We just lock our master bedroom. Not because of sitters snooping (that never occurred to me), but I just didn’t want a stranger sleeping in my bed. 
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Snooping doesn’t occur to you, but the sitter sleeping in your bed despite being told not to does? Strange…
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Going to reply again – even though the OP may have lost interest.
On these forums and in some reviews you’ll come across some accusations of theft. I think there is a risk honestly of having anyone in your home including any kind of paid sitter. This is why some people never leave, board pets, or rely exclusively on relatives. We had a neighbor sit for us years ago. Sad story. Anywhere they were kind of obsessed with my spouse and actually went through some of his papers! I think there is less likely to be this with THS because sitters want good reviews to keep going, and it’s not as personal! People are looking for travel accomodations. They have better things to do . We’ve had a lot of sitters through the site stay in our home. We have no reason to believe they’ve gone through anything. It’s a risk. Your comment is very much about your feelings about this. If they idea of someone you don’t know well in your home when you aren’t there, if you can’t “do” the trust thing, then nope this site isn’t for you.
Regarding being judged for things in your home or your politics. In these polarized times that is a possibility. I’d suggest having things out in the open so you can find a sitter who would be comfortable in your home. Into guns? Please have a photo and you and your family enjoying guns. Or don’t forget to make sure the deer heads are in that photo of your living room! This will definitely help sitters who wouldn’t be comfortable to rule themselves out. Likewise if your believes run more in line with “In this house we believe in science” sentiments, a photo of your lawn sign would be helpful. Remember: You choose a sitter. You don’t have to take someone because they apply. This isn’t a service where THS sends you applicants. It’s a matchmaking site where people see your listing and apply and you get to say, “Nope, not for me.” (but more politiely).
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I think people that know you would be more likely curious about what’s about the house than a pet sitter. I do private sits as well. I have a client that I’ve sat for 5 times and always leaves her bedroom door open. I have never stepped inside to see it. Not interested although this is a high end home. Just interested in hanging out with the dog, sightseeing, relaxing with a good book. My motto is the less rooms I enter the less I have to clean. Even stepping in with the dog following may mean paw prints to clean. Maybe it’s my age but I really find the thought of going through drawers quite boring. We all are different with different beliefs and tastes. Your political views are of no interest to me unless you try to shove it down my throat. I never discuss my political views with homeowners. I’m there to take care of the pets and home and see the area.
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Hi @Kimbyeya
With respect I’ve done over 20 sits for a few years now and have no desire to snoop or open anything I don’t need to do. In fact one of my first sits I contacted the HO as I couldn’t find the pet brush needed to brush a long haired cat I was sitting. The HO asked if I’d opened all the lounge cupboards and drawers. I said of course not. I only open those I need!
I think you’ll find most trusted sitters will respect your privacy and really just get on with caring for your pet(s) and home.
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I think the majority don’t snoop and don’t steal, but it only takes one bad one and it is hard. What about the HO where the person took the car without permission? Who does that? Obviously there is someone on this site that would. Though most wouldn’t. I think just put a lock on the master. That wouldn’t bother me.
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@Rhe “obnoxious beliefs”…obnoxious to whom?
What an interesting comment.
I think that mindset is exactly what the OP is concerned with. That sitters will find the HO’s views to be different than their own and have strong opinions that could cause tension and concern. Perhaps not to the point of harming an animal, of course, but still.
I think it is sad that anyone has to be worried about their “obnoxious” personal views and beliefs to be judged by a sitter (or vice versa).
I actually once saw a listing that literally said “Trump supporters need not apply”. I was aghast. How terribly small minded and sad. So much for community spirit.
Why can’t we just all be mature and respectful of our differing POV’s.
I’ve been in homes that clearly are not our vibe in terms of beliefs and I find it educational and interesting. Vive la difference!
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You can lock away anything important in a room if you need. If you’re worried, find a sitter with lots of great reviews.
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I did a sit where the keys to their Ferrari were on the dresser. Guess what - I didn’t take it for a spin!
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Well, overt racism and misogyny would seem to fit the definition of ‘obnoxious’, but perhaps you or others are ok with that.
As I mentioned, the dog was adorable, and I gave him the very best of care, and looked after the house impeccably too.
The point being that, as a serious housesitter with over 100 five-star reviews, the owners’ outlook on life did not impact the care I lavished on their pet and property.
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Thank you so much for your thorough explanations and suggestions. . So many of you were kind, rather than scolding my fear, warranted or not. I thought that’s what the forum was for.
I tend to get overly nervous about new things and you called it. My fear of current politics overshadowing what I believe in my heart is the purpose of THS.
Obviously, I would not accept anyone who displayed extremist views, and I think my many photos show who I am today in my home to a potential sit.
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I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your kindness. To others who were not, I don’t believe. “assumed” people would do such things, it’s just lately I see such evil deeds I didn’t believe possible.
Again, this thanks to those who answered rather than judging the question.
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Sitters don’t sleep in my bed. Master bedroom is locked.
We have had a few sits in our home now. Not all through this site. We have had things go missing, freezer turned off accidently, plates broken and hairdryer used in our bedroom stored in a drawer, even though a hairdryer supplied in the bedroom that was being used by the sitter, just to mention a few things. Definitely made me on edge to think what else had been searched through. Each sit, i’ve learned different things, and locking away more things in a separate room is definitely one of them. It’s your home, be careful as not all sitters are angels, in saying that, the other way goes as well. When it comes down to it, it’s your home, your precious things. Just take care and learn from each experience. Good luck.
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Thanks for sharing your experience. It sounds like you’ve had some challenging situations with sitters. I’m curious though, how many of these incidents actually involved sitters from TrustedHousesitters? It’s helpful to know since experiences can really vary depending on the platform and the sitter. Of course, it’s always smart to lock away personal or valuable items, just in case. But since this is a THS platform, it wouldn’t be fair to generalize if those bad experiences were actually with sitters from elsewhere, it could give a false impression of THS sitters.
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You mentioned that you trust sitters not to snoop, but at the same time, you lock the master bedroom because you don’t trust them not to sleep in your bed. Feels like a bit of a contradiction, no?
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Three Incidents. I’m just giving a heads up, somethings are accidents, some aren’t. As I said, you just have to learn from each sit. I always lockup my jewellery and now my perfume as well. I’d lock our bedroom, but it’s where a lovely breeze comes through and keeps the top of the house lovely and cool. I like having people here, so I just adjust what I do each time. The only reason I mentioned any of this is to hear from an Owners side as well. A lot of these discussions are very much on the sitter side of things. You just do you and enjoy your animals and house being taken care of and enjoy your time away.
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I understand where you’re coming from, and it’s helpful to hear the owner’s perspective as well. That said, I couldn’t help but feel that the last sentence sounded a bit passive-aggressive. I’m not a native speaker, so maybe I’m misinterpreting it, but it came across as a bit unnecessarily snippy to me.
Im sorry? Passive aggressive? Leave you to it.
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I didn’t mean to offend you — I was just trying to understand the tone because it came across that way to me. As I said, I’m not a native speaker, so maybe I misread it. I genuinely appreciate you sharing your perspective.
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