House Sitting for Your Neighbor: The Dos and Donts

Your friend or neighbor has asked you to house sit, and you agree, but there are certain unwritten rules to be aware of when house sitting. Here are the do’s and don’ts of house sitting.

1 – Do Keep the Place Tidy

Sometimes house sitting involves staying in the house overnight, other times, it involves just coming over to water the plants. Whatever the situation is, you are bound to make some sort of mess, big or small. It could be dishes in the sink, shoeprints on the floor or an unmade bed. Make sure to clean up your mess before your friend or neighbor returns. There is nothing worse than coming home to a messy house when it is your own mess, let alone someone else’s.

2 – Do Check the Mail

Be a good neighbor or friend, and check the mail. Categorize the mail by letters, junk, bills and magazines, and place them neatly on the dining room table. Your neighbor or friend will be so impressed.

3 – Do Check the Answering Machine (if asked)

If you are asked to listen to the answering machine or voicemail (in case there are any important messages), do not forget. Make sure to do this at least once per day. Do not erase any of the messages, but jot them down, and if there is something important, make sure to contact your neighbor, friend or the caller.

4 – Don’t be a Snoop

You were asked to house sit, not to inspect the house. Though the temptation may be great, do not go rummaging through drawers or the medicine closet to see what secrets may be lurking. Even though your friend or neighbor may never know, it isn’t right. Would you want someone doing it to you?

5 – Don’t Invite Guests Over

This is one of the most important rules of house sitting. Never invite guests over. It is not your apartment, and therefore, not yours to throw a party in. What happens if someone breaks something, or a neighbor files a noise complaint? How would you explain that? Just don’t take the chance, and keep guests out.

6 – Don’t Borrow Anything

Even if your neighbor is a good friend, do not borrow anything. Do not call up your neighbor or friend while she is away to ask about borrowing an outfit or a CD – it is inappropriate. Also, do not take it upon yourself to assume that you can borrow something, and put it back before your neighbor gets home. What if you borrow a shirt, and then spill red wine on it? Also, do not eat the food stored in their house, unless they specified it was okay to do so.

7 – Don’t Order Cable Movies

Cable costs enough without the added expense of pay-per-view movies. Do not order a movie at your neighbor’s house, sticking him with the bill. If you do order a movie, make sure you give them a cash reimbursement for the film.

The most important part of house sitting is to be a good neighbor. Only do the things that you would want done for you. If there is any question, either ask or simply do not do it.