The short answer: leave your sitter a one-page guide with your contacts and emergency numbers, the address and Wi-Fi, pet and plant care, keys and alarm codes, where the water shutoff and breaker panel are, trash days, and who to call if something breaks. Walk them through it in person once, then leave it somewhere obvious.
The same sheet works for a pet sitter, a friend watering plants or a babysitter. If you'd rather send it to their phone than print it, a shareable guest guide does the same job and is easy to update.
A week before, and the day before
- A week before: stock up on pet food, medicine, litter and any supplies the sitter will use. Book anything you'll need, like a mail hold or a lawn service visit.
- Test the safety basics: press the test button on each smoke and CO alarm. The U.S. Fire Administration and CPSC both say to test them monthly, so this is a good time.
- The day before: walk the sitter through the house. Show them the water shutoff, the breaker panel, the thermostat and the alarm keypad, and let them try the keys and codes.
- Before you leave: empty the fridge of anything that will spoil, take out the trash and leave the sheet on the counter.
The sitter information sheet (printable)
| Section | What to write down | Your notes |
|---|---|---|
| Your contacts | Your phone numbers, where you're staying, the dates you're away and when you'll be back | |
| Home address | The full street address, for a 911 call or a delivery | |
| Backup contact | A nearby friend or neighbor who has a key and can make decisions if you can't be reached | |
| Wi-Fi and TV | Network name, password, and how the TV and streaming work | |
| Keys, codes and alarm | Which key fits which door, the garage code, the alarm code and what to do if it goes off by mistake | |
| Pets | Food amounts and times, medicines, walks, litter, quirks, and the vet's name, number and address | |
| Plants and yard | Which plants need water and how often, sprinkler timer, and any yard service visits | |
| The house | Water main shutoff, breaker panel, thermostat settings, and any temperamental doors or appliances | |
| Trash and mail | Trash and recycling days, where the bins go, and whether mail is on hold | |
| Who to call | Plumber, electrician, HVAC company, landlord or HOA, and your insurer's claims number |
Pets
This is the section sitters read most, so be specific. Write the amount of food in cups, not "a scoop". List medicines with the dose and time, and leave them out where the sitter can find them. Note anything unusual: the cat that hides under the bed, the dog that slips its collar, the neighbor's dog to avoid on walks. Leave the vet's details and your emergency vet's address, and tell your vet who will be looking after your pet.
Plants and yard
Group indoor plants that need water and say how much and how often. If the sprinklers are on a timer, say so, and say whether the sitter should touch it. Note any service visits, like a lawn crew or pool service, so a stranger in the yard isn't a surprise.
The house: shutoffs, breaker, thermostat
- Water main shutoff: show the sitter where it is and how to turn it. Triple-I says knowing where the main shutoff is lets you stop the water fast in an emergency.
- Washer valves: if nobody will be doing laundry, consider turning them off before you go. Our washing machine hose guide explains why.
- Breaker panel: label it if it isn't labeled, and say which breaker runs anything that trips often.
- Thermostat: write down the settings you want and ask the sitter not to change the schedule unless it's needed.
Emergencies
- Fire: if a smoke alarm sounds and there's a fire, get everyone out, then call 911 or the fire department. The U.S. Fire Administration warns that you may have less than 2 minutes to escape once the alarm sounds. Show the sitter two ways out and an outdoor meeting spot.
- Carbon monoxide: if the CO alarm goes off, the sitter shouldn't look for the cause. CPSC says to get out to fresh air, call 911 or the fire department, and stay out until responders say it's safe. See our carbon monoxide detector guide for where alarms should be.
- Water leak: turn off the water main, then call the plumber on the list and you.
- Anything else broken: call the backup contact first. Say what the sitter can approve on their own and what needs your OK.
When you get back
Ask the sitter what happened while you were away: anything that broke, ran low or seemed off. Pay them back for supplies, collect the keys, and change the Wi-Fi password or alarm code if you shared your main ones. Then update the sheet while it's fresh, so it's ready for next time.
Questions people ask
What should I leave for a house sitter?
A one-page sheet with your contacts, emergency numbers and address, the Wi-Fi details, pet and plant care, keys and alarm codes, where the water shutoff and breaker panel are, trash days, and who to call if something breaks. Add enough pet food and supplies to last the whole trip, plus a few days.
Should I leave money for supplies?
It helps. Leave a small amount for things like pet food or cleaning supplies, or agree in advance how you'll pay the sitter back, and ask them to keep receipts.
Do I need to tell my insurer I'll have a house sitter?
Check your policy. Rules on who can stay in your home and how long it can be left without a regular occupant vary, so ask your agent if you're unsure.
How do I share the Wi-Fi safely?
If your router supports a guest network, give the sitter that instead of your main password. Otherwise, consider changing the password after they leave.
What should I do about the mail?
Ask the sitter to bring it in, or use USPS Hold Mail, which holds mail for 3 to 30 days at no charge. Tell the sitter either way so they know what to expect.
Does this work as a babysitter information sheet?
Yes. Keep the contacts, address, emergency and house sections, and swap the pet section for each child's routines, allergies, medicines and bedtimes.
Let Tagwell remember for you
Add this to your home in a tap, get a reminder when it's due, and keep the part details on file. Free to start.
Sources
- CPSC: Carbon monoxide questions and answers
- CPSC: CO alarms
- U.S. Fire Administration: Smoke alarms
- U.S. Fire Administration: Home fire escape plans
- Triple-I: How to protect your home from water damage
- USPS: Hold Mail
General guidance only. Follow your manufacturer's instructions, and call a licensed professional for gas, electrical, roofing or anything that feels unsafe.