The choice they have is fully research the sit, for example pets, area, daylight etc
It’s down to the sitter who applies, only they know what their preferences are.
Basically, sit within their limits and boundaries.
Which is precisely why i gave other sitters the heads up about this trend.
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It’s another question to ask the HO i suppose before committing, how thick are your curtains?
Can’t do any harm.
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I travel with a pop-up blackout blind (called Lights Out), I use it in maybe about 50% of sits and find it incredible, though doesn’t always completely fit the window. There are also fabric blinds (called Gro Anywhere) you can get with suction cups that can be adapted to most windows. They are pretty expensive to buy new, so I previously got them on Gumtree and have just seen some on Vinted selling for £5 if you don’t want to fork out for new ones x
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I’m the odd one out that won’t shut any blinds or drapes at night and want to wake up with first light.
The exception to this is when the bedroom is visible on street level and anyone walking or driving by can look right into the bedroom. But even then just a sheer piece of fabric is all I need.
I can easily fall asleep in bright light. I guess it’s practice from years of working the graveyard shift.
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Thank you for the info - I’ve now ordered the Vinted Gro Anywhere blind. Although I’ve been careful when applying for sits, this will give me more flexibility.
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I hope you find it beneficial! Mine has the dual purpose of hiding my possessions in my car as I drape it on top when travelling. Works well for this too! 
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Ironically, we used to have 2 Gro Anywhere travel blackout blinds when the boys were tiny for when we went on holiday to prevent them waking up at silly o’clock! I sold them once they didn’t need them any more. Guess I had less trouble staying asleep back then!
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It’s one of those things that you get rid of and then wished you hadn’t! Definitely handy to have for house sitting. Funnily enough, the dogs I’m looking after now wake when it gets light, so the owners drape an old towel over the window. Wondering if a Gro blind would make a good gift for them…
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Me too. I do not shut the blinds or curtains at night. I wake up when I wake up, not necessarily because of sunlight coming in. Noise has a much bigger impact on me than light.
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I noticed this too, it’s a design aesthetic in South Carolina. The first thing I search photos for is if the bedroom has drapes or dark window coverings. If not, I can’t even apply for the sit as I know I will never be able to sleep, which I’ve learned from experience. It’s no fun to have an otherwise wonderful sit if you can’t sleep the entire time. Oh well!
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I’ve done five U.K. sits, including a repeat. Only one had heavy drapes. Three, including the repeat, had shutters. One had mid-weight curtains that remained open so the cat could perch and look out.
I sleep easily and drift back quickly if needed. I usually can fall asleep despite light. If I need darkness, I’ll throw a clean sock over my eyes or pull my hoodie over my eyes. Those are more comfortable than an eye mask, though I pack one in case.
@ChristineH have you tried the portable blackout solutions suggested earlier in this post? I’m taking them with me on future sits just in case they are needed.
@Maggie8K you are are very fortunate to be able to sleep so easily. Many of us are not as blessed.
Yup. We grew up napping at my dad’s small business, on a couch on the side or a cot. Always fluorescent lights fully on and customers coming in and out. So don’t know whether it was nature or nurture or both, but it’s very handy.
I had to chuckle when I discovered this window very high up in the bedroom wall of my current sit
Even with the blackout solutions suggested above, I’d not reach it.
I’ve not been bothered by it, but I do have my sleep mask in my travel kit should I need it.
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Reminds me of those windows that line up the sun at certain times of the year and opens a doorway into an alternate universe in an adventure movie.
Don’t cover it. If we don’t hear back from you, we’ll figure you’ve crossed over.
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I did a sit where the room I was given didn’t have anything at all covering the windows. In a state of exhaustion from travelling when I got there (the owner had already gone) and being all British and not wanting to make a fuss, I realised there was a hardware store 5 mins walk away so I bought a roll of thick paper and some non-marking tape and covered the windows. I didn’t mention it for a few days and when I finished the sit she left me a negative review citing the fact that I didn’t say anything about the windows sooner as one of the reasons. I don’t think this really adds anything to the discussion, but I just wanted to share that!
Magic blackout blind from Amazon is a game changer, comes on a roll you just tear off a sheet/s and it clings to the window. It can be reused, rolls or folds up small. I always left some for sitters when I was hosting.
For those in the UK it originated from Dragons Den, was rejected by Peter Jones (I think) and has made a fortune since
I ended up at a sit that didn’t have window coverings in any room except the master. I was supposed to stay in the guest room. They’d just moved in right before leaving so they didn’t have time to do it and forgot. I messaged the HO and said I’d need to stay in the master because I require privacy. They were mortified. But they were mortified for a few reasons on that sit. The HO’s brother had stayed for the week before I arrived while they were gone and left the place trashed. Garbage, food wrappers, dirty dishes everywhere. I sent pic and she was super apologetic. I ended up just having to clean it because they were new in town so didn’t know of any cleaning services so it was going to take a few days to arrange and I didn’t want to live like that for days. Thankfully the pets were AMAZING and the doggo is still one of my favorites of all my sits.
I teach English (among other things). I’ve noticed that some of my clients from Europe who are US based for work, are annoyed that what we call blackour curtains aren’t very common in homes here. My partner needs a nightlight. I can’t sleep with even a hint of light, and even though I think it’s healthier to wake up naturally with sunlight, I need a sleep mask. I always travel with one. Most US hotels these days do have blackout curtains, but Airbnb and people’s homes are less likely to.