Thank you everyone but we are going to close this topic as the conversation has gone off topic and unfortunately developed into one of personal exchanges rather than a general conversation about the original subject. The comments that have become personal will be removed. Here’s a gentle reminder to always be kind, courteous and respectful even when you disagree with the views of others as stated in our community guidelines…
We’re all in this space together to create a welcoming environment for both existing and potential members of TrustedHousesitters. We should treat each other with respect. Healthy debate is encouraged however kindness is required - rudeness, personal insults, or judgments will not be permitted. If a member has taken the time to comment on a question, please take the time to thank, acknowledge or reply to them.
I’ve never had to use any of these. I hope you don’t either in the future, but, if you do, now you’ll have a few ideas to try (before running out for another toilet brush )
We have reopened this thread today but echo @Julie_A’s reminder last night to be kind, courteous and respectful in all responses and exchanges. Thank you.
Hi Karen,
Thank you. Good old Wiki-how. I never knew there was such a mind-boggling set of ways of cleaning a toilet! Vinegar is a good one as we use that a lot in our own house trying to avoid chemicals. But I once almost ruined a carpet by trying to clean it with vinegar and bicarb. Luckily not on a house-sit!
@ShirlW While it’s certainly a good spot for some suggestions and insight into preparing a home for a sitter, as a homeowner, you should not have concerns about this list. It is my understanding that only 5% of the 100k membership is represented on this forum. I’m sure your home is perfectly fine, as is. Realistically, sitters don’t expect a BnB when they arrive at a homeowner’s residence.
@Tuppence I DID ruin my carpet cleaning it with bicarb and vinegar. It’s never been the same since. I use bicarb and vinegar for lots of other cleaning jobs though and it’s great.
@ShirlW we are sitters and we don’t need any of the things that you don’t have!
There is a different between something that is necessary and something that a few sitters might like to see in their ideal sit.
@ShirlW I agree, it’s a very intimidating list and I live in a caravan and live a very basic, eco-friendly life but I have had sufficient applications to fulfill my needs.
I made a point of listing some of the things I don’t have so that sitters would know before they apply.
I’ve never known anyone who has a luggage rack, I thought they were only in hotels.
I have to agree (with my sitter hat on and not as an admin) with the most recent comments, that while there are some basic requirements that are of course very important, there’s a big difference between what is acceptable to many of us and what sitters might “wish for” if comparing to paid accommodation which is very different.
We are always mindful of cultural differences, that homes in different countries may have different utilities, appliances, gadgets etc., and no-one should feel disadvantaged by not having a complete set of up-to-the-moment gadgets. Age of property, climate… so many things affect our homes around the world and not everyone will have an Airbnb equivalent. Pet owners may have need of care but have more simple accommodation and appliances.
The wonderful thing for us about house sitting is the diversity of homes, pets, people that we meet and in all sorts of environments. We’ve always made the most of whatever situation is presented while ensuring the basics, the cleanliness, the pet care are all discussed and understood before accepting a sit.
Like some others on this thread it saddens me as a house sitter to see some of the expectations, although I appreciate for some this is a “wish list”.
I have a luggage rack, my mom did and a few of my HO had them. I bought one for a close friend who had only a sofa bed and no horizontal surface other than the floor for her guests. (It was a very comfortable sofa bed. )
)
It’s never been the same since. I use bicarb and vinegar for lots of other cleaning jobs though and it’s great.
