Trip Planning: What happens to what you're leaving at home?Apr 26 '01 Write an essay on this topic. The Bottom Line Find a Housesitter (don't worry, I'm here to tell you how)! Getting ready to go on a trip can become very frantic. There's always the list of things that needs to be done before you go because "real life" doesn't stop while you're away. One thing you shouldn't worry about is what is going to happen to your home (and loved pets) while you are gone. Find a housesitter. This is an added expense, but for the amount of worry it saves, well worth the price. There are a few different types of housesitters. The first are professionals (or at least have ads in the yellow pages). These companies are usually reputable, but their services are limited and they are the most expensive. They will normally stop by the house only once a day-during daytime hours. They will bring in newspapers and mail, and water your plants. The house does not appear lived in, however. And if you have pets, they'll have to go to a kennel. The next is the family member or neighbor that will "keep their eye on the place." The biggest bonus of this group is that they are usually free. They are normally well intentioned, and they will do some extras like walk the dog, but there are some problems. The first is that this is a big favor to ask of someone, and can be quite inconvenient. If you travel a lot, or are otherwise unable to return the favor, DO NOT take advantage of your loved ones in this manner. Also, they may be well intentioned, but will they really keep the lawn watered, the dog happy, the mail in, and the house lived-in looking? Hopefully, but maybe not. What you really need is a private housesitter. I know there are tons of people out there that do this-advertising by word of mouth. They are usually less expensive that the "pros," but offer a great deal more. I have been housesitting for almost ten years, for a select group of people. Over the years, I have learned how much to charge for different sorts of clients, and what they really appreciate from a housesitter. The best way to find such a person is to ask around. Do your friends, coworkers, or family members use a housesitter? If they do, ask some probing questions, like: 1. Does he sleep at the house? 2. Does she like animals? 3. Is the house clean when you get home? 4. How much does it cost? If you like the answers, get the potential housesitter's phone number. Make sure to say who referred you. If no one you know already has a housesitter, it still shouldn't be too hard to find someone. Most of the time, the best housesitters are young adults responsible enough to look after your home, but poor enough to be interested in earning the fee. Even if they are not already housesitters, they might be interested if you propose the idea. Good places to find such folks are your friend's almost-grown-up kids, the youngsters at the office, or maybe someone from your church. Make sure it is someone that you know well, and trust. The fee is very important to an already-pushing-the-budget traveler. The fee is usually per day, so figure out what you can afford, and talk to your housesitter about it. They will probably be willing to work with you. My fee is roughly based on what area kennels charge. Most of my clients have two dogs, and I charge about $2.00 a day more than the average kennel fee. Of course, the people with three dogs, two cats, two llamas, and a bunch of chickens get charged a whole lot more. But that is an entirely different story. Speaking of pets, if your pets are fairly irritating (I know you love them, but if they jump, bark, hump, piddle, etc., your housesitter might not be quite as impressed) please give your housesitter a tip above the normal fee. They will want to come back and housesit for you again. Once you have found your housesitter, and established that he or she will be taking care of your abode while you are gone, there are a few more things you need to do. First, during the week before your trip have your housesitter come by and get a tour of the house. Point out where you would like her to sleep, where the pet supplies are (food, water, treats, leashes, kitty-litter, etc.), any plants you would like minded, how the sprinkler system/hose works, how the stereo/tv system functions, what food-stuffs are off limits, and any other miscellaneous tips important to you. Also, let him get introduced to your pets. Make sure to give her a key or garage door opener. I am surprised how often people forget this step. Before you set out on your vacation, make sure to leave a note (usually on the kitchen counter or near the telephone) with information on how to contact you if there is a problem. Numbers for the vet and maybe a family member or good friend is also a good idea. Some people leave a check to cover the fee at this point, too. Others pay when the housesitter returns the key. It is a good idea to work out how this will take place beforehand. It is a nice gesture to leave a treat for the housesitter, too. Something as simple as a yummy chocolate bar or a couple beers in the fridge is great-and if you have tickets to an event (sports, concert, play, whatever) during your vacation, it can be nice to leave them as well. Housesitting can be great for all those involved. I know for many years, it was great for me to have a break from various roommates, and I know my clients really appreciate me-they keep asking me back, don't they? While you are gone, you know you won't have anything to worry about because your housesitter feels responsible for your house. For any word-of-mouth type business, reputation is of the utmost importance. Do understand that your housesitter will continue to live their life-go to work, spend time with friends-but they will also water your yard, play with your pets, and keep your house looking lived-in and safe from possible burglary or vandalism. So enjoy your trip!  |
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