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Flickr Photo Credit: JayCoxFilm

At the end of every house sit comes the time when the home owners return and you turn the structure, as well as any resident pets, back over to them. Here are some ideas for a smooth welcome home transition.

First, there’s usually a day or so at the start of a house sit for orientation and walk-throughs. This is a good time to observe what the owners like to eat and what they keep stocked in the fridge. A day or so before their return, pick a few things for them to get started with.

Also, nobody likes to deal with empty ice trays. If there’s no automatic ice maker, its a polite gesture to start stocking up the ice supply a few days ahead, and to refill the trays once the storage container is full.

Set the coffee machine up for them the first night they’re back. People are tired at the end of a long trip and every little bit helps. Depending on what time the owners are arriving back, it would also be nice to have an appropriate meal prepared. A nice soup in the crock pot for dinner, sandwiches and fruit for lunch or perhaps some scones and juice for breakfast. If you’ll be missing each other in transition, leave a casserole or crock pot meal made ahead for them to heat up.

It should go without saying, but you should really leave their home in reasonably tidy order. While no one should expect you to provide free spring cleaning services for a 2 week house sit, the home should be left at least as neat as it was at your arrival. Organize any mail or messages received and leave them in an easy to find location, preferably wherever their usual command center is. Also, don’t forget to log any house issues that may have arisen, and your response, if any.

Pet issues also relate to how smoothly the owners will be able to reinsert themselves back into their homes. Restock pet food, treats and medicines so owners will have some readjustment time before having to deal with this. We left our pets’ caregiver with a credit card to handle all incidentals. She’s been able to address all of their food and treat needs, take them to and pay for doctor visits, etc. If the pets are reasonably agreeable, try to give them a bath upon their owners’ return. It’ll make for a much nicer reunion.

Posted on May 15th, 2007 by Myscha Theriault
Filed under: Tips and Hacks