20 Insanely Effective House Sitting Etiquette Hacks to Dominate Your House Sitting Game!

Looking for house sitting etiquette tips and tricks to get more house sits? You’re in the right place!

House sitting offers adventure and rewards, letting you explore new places, enjoy time with pets, and dive into different cultures. But remember that you’re upholding the homeowners’ trust and care for their home and pets.

A positive experience can make you the preferred sitter for homeowners and their pets. It’s worked for us since 2008!

To become a popular house sitter, we’ve compiled a straightforward guide on proper behavior during a sit. These etiquette tips range from preparation to departure, ensuring each interaction showcases your commitment.

Whether you’re a seasoned house sitting pro or a newcomer eager to refine your skills, these tips will elevate your game to ensure you’re on the path to becoming a top-tier house sitter. Let’s go!

The Importance of House Sitting Etiquette

Understanding the significance of house sitting etiquette lays the foundation for a fulfilling house sitting experience. Dismissing these standards is potentially jeopardizing your future as a trusted house sitter. Yes, really!

When you are a guest in someone else’s home, it’s important to remember that homeowners have invested not just their money, but their hearts in this space.

Knowing the importance of good manners in house sitting sets you up for a great house sitting time. Ignoring these rules could harm your chances of being a trusted house sitter. Seriously!

Before You Step into the Sit

House sitting etiquette starts before you even get there. Preparation is vital, and the little things matter. Setting the right tone before you start the sit ensures a smooth transition and a positive start to your term.

1. Research Normal Local Etiquette and Customs

Every place you visit has its own customs, traditions, and expectations. It’s crucial to research and understand the appropriate behavior for your house sitting location.

This means getting to know local etiquette, daily routines, and the homeowner’s specific house rules. Being well-informed makes your stay more enjoyable and ensures you respect the local culture and homeowner’s preferences.

2. Bring a Token of Appreciation

A small, thoughtful gift, unique to your home country or recent visit, is a wonderful gratitude gesture.

It shows appreciation and sparks conversation about your culture or experiences related to the location. This exchange fosters deeper connections and understanding.

3. Clarify Your Duties and Expectations

Open communication is key. Ensure you have a full grasp of what’s expected of you, from pet care routines to home maintenance. Clarify any concerns or questions before the sit to avoid any misunderstandings during your stay.

4. Learn the Local Language

Even if it’s just a few phrases, locals will appreciate your effort to communicate in their language.

We like to use Duolingo because even the free app gives you the true essentials for getting around and feeding yourself. The true basics!

During the Sit

The real work begins when you assume your house sitting responsibilities. Here are some key house sitting etiquette behaviors to focus on during the house sit.

5. Establish and Maintain a Routine

Routines provide structure and a sense of normalcy for pets and homes, which should be maintained where possible. We always ask the owners what time(s) the pets eat their meals, and follow them as closely as possible.

6. Keep Homeowners in the Loop

Communication is non-negotiable. Share meaningful updates, especially about their pets, to keep their minds at ease. If something bad happens, let them know!

Once David accidentally broke the arm of an office chair. I immediately texted the homeowners and offered to buy a replacement chair before they returned.

They told us to just remove the other one and not worry about it because the chair was very old and they never used it themselves. Honesty is the best policy every time!

7. Enjoy Personal Time Respectfully

It’s important to recharge, but not at the expense of your duties. Find a balance that works for you and the home. We always plan a day in with the pet(s) after a day of sightseeing, so that they don’t feel lonely.

We also try to never be away for more than 4-6 hours at a time, so we’re typically there to snuggle the pets more than a full time working homeowner!

8. Respect Neighbours’ Space and Peace

Noise travels, so be mindful of your and the pets’ activities, especially during quiet hours. This is especially important in big cities where neighbors may be a shared living room wall away.

And of course, never have guests or parties in someone else’s home. This is their sanctuary, not a hotel.

9. Tend to the Garden and Plants

For homeowners with green thumbs, taking care of their garden is as much a part of the sit as anything else. Be sure to make notes about the watering schedule so you don’t miss a day!

10. Clean and Tidy Up

Make sure you clean up after yourself and leave the home as tidy as it was when you arrived. If not more so.

During one of our initial house sits, we found the entryway coat hook hanger had fallen off the wall. David used our travel toolkit to reattach it, which really pleased the homeowner. She even mentioned it in her review!

11. Stick to Pet and House Rules

Even if they seem minor, respecting these rules is a show of respect for the homeowners’ expectations.

It can be as simple as not wearing shoes in the home even when the homeowner is gone or not entering rooms or areas they’ve told you are off limits.

12. Manage Household Food Smartly

Utilize and replace perishables thoughtfully, ensuring the kitchen will be as you found it or better.

In one house sit, the homeowner gave her dogs carrots as daily treats. We used all of them as treats while she was gone, so I made sure to have a couple on hand when she returned.

13. Engage in Light Cleaning and Maintenance

Staying on top of essential cleaning tasks ensures the home remains comfortable and inviting for the homeowners’ return. This is easier when the homeowner has a cleaner who still comes while you’re gone.

But even if they don’t, it’s so much easier to clean before you leave if you’ve been doing it all along during your house sit. This includes washing sheets and towels.

After the Sit

Your departure is as much a part of the house sit as your arrival. Here’s how to ensure a favorable finish.

14. Leave No Trace

It’s essential that the home looks as though you were never there. This means cleaning out the coffee pot after your final cup of joe and washing/drying your breakfast dishes before you go.

The homeowner shouldn’t be cleaning up after you leave, unless they specifically asked you not to do something, like wash the sheets.

15. Prepare a Welcoming Meal

An act of hospitality that sets a warm and homely welcome for the returning homeowners. I’ll be honest: we’ve never cooked homeowners a full meal upon their return.

However, we have gone to a local bakery the day before to buy them pastries for breakfast when they arrived on a late night flight.

16. Restock Household Essentials

Ensure the home is fully equipped upon return, sparing the homeowners any inconvenience. I’m not saying that you should go replace a full Costco-sized pack of toilet paper, especially if you only used a roll or two during a 1 week house sit.

But do make sure that there is some toilet paper for them to use so they don’t need to make that Costco run the morning after their flight.

17. Leave a Personal Memento

A small, handmade token can serve as a reminder of your care and their trust in you.

Our son loves to draw pictures of the pets we house sit, so we typically leave at least one of the drawings hanging on the refrigerator for the homeowner to enjoy on their return.

18. Arrange Fresh Flowers

These can greet the homeowners with a cheerful and fresh aura in their home. When we house sat in Ecuador, we could buy six dozen roses for $5. Right on the side of the road. Seriously!

So when the homeowners returned, we had fresh flowers waiting since we enjoyed them ourselves as well. You don’t have to do this, especially if flowers aren’t this cheap wherever you are.

19. Request and Provide Prompt Feedback

This two-way street ensures both you and the homeowners can continue to learn and grow from the experience.

Especially if you’re house sitting on a platform, like Trusted HouseSitters, be sure to leave timely feedback before you lose your opportunity!

20. Be a Bridge for Future Sitters

Your insights can be invaluable for the next house sitter, and you may even recommend a replacement. A homeowner contacted us for a repeat house sit, but we couldn’t do it.

So we offered to help find a good house sitter instead. Since we knew them and the pets, it was a simple and positive way to stay in touch until we could house sit for them again.

Final Thoughts on House Sitting Etiquette

Mastering house sitting etiquette is more than a checklist; it’s a promise, a commitment, and an art. Mastering each of these tips is an investment in your reputation and a testament to your respect for the homeowners and their pets.

By honing these skills, you’re not only ensuring the satisfaction of your current sit but laying the groundwork for a prosperous and fulfilling house sitting career.

Remember, house sitting etiquette isn’t just about doing the right things; it’s about doing kind things that resonate and leave a lasting impression. That’s how we’ve gotten consistently excellent reviews and requests for repeat house sits!

With these impactful principles at hand, you’re primed to offer a level of service that transcends the ordinary, transforming your role from a house sitter to a cherished family friend.

Take these tips to heart, and watch as your house sitting experiences become more enriching and magical with every new adventure.