How to Clean & Prep Your Home For a House Sitter

Prepping Your Pad: How to Get Your Home Sitter-Ready

So, you’ve found the perfect house sitter – someone trustworthy to look after your home and beloved pets while you’re away. Fantastic!

Now comes the crucial step: getting your home ready for their arrival.

A well-prepared home isn’t just about making their stay more comfortable; it sets a positive tone, ensures a smooth transition, and helps your house sitter focus on their primary duties

Making your home house sitter friendly

Why a “Sitter-Ready” Home Matters

Think of your house sitter as a temporary guest who’s also providing a valuable service. A clean, organized, and clearly prepped home shows respect, minimizes confusion, and helps them settle in quickly. This allows them to focus on caring for your pets, watering your plants, and keeping your home secure, rather than searching for the spare toilet paper or figuring out how to turn on the TV.

Your Essential House Sitter Prep Checklist:

Let Nest Cleaners Brisbane break down how to get your home sparkling and systems sorted before you hand over the keys.

1. The “Guest-Ready” Clean: More Than Just Tidy

While you don’t need to deep clean every corner like you’re selling the house, a good level of cleanliness is a must.

• Tidy Up & Declutter: Put away personal items, clear surfaces, and ensure there’s clear space for their belongings. A cluttered home can feel overwhelming.
• The Sitter’s Space: If your sitter will be using a specific bedroom and bathroom, make sure these areas are spotless.
  • Bedroom: Freshly laundered sheets, a clean comforter, and clear bedside tables are essential. Provide an empty drawer or a section of the wardrobe.
  • Bathroom: Clean toilet, shower/bath, and sink. Stock fresh towels, soap, toilet paper, and clear counter space for their toiletries.
• Common Areas: Give the living room, kitchen, and any shared spaces a good wipe down.
  • Kitchen: Clean the countertops, sink, and ensure the dishwasher is empty. Wipe down the microwave. Clear space in the fridge if they’ll be storing their own food.
  • Floors: Give high-traffic areas a quick vacuum or mop.
• Empty Bins: Make sure all rubbish bins (especially in the kitchen and bathroom) are empty and have fresh liners.

2. The “Info-Hub”: Clear Instructions Are Key!

This is perhaps the most critical part of preparing for a house sitter. Don’t assume they’ll intuitively know your routines. Create a comprehensive house sitting guide – ideally a printed binder or a well-organized digital document.

• Contact Information:
  • Your contact details (phone, email, international numbers if applicable).
  • Emergency contacts (local friend/family, trusted neighbour).
  • Vet’s contact information (if applicable).
  • Emergency services numbers (000 in Australia).
• Home Operations:
  • Wi-Fi network name and password.
  • Alarm system codes and instructions (if applicable).
  • Location of circuit breaker box, main water shut-off.
  • Instructions for rubbish and recycling collection days/rules (e.g., green bin for garden waste).
  • How to operate TV/entertainment systems.
  • Any quirks of the house (e.g., “the front door sticks a bit”).
  • Mail collection instructions.
• Pet Care Instructions: Be detailed!
  • Feeding schedule and amounts (be precise!).
  • Food location.
  • Walk routes and frequency.
  • Medication instructions (if any) and how to administer.
  • Favorite toys, special quirks, comfort zones.
  • Emergency vet procedures.
  • Location of pet supplies (food, litter, leashes, waste bags).
• Plants & Garden: Watering schedule and specific needs for indoor and outdoor plants.
• Vehicle (if applicable): If they’re permitted to use a car, clearly state the rules, fuel type, and insurance details.

3. Stocking Up & Setting Expectations

• Basic Supplies: Ensure you have enough toilet paper, hand soap, dish soap, and general cleaning supplies to last their stay. You don’t need to stock their groceries, but basic tea/coffee/sugar is a nice touch.
• Designated Food: If you’re leaving any food they can use (e.g., pantry staples, perishables), clearly label them. Otherwise, clear out anything you don’t want them touching.
• Cash for Emergencies: A small amount of petty cash for unexpected minor expenses (e.g., a specific pet treat, or topping up a utility card if applicable) can be helpful.
• Set Expectations: Briefly discuss your expectations regarding cleaning during their stay, visitors, or any specific rules you have. A quick chat can prevent misunderstandings.

4. Security & Safety First

• Key Handover: Arrange a clear and secure key handover.
• Windows & Doors: Ensure all locks are in good working order.
• Emergency Exits: Make sure they know where emergency exits are.
• Smoke Detectors: Check that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working.

5. The Grand Tour (or Virtual Tour!)

If possible, do a walk-through with your house sitter before you leave. Point out important things: the fuse box, the pet’s favorite spot, how to use the coffee machine. If an in-person tour isn’t feasible, clear photos or a video tour can be incredibly helpful.

By putting in the effort to clean and prep your home thoroughly, you’re not just making life easier for your house sitter; you’re investing in your own peace of mind. You’ll be able to enjoy your travels knowing your home and pets are in safe, well-informed hands.

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Do you live in Brisbane? Before investing your time in cleaning try our cleaning service. Our one off spring clean can help out by cleaning, decluttering and organising your home to prep it for a more regular domestic cleaning service. We also provide apartment cleaning, bond cleaning, pre-sale cleaning, carpet cleaning and many other cleaning services in Brisbane.

If the thought of cleaning is just too much call our Nest Cleaners and we would love to help!

BOOK NOW:       Call 0438 079 996 OR Online Estimate with Nest Cleaning in Brisbane, Australia