We’re about to use a sitter for the 2nd time. The first was only a week (and turned out great). This one is 3 weeks with a different couple.
What do owners typically leave for sitters in terms of standard supplies, food, toilet paper, coffee, etc…I can see leaving something to get them started but are we responsible for leaving (for example) 3 weeks of TP? Of course, we 'll make sure we’ve left enough food/litter for them to take care of our cat for the entire time. I should add that we’re in a suburban area, 5 minutes from several supermarkets.
Any advice would be appreciated!
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There are many discussions around this topic. Please use the spyglass at the top of the page to search for them.
You will find opinions from sitters and other homeowners.
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A generic answer from me- if it was your family staying for 3 weeks would you leave TP and other basics? I know that I would. I’d also leave a basic fridge ‘welcome’ ie milk bread butter and tea/coffee/biscuits next to the kettle.
Everything else is down to them….but if they used salt/pepper/a few spices it’d be ok with me.
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Welcome to the Forum, @LasVegasLife 
I thought I’d share some existing topics on what to leave for a sitter, but do feel free to continue this thread if there are any ideas you want to bounce off others.
Leaving sitters gas or food money
Petty cash for sitters - my experience so far
What food do you leave for your house sitters?
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I would expect enough TP for my stay. If not enough in my bathroom, I will go into other bathrooms and get some. Not leaving enough TP I find a complete turn off and would never do the sit again. I may even mention it in my review. You would be treating me poorly in my eyes and I am sure you would leave a relative or friend enough toilet paper if they sat for free for you.
Most PP leave coffee, cooking oils and spices for the sitter. Beyond that is up to you. I personally bring my own coffee and some cooking things as I drive to sits but many don’t.
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@LasVegasLife When you consider the cost of toilet paper and what your sitters may use in 3 weeks- maybe 2/3 rolls a week?- its not a lot to fork out to supply this to make them feel welcome.
I’m with @Seniorsitter not providing enough, of something as basic as Toilet paper, does feel a bit tightfisted. I would expect at least a couple of weeks supply. At the current sit each bathroom has draws stuffed full of extra TP!
On the other hand we did a 3 week sit over Christmas where, although the home was very clean, we were left with just one roll of TP in each bathroom, and the last dregs of other basics like washing up liquid, clothes washing liquid, 2 pieces of kitchen towel, almost empty hand soap containers etc… Not welcoming. It was like, rather than showing generosity and ensuring good supplies of everything for their sitters, they’d consciously run down all their supplies so we could replace them all at our expense! And this at Christmas!
Perhaps that’s what previous sitters had done- especially if they were flying in/out for the sit- they had no choice. Since we planned to be in that country for some weeks after the sit we simply put all their leftovers away and bought our own products to use. At the end we put their (almost empty) stuff back and took ours with us to the next place! We didn’t feel like doing their restocking! If its just one or two products that run out during our stay- no probs- but not in the circumstances mentioned when it feels like a conscious act! 
On the positive side the couple were very friendly and gave us a glowing review.
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We leave enough for the stay of any basic thing, like TP or washing up liquid, where few people are fussed about the brand. For things that people have personal preferences about, we just leave what we have and say they can use what’s open already. If there’s anything we really don’t want them dipping into, we put it in a locked cabinet.
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Three weeks of toilet paper would be nice. But for us, unless it is just a roll or two (short stay) we usually replace what we use. No one wants to cone home and immediately have to run out and buy TP.
Yes, leaving things to get people started is nice. And offering things like spices or oils so a sitter doesn’t have to tote that stuff around with them is a nice gesture.
You can always ask the sitter what we would be beneficial for there stay. I think you will find that most experienced sitters ate self sufficient and arrive with a plan.
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Even for a 3 week stay, I would feel appreciated if the following were provided:
Toilet Paper
Soap and shampoo in shower/bath
Hand soap at each sink
Liquid soap for dishes at kitchen sink
Dishwasher soap
Paper towels
Clean sponges
Laundry soap
All necessary cleaning supplies
How much would we possibly use in 3 weeks? Maybe $20 USD worth? $40 USD?
Your generosity will be reciprocated! Kindness and thoughtfulness go a long way…
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I feel like TP is one of the basic staples to supply during a sit. I know we would feel a little put off if we showed up to one roll of TP for a 3 week sit.
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I’ve never had a sit where the hosts didn’t provide toilet paper and cleaning supplies.
I buy my own toilet paper, paper towels, dish detergent and such, though, so I can use however much I want without caring about whether hosts will mind. I usually place a delivery order from a supermarket at the start, using a standing shopping list when I sit.
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We usually travel for 8-9 weeks and we leave our sitters with enough TP, kleenex, paper towels, cleaning products and things we don’t expect the sitters to buy such as basic kitchen staples. Also because we have a very nice coffee machine (espresso, capuccino, latte) that doesn’t accept all types of coffee beans we leave enough coffee beans for the duration of the sit. We also ask our sitters if they need anything for their first few days (bread, milk) so that they do not have to go out right away for groceries. Finally we leave them some goodies such as homemade fudge, fresh pastries and a few bottles of wine. Halfway through the sit we have some chocolates delivered “from the cats” to thank them. Our motto is “happy sitters happy cats”. 
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That’s so cute! 
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I am the kind of sitter who doesn’t want to impose. I have been known to carry my own spices (I travel with public transit) and buy all my own staples – like milk, butter, coffee. Sometimes the host makes it clear that I can use their supplies, but I feel weird. I even replace paper towels that I have used. The one thing I don’t ever think about using is TP. If I ran out I would buy more and leave extra for the host, but I wouldn’t consider it too much to use their TP. My boundaries are odd.
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Definitely a conscious act. Glad you took your supplies and gave them back all their empty bottles.
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I just looked at your profile and it shows you’re from Canada. I loved my sits in Canada! The most relaxed and generous sits I had.
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@gchampagne You sound like lovely thoughtful hosts! The chocolates from the cats is such a cute and original idea. 
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As a homeowner, I want the sitters to have enough TP, spices, oil, condiments, etc. I love that they are taking care of my pet that I love more than a roll of toilet paper, etc. They have use of whatever I have in my home except for liquor. I will leave some beer/wine if they want that.
If we happen to run out of something they need but can’t take with them (i.e. like ketchup, laundry detergent, etc.) I will pay them for it if they buy it.
I am saving so much money, but more importantly my pet is happy staying at home. Don’t sweat the small stuff and make your home as welcoming as possible. Consider if you would put limits on those same items if you had family visit.
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Spell out exactly what you will and won’t provide.
I always bring enough food for a day or 2.
Some people leave me more than I can eat!
On the third sit, it’s like a rock band rider, beer, food, snacks, etc.
Another on a third sit got mad that I used her laundry detergent on a 3 week sit, and it was my fourth stay! I thought we were friends!
I’ve never been shorted on TP before!
I use THS, to travel.
In San Diego and Santa Barbara, I have my own clients, several years, several sits. They like my work, they pay well, they provide food, and TP, and laundry detergent!
When their referrals ask my rates, I ask how many dog walks, injections, diaper changes, how many sheep, or head of cattle, donkeys, etc. If a vineyard, how much water pump inspection, supervision of labor.
I keep every conversation by email. I photograph before and after, and boy, I hate to embarrass people who make baseless accusations, when I simply have evidence, like, that their cat knocked over the glass, I cleaned it up as best I could, etc, they’re ants coming through your electrical outlets, it’s just amazing! And let’s not forget, the Classic, I hope you don’t mind, we got a pit bull rescue yesterday…
Salient point is, be truthful about your expectations.
Be it a paid client, or a THS transaction, I tell them to spell EVERYTHING out, no matter how simple, it looks. That way, I can meet, and exceed, all expectations.
In my paid world, I sometime have 3 people wanting me, for the same time. I’ve built up relationships with other pro sitters, so I can recommend them. They make me look good, and when they refer me, I don’t want to let them down!
THS, some people I stay with, when I’m travelling up the coast, to a far away sit. I can stay anytime.
So, you can be cold, no contact, lavish, I really don’t care. I’m the type that will abide by a kosher house, no microwaves, no alcohol, foods that the house people are allergic to, it’s all good.
Some of the demands I’ve heard that sitters make, make me look good!
Honesty, openess, respect.
(edited by Forum team to keep post within our Community Guidelines around kindness and respect)
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Please leave enough toilet paper and kitchen roll for 3 weeks. Also, bin bags, dishwasher tablets, washing up liquid and laundry detergent. Shampoo and conditioner should be offered. I’m always delighted when owners leave me bread and milk for that first day. I always leave the same for them, especially if they are coming back late in the evening. A box of chocs and/or bottle of wine says you care. I am always in demand. I often do repeat sits. If I had to buy my own supplies I wouldn’t go back. Not when there are so many generous hosts out there. This isn’t an airbnb where you provide a starter pack. But your home where your beloved guests should be treated like family for the duration of their stay as they are giving up three weeks of their lives to care for your furry family. Hope it all goes well, as I’m sure it will!
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