Essential House Sitting Interview Questions for Peace of Mind

When considering a house sitter, the questions you ask are crucial. These interviews serve a dual purpose: ensuring you find a suitable house sitter and allowing the sitter to understand the details of the task. Here are some key questions to consider, along with insights from a house sitter who has interviewed over 40 clients.

Understanding Your Needs

To ensure the house sitter is the right fit, tailor your interview questions to your specific needs. For example, if your pets require medication, you should ask about their experience with administering medication. Some examples of questions you might ask include:

What experience do you have housesitting? Do you have experience pet sitting? Do you have any criminal background checks or police checks? Will you be working outside the home or will you be available to sit at home during the day? Will you have guests or parties while I am away? Do you smoke? Is there anything we can do to make your stay comfortable?

Making a house sitter feel at ease with these questions can go a long way in ensuring a successful arrangement. It's important to tailor these questions to fit your specific situation.

Common Interview Questions

While every interview is unique, certain questions tend to come up repeatedly. These include:

Can you provide past experiences with certain types of homes, animals, or gardens? Do you have any previous references or reviews that you can provide? Why do you like house sitting, and why do you choose to do it? Assessing readiness for unexpected situations: What would you do in a specific situation while the homeowner is away? Your requirements: What do you require while on the duration of the sit? Have you ever had any bad experiences while looking after a home or pet?

Alternative Solutions

While house sitters can be trusted, it's important to consider additional safeguarding measures. I highly recommend hiring a professional cleaning service for your home. Look for a licensed and bonded service to ensure your property is well-cared for while you are away. This can help mitigate any risks associated with having a stranger in your home.

Conclusion: Addressing your specific needs and providing a well-rounded interview experience is key to finding a suitable house sitter. Tailoring questions and considering safety measures can give you peace of mind during your absence.