I think its sufficient if you just get someone locally such as a friend , neighbour or relative to pop over to have look . We went away a few days and my sister in law put our garbage bins back inside and got rid of junk mail for us .

we don’t but my sister comes over to feed our pets, put our bins out and collect our mail. Guess it depends what you have at home that needs looking after and if you want someone in your house. This also adds to the cost of your holiday

We haven’t before but I know lots of people who have and they love it.

A house sitter is good for peace of mind when you are away and it is good to have your house occupied.

Yes we have friends stay. We feel safer and they enjoy our house and pool

I personally don’t see the point, if I was going away for a long time id gt my family to come chck on things or offer family or friend free rent to stay for few weeks, but yeh really don’t see the point, most plants are pretty resiliant. if you have pets that’s a whole different story.

I think it’s a great idea. My friend from work does it. She loves being given the chance to stay somewhere else for a while as well as looking after pets, plants and any deliveries that might happen. Better than a house alarm.

A good and trusted friend is ideal.

We’ve always just had my parents stop by and check the house each day, never had an actual house sitter though.

I have been a house sitter for good friends stayed at their house to look after the animals and they just made sure there was food for me as payment.
these people knew me really well and had an old dog that couldnt be left alone for long times.
if your not in a situation like that just have a friend that can come over every day or two to collect mail water the garden and what not.

We usually get a good friend or relative to mind the house, mail, garden. I wouldn’t want a stranger in my house personally..

I never have used one but I know many people who wouldn’t go away without having one. Ask around and get recommendations from people. It’s a really good idea that benefits both parties.

If you live in a city area perhaps it might be worthwhile to look into a house sitting service such as http://www.trustedhousesitters.com/au/ as you might be more likely to find someone reputable if they have to pay a fee to an organising body. If you are concerned about your property you might want to check whether the house sitting service has mandatory police checks on the house sitters.

I agree with Tene. We hired house sitters to look after our pets and house while we were away. While the house was in reasonable condition and nothing was stolen our pets were mistreated and starved. They had been locked up the entire time we were away (only 1 week thank goodness). When we got back they went mad from excitement to be let out of the enclosure and scoffed themselves silly when we fed them.
If you get someone to look after your house and pets make sure it’s someone you trust and likes animals.

I have had both good and bad experience when having a house sitter. The couple that left my home is such filthy state, burnt all my saucepans let a bird escape and tormented my cat and did not water my plants were a couple I had never met before, they were recommended by an acquaintance. Another was someone I felt I knew and he ran up a $5,000 phone account. I had tried to have the phone suspended before I left but it was not logged. The phone company waivered the account when I presented my passports so that was proof enough that I did not make the calls. I also had items stolen. The other times where I had wonderful house sitters were young people that I knew well and trusted. So there you have it, know the person well, or have someone who has had them stay in their home give them a reference. I have house sat and always left the home and garden well taken care of. It can be a great way to have a vacation too is to swap houses with a friend who lives in another city.