I have had a 5 week trip planned for 5 months. The local sitter that had agreed to sit cancellee last min .Ive been wanting to join TH as a pet owner and would like to ideally find someone here for this stsy.. My issuevis this.. im movingt to a new home 10 days prior to my trip . Can I post the trip with pics of my current home explaining move in progress ? or do I have to wait sbd post last min after im moved in and take photos of new home? (which would be 4 days before I’m scheduled to leave…)
Do not use the wrong home/pics to sign up and make a profile. It is important to start your THS Homeowner journey with accurate details for the Sitters. Even if you are using pics of your empty new home, that’s ok, you can explain that in your profile when you fill it out. This is just a chat forum, not where you make a profile for needing a Sitter just to make sure you are clear on that.
I would get started as soon as possible, not every sit offered finds a sitter.
Given your circumstances, I don’t see that you have any other choice. If you wait until you move in and have things sorted out, you’ll be so short of time that finding a sitter is an unlikely long-shot. Interior pictures of your existing home will give fair notice on what sitters can expect in furnishings and presentation. Do be very clear in the introduction to your profile that you’ll be in a different dwelling come time for the sit. Do include descriptions of the new area, its amenities and attractions. It’s the best you can do. Good luck. I hope the move goes well and you’re able to get your home sorted out in 10 days.
Hi @Betsysmom
Sounds like a busy time.
Just a thought, are there pictures of the correct property from Zoopla/Rightmove (or similar) which could be used?
I’d recommend being as transparent as possible in the listing and subsequent conversation that furniture and other household items may not be accurate to what’s in the pictures because of the house move.
Something else to consider @Betsysmom is how well will your pets will be settled in their new home ? Especially if your pets are cats .
We house sat for a family that had moved to a new home just three weeks before our arrival. The cats were still adjusting to their new surroundings and frequently tried to escape and attempt to return to their previous home. Combined with their humans being away, the new home seemed to create additional stress for the cats.
As experienced sitters, we understood that this was a transitional period and did our best to help them feel secure. However, it did make the sit more challenging than we had anticipated. It may be worth considering whether pets have had sufficient time to settle into a new home before arranging a house sit, as the adjustment period can be difficult for both the pets and the sitters
I would say create a profile as soon as possible, get pictures of the house that will be used for the house sit, Explain everything in the listing, be honest about everything, be clear about it all.
This way a person who is going to be scrolling will know exactly what they are signing up for. That is the biggest complaint in the community, house owners not being honest in their listings.
Just be honest and you will be on the right path
Thank you to all whom replied . I agree aa to the need for transparency as to the situation and posting pictures.. I like the idea of using the zullow photos of new place .. As for pets adjusting to new place, I agree 100 %… Unfortunately I don’t have a choice as my lease ends and my current landlord doesnt have a heart.. I have family that can help but .as ironic as it may seem , I feel better with TH sitter knowing they genuinely care about my animals and will spend time with them .. . But I also understand that finding a sitter this late is a challenge in itself without the move.. My location is 2 min from the beach which is a plus with the summer weather… Thank you again for the suggestions!
Cats in a strange place with strange people, that definitely made me think potential to go wrong. Nobody can predict how they will react to the move making the sit and unknown scenario. As a sitter that would worry me. Good luck 
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