5 Steps to Sitting Pretty

You've booked the holiday and found a sitter to look after your home. Rather than just handing them a key and waving them a cheery goodbye, make sure they know the dos and don'ts while you're away

- AISHA PANDOR

Tips

If your sitter is not keen on chores, or your domestic is not available during this time, an app like SweepSouth makes it easy to book a reliable and vetted gardener to come in while you're away to mow the lawn and tidy the garden. Book the last session for the day of your return to ensure a spick-and-span space for you to ease back into.

Talk About Security

Holiday periods are prime break-in times; make sure your home is a little safer by making sure they know about all your security protocols, like which lights you leave on at night and if you close curtains. Point out any recurring security issues in your area, Alarm systems can be tricky to manage, so explain yours in exact detail, along with any info on your security company. Opportunistic criminals look for any signs that homeowners are away ask your sitter to remove mail that's piling up and bring in the dustbin on rubbish collection days. Alert a close neighbour or friend that you will be away and leave them a set of keys in case of emergencies.

Make the Boundaries Clear