive Guide
This detailed template ensures seamless home care during your absence‚ covering security‚ pets‚ plants‚ and essential household operations for peace of mind.
House sitting is a mutually beneficial arrangement where a trustworthy individual cares for your home and belongings while you’re away. It extends beyond simply watching a property; it’s about maintaining a lived-in feel‚ ensuring security‚ and providing care for pets or plants if needed. A successful house-sitting experience relies heavily on clear communication and detailed instructions.
This template is designed to equip house sitters with all the necessary information to confidently and responsibly manage your home. It aims to minimize potential issues and provide a stress-free experience for both homeowner and sitter. Thorough preparation builds trust and safeguards your valuable assets‚ allowing you to enjoy your time away knowing your home is in capable hands.
Why a Detailed Template is Crucial
A comprehensive template eliminates ambiguity and prevents misunderstandings‚ fostering a positive house-sitting experience. Vague instructions can lead to errors‚ anxieties‚ and potentially‚ damage to your property. Detailed guidance ensures the house sitter feels prepared and confident in their responsibilities‚ promoting responsible care.
Furthermore‚ a well-structured template serves as a reference point throughout the house-sitting period. It minimizes the need for constant communication regarding routine tasks. It also provides a clear record of expectations‚ protecting both parties. Investing time in creating a thorough template demonstrates respect for the sitter and safeguards your home‚ ultimately ensuring peace of mind during your absence.
Contact Information & Emergency Protocols
Clearly listed contacts – homeowner‚ sitters‚ neighbors‚ and emergency services – alongside detailed procedures‚ are vital for swift responses to any unforeseen situation.
Your Contact Details (House Sitter)
Please provide comprehensive contact information to facilitate easy communication during the house-sitting period. Include your full name‚ permanent address‚ and primary phone number – the one you’ll consistently monitor.
Also‚ list a secondary contact number‚ perhaps a family member’s or friend’s‚ in case your primary phone is unavailable. Clearly state your preferred method of communication: phone call‚ text message‚ or email.
Provide your email address for non-urgent matters and specify how quickly you typically respond to messages. Finally‚ if you plan to be away from the property for extended periods during the sit‚ please inform the homeowner in advance and provide details of your location.
Homeowner Contact Information
This section details how to reach the homeowner(s) throughout the house-sitting assignment. Include both primary and secondary phone numbers‚ clearly indicating which number is preferred for urgent matters.
Provide a reliable email address for non-emergency communication and specify typical response times. If the homeowner will be traveling during the sit‚ indicate their location and any time zone differences.
Also‚ include contact information for any alternative contacts‚ such as a property manager or trusted family member‚ who can assist if the homeowner is unreachable. Clearly state the best times to contact the homeowner to avoid disruptions.
Emergency Contacts (Neighbors‚ Family‚ etc.)
Beyond the homeowner‚ list trusted individuals who can provide assistance during emergencies. Include the names‚ phone numbers‚ and addresses of nearby neighbors who are aware of the house-sitting arrangement and can offer immediate support.
Detail contact information for family members or close friends of the homeowner who can be reached in case of serious issues. Specify the nature of assistance each contact can provide – for example‚ a neighbor might hold a spare key‚ while a family member can assist with pet-related emergencies.
Clearly indicate the circumstances under which each contact should be notified‚ ensuring the house sitter understands when to escalate a situation.
Emergency Procedures (Fire‚ Medical‚ Security)
Outline clear‚ step-by-step instructions for handling various emergency scenarios. For fire‚ specify evacuation routes‚ the location of fire extinguishers‚ and the emergency contact number for the fire department.
Detail medical emergency procedures‚ including the location of the first-aid kit‚ instructions for calling emergency medical services (911)‚ and any known medical conditions of the homeowner or pets.
Address security breaches‚ outlining steps to take if an alarm is triggered or if suspicious activity is observed‚ including contacting the police and the homeowner immediately.
Home Security & Access
Detailed guidance on alarm systems‚ key locations‚ security cameras‚ and proper locking procedures safeguards the property during your absence and provides peace of mind.
Alarm System Instructions
The home is protected by a [Name of Alarm Company] security system. The main keypad is located [Location of Keypad]. To arm the system in ‘Away’ mode‚ enter your code [Alarm Code] followed by the ‘Away’ button.
For ‘Stay’ mode (when someone is home)‚ enter the code and press the ‘Stay’ button. Disarming the system requires entering the code within 60 seconds of entering the house.
If the alarm is accidentally triggered‚ immediately contact [Alarm Company Phone Number] and provide your passcode. Please also inform me as soon as possible. Familiarize yourself with the panic button location [Location of Panic Button] for emergencies.
A detailed user manual is located in [Location of Manual].
Key/Access Code Location & Usage
A spare key is hidden in a lockbox located [Location of Lockbox – be specific!]. The access code for the lockbox is [Lockbox Code]. Please ensure the key is always returned to the lockbox after each use to maintain security.
Additionally‚ there is a digital access code for the front door: [Front Door Code]. This code will deactivate the smart lock upon entry. Please do not share this code with anyone.
If you experience any issues with the key or access code‚ please contact me immediately. Remember to always double-check that all doors are securely locked when leaving the property.
Please treat these access methods with utmost confidentiality.
Security Camera Information (if applicable)
Please be aware that the property is equipped with security cameras. There is one camera covering the front door‚ another overlooking the backyard‚ and a third monitoring the driveway. These cameras are for security purposes only and are not intended for personal surveillance.
Recordings are stored [State where recordings are stored ー e.g.‚ locally on a DVR‚ in the cloud]. Please act normally when within camera view.
If you notice any suspicious activity‚ please contact me and the authorities immediately. Do not attempt to confront anyone yourself.
The cameras are active 24/7.
Locking Procedures – Doors & Windows
Maintaining the security of the home is paramount. Please ensure all exterior doors are locked with both the deadbolt and handle lock whenever you leave the house‚ even for a short period. Windows on the ground floor should also be securely locked.
Before retiring for the night‚ double-check all doors and windows to confirm they are locked. The sliding glass door in the back requires lifting and sliding the security latch into place.
Do not provide access to anyone without prior authorization.
If you lose a key‚ please inform me immediately.
Pet Care (If Applicable)
Detailed instructions for your beloved companions are crucial‚ including feeding times‚ exercise needs‚ and any specific medical requirements or behavioral quirks.
Pet Names‚ Species & Breeds
Please find below a comprehensive list of our cherished animal family members. This section details each pet’s name‚ species‚ and breed for easy identification.
First‚ we have Winston‚ a playful Golden Retriever‚ known for his friendly demeanor and love of fetch. Next is Luna‚ a sleek Siamese cat‚ who enjoys sunbathing and gentle head scratches.
Lastly‚ there’s Pip‚ a small‚ energetic hamster of the Syrian breed‚ requiring a clean cage and fresh water daily. Knowing these details will help you provide the best possible care during our absence‚ ensuring each pet feels safe and comfortable in your capable hands.
Feeding Schedules & Dietary Needs
Maintaining consistent feeding schedules is crucial for our pets’ well-being. Winston‚ the Golden Retriever‚ requires two cups of dry kibble each morning and evening‚ alongside a dental chew. Luna‚ our Siamese cat‚ enjoys a half-cup of wet food twice daily‚ supplemented with dry kibble available throughout the day.
Pip‚ the hamster‚ needs a small scoop of hamster mix every night‚ along with a tiny piece of fresh vegetable. Please ensure fresh water is always available for all pets. Avoid giving them any human food‚ as it can be harmful.
Specific dietary restrictions are noted on each pet’s food container.
Exercise Routines & Walk Information
Winston‚ our Golden Retriever‚ requires a 30-minute walk each morning and evening. He enjoys a leisurely pace and loves sniffing everything! Please use the blue leash and ensure he doesn’t pull excessively. Luna‚ the cat‚ prefers indoor play; a 15-minute session with her feather wand is ideal each day.
Pip‚ the hamster‚ has a wheel for exercise within his cage‚ requiring no additional activity. The local park‚ Willow Creek Park‚ is a great walking spot for Winston‚ but please keep him on the leash at all times.
Be mindful of the weather and adjust walk durations accordingly.
Veterinarian Contact Information & Emergency Protocol
Our primary veterinarian is Dr. Emily Carter at Willow Creek Animal Hospital: (555) 123-4567. For emergencies outside of office hours‚ contact the Emergency Veterinary Clinic at (555) 987-6543. Winston is up-to-date on all vaccinations‚ but has a sensitive stomach; avoid table scraps.
Luna is generally healthy‚ but is prone to hairballs. If you notice excessive coughing or vomiting‚ please contact Dr. Carter.
In a medical emergency‚ after contacting the vet‚ please also inform us immediately. We have a pet insurance policy with Healthy Paws; policy number is HP1234567.
Plant Care (If Applicable)
Maintain the vibrancy of our indoor garden with a consistent watering schedule and attention to specific plant needs‚ ensuring their health during our trip.
Plant Watering Schedule
Please adhere to the following watering schedule to keep our plants thriving during your house sitting period. The fiddle-leaf fig in the living room requires watering every 7-10 days‚ ensuring the top inch of soil is dry before re-watering. The succulents on the kitchen windowsill are drought-tolerant and only need watering every 2-3 weeks.
The orchids in the bedroom prefer a weekly soak‚ allowing excess water to drain completely. Check the moisture level of the soil for all other plants before watering; avoid overwatering‚ as this can lead to root rot. A general rule is to water when the top inch feels dry to the touch. Please use the watering can located under the kitchen sink.
Specific Plant Care Instructions
Beyond watering‚ certain plants require specialized attention. The African violets need bright‚ indirect light and misting occasionally to maintain humidity. Avoid getting water on their leaves‚ as this can cause spotting. The peace lily prefers consistently moist soil but is sensitive to fluoride in tap water; use filtered water if possible.
Rotate the plants weekly to ensure even growth. Remove any yellowing or dead leaves promptly. If you notice any signs of pests‚ such as small insects or webbing‚ please contact me immediately. Fertilize the flowering plants every four weeks with a diluted liquid fertilizer.
Location of Gardening Supplies
All gardening supplies are neatly organized in the shed located at the back of the garden. You’ll find watering cans‚ plant food‚ pruning shears‚ and a small hand trowel inside. The fertilizer is stored on the top shelf‚ clearly labeled. Extra pots and seed trays are stacked against the far wall.
Please use the green watering can for the indoor plants and the larger blue one for the garden. The plant labels and a gardening journal are kept in the small toolbox on the workbench. If you need anything not listed‚ please don’t hesitate to ask.
Household Systems & Appliances
Familiarize yourself with the thermostat‚ water system‚ and appliances; proper usage ensures comfort and prevents issues during your house-sitting assignment.
Thermostat Control & Preferred Temperature
The thermostat is located in the hallway‚ near the main entrance. It’s a Honeywell model with a digital display. To adjust the temperature‚ use the up and down arrows; avoid drastic changes.
During the day (7:00 AM ⎻ 10:00 PM)‚ we prefer a temperature of 72°F (22°C). At night‚ please set it to 68°F (20°C) for energy conservation and comfortable sleeping.
If you are leaving the house for an extended period (more than 4 hours)‚ please set the thermostat to “Away” mode. This will automatically lower the temperature to 60°F (15°C) to save energy.
Please do not attempt to repair the thermostat if you encounter any issues. Contact me immediately‚ and I will arrange for a professional to address the problem.
Watering System Instructions
Our lawn utilizes an automatic sprinkler system controlled by a Rain Bird controller located in the garage. The schedule is set to water the lawn every other day‚ starting at 6:00 AM.
Please ensure the sprinkler heads are unobstructed and functioning correctly. If you notice any broken or misdirected heads‚ please inform me immediately. Do not attempt to repair them yourself.
There is a manual override switch on the controller if you need to temporarily disable the system‚ for example‚ during heavy rainfall. Remember to switch it back on afterward!
We also have a drip irrigation system for the flower beds. Check the emitters to ensure they are delivering water efficiently. Contact me with any concerns regarding the watering systems.
Garbage & Recycling Procedures
Our garbage collection day is every Tuesday morning. Please ensure all garbage bags are securely tied and placed in the large‚ black wheeled bin at the curb by 7:00 AM.
Recycling is collected every other Tuesday‚ alternating with yard waste. The blue bin is for recyclables – plastics #1 & #2‚ glass‚ aluminum‚ and paper. Please rinse all containers before placing them in the bin.
Yard waste (leaves‚ branches) goes in the green bin‚ collected on the off-Tuesday. Do not include plastic bags with yard waste.
Extra garbage can be placed beside the bin‚ but it must be bagged and may require a special tag (available in the kitchen drawer).
Appliance Usage (Dishwasher‚ Washing Machine‚ Dryer)
The dishwasher is straightforward – use the standard cycle with dishwasher detergent pods (located under the sink). Avoid overfilling.
For the washing machine‚ please use cold water and HE (High Efficiency) detergent only (found in the laundry room). Select the appropriate cycle based on the load type – delicate‚ normal‚ or heavy duty.
The dryer is simple to operate; ensure the lint trap is cleaned before each use to prevent fire hazards.
Please do not wash any delicate items without checking with me first.
Mail & Deliveries
Collect mail daily to prevent build-up and potential security risks; bring packages inside immediately‚ noting any delivery issues or concerns.
Mail Collection Instructions
Please collect the mail from the mailbox daily‚ ideally before noon. This prevents a noticeable build-up‚ which could signal our absence to potential intruders. The mailbox is located at [insert address/specific location details here]. If the mailbox is full and you are unable to fit all the mail‚ please notify me immediately.
Do not leave any mail visible inside the house. Sort through the mail and discard any obvious junk mail. Important documents or bills should be placed on the kitchen counter in the designated ‘Mail’ folder. If you anticipate a large volume of mail‚ please let me know so we can arrange for a temporary hold with the postal service.
Package Delivery Instructions
Please be vigilant for package deliveries from various carriers – UPS‚ FedEx‚ USPS‚ and Amazon. If a delivery requires a signature‚ please ensure someone is home to receive it‚ or redirect the delivery to a secure location if possible. Avoid leaving packages visible on the porch‚ as this increases the risk of theft.
Bring all delivered packages inside immediately and place them in the [specify location‚ e.g.‚ mudroom‚ home office]. If a package is too large to bring inside‚ please notify me immediately with a description and tracking number. Do not open any packages unless specifically instructed to do so.
House Rules & Expectations
Maintain a respectful environment‚ adhering to quiet hours and guest policies‚ while ensuring the property remains clean and secure during your stay.
Guest Policy
Generally‚ we prefer no guests during the house-sitting period to maintain the tranquility and security of the home. However‚ if absolutely necessary‚ please obtain prior written consent from us at least 24 hours in advance.
Kindly provide the guest’s full name and contact information. Please be aware that any guests are your sole responsibility‚ and you are accountable for their adherence to all house rules.
Overnight guests are strictly prohibited unless explicitly approved. We trust you will respect this policy‚ as it’s in place to safeguard our property and ensure a peaceful environment. Any unauthorized guests will be considered a breach of the house-sitting agreement.
Noise Levels & Quiet Hours
We kindly request that you maintain reasonable noise levels‚ especially during evening and nighttime hours. Our neighborhood is generally quiet‚ and we aim to preserve that peaceful atmosphere for both ourselves and our neighbors.
Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM daily. During these times‚ please refrain from loud music‚ boisterous conversations‚ or any activities that might disturb others.
Normal daily living is‚ of course‚ acceptable‚ but please be mindful of the volume. We appreciate your cooperation in respecting our neighbors and ensuring a harmonious living environment throughout your house-sitting stay.
Smoking/Pet Policies
Our home is a strictly non-smoking environment‚ both indoors and outdoors on the property. We kindly ask that you refrain from smoking anywhere within the premises to maintain a fresh and healthy atmosphere for everyone.
Regarding pets‚ we [do/do not] allow additional pets during your house-sitting stay.
If pets are permitted‚ please confirm the specific details and any associated rules beforehand. If no pets are allowed‚ please respect this policy to ensure the comfort and safety of our home and existing pets‚ if any.
Areas of the House Off-Limits (if any)
Please note that the [Room Name‚ e.g.‚ Home Office] on the [Floor‚ e.g.‚ second floor] is strictly off-limits during your house-sitting period. This room contains sensitive documents and personal belongings that require privacy.
Additionally‚ the [Storage Area‚ e.g.‚ attic] is also inaccessible for safety reasons and to preserve the condition of stored items. We appreciate your respect for these boundaries.
Access to these areas is not included as part of your house-sitting responsibilities. Should any unforeseen circumstance require access‚ please contact us immediately for explicit permission.
Departure Checklist
Ensure all tasks are completed‚ keys returned as instructed‚ and a final walk-through confirms the house is secure and tidy before your departure.
Final Walk-Through Checklist
Before fully departing‚ a thorough walk-through is essential. Verify all doors and windows are securely locked‚ confirming the alarm system is activated correctly. Double-check that all appliances – stove‚ oven‚ iron – are switched off.
Ensure no personal belongings are left behind‚ and all trash receptacles are emptied. Confirm that all lights are turned off‚ conserving energy. A final sweep of each room guarantees nothing is overlooked.
Specifically‚ inspect bathrooms for any leaks or running water. Check the thermostat setting to ensure it’s at the agreed-upon temperature. Lastly‚ visually confirm the exterior of the property is presentable and secure‚ leaving with complete peace of mind.
Key Return Instructions
Upon completion of the house-sitting assignment‚ please return all keys promptly. The preferred method of return is via pre-arranged personal exchange‚ ensuring a secure handover. If this isn’t feasible‚ a designated secure lockbox location will be provided with a unique access code.
Please do not mail the keys‚ as this poses a security risk. Confirm the return of all issued keys – including spares – to avoid any complications. A signed acknowledgment of key return will be requested for our records.
Kindly notify us immediately upon key return‚ allowing us to verify their safe receipt and re-secure the property. Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining our home’s security.
Confirmation of Completion
To finalize the house-sitting arrangement‚ we require a written confirmation detailing the completion of all tasks outlined in this checklist. This includes verifying the secure return of all keys‚ ensuring all appliances are switched off‚ and confirming the property is left in its original condition.
Please also confirm that all mail and packages have been appropriately handled according to the provided instructions. A brief summary of any notable events during your stay is appreciated.
Your confirmation can be sent via email or text message. We value your responsible caretaking and appreciate your thoroughness in completing this final step.