Why Use House Sitters?

Over the last several years house sitting jobs in New Zealand have become increasingly popular, not only with house sitters themselves but also with homeowners. Because when they are planning to be away from their home for any period of time — whether for a vacation, business trip, or other obligations — they are realising that hiring quality house sitters to live on and look after their property offers a number of advantages. Sitters provide more than just a physical presence to deter burglaries. They can also take care of beloved pets, maintain the property (inside and out), and offer general peace of mind. You simply cannot put a price on peace of mind.

Below, we delve into the key benefits of using house sitters.

1. Enhanced Home Security

One of the primary concerns when leaving a home unattended is security. An empty house is an open invitation for burglars, vandals, or the everyday feral.

Deterrence Of Break-Ins: Kiwi house sitters can make the home appear lived-in because it is lived-in. They’re turning lights on and off, opening and closing curtains, parking a car in the driveway, emptying the mail box, or hanging washing on the line.

Immediate Response: In case of unusual activity or emergencies like break-ins, fires, or floods, a house sitter can promptly notify authorities and take the necessary action.

Maintenance Of Security Systems: House sitters can ensure alarm systems are functioning correctly and respond appropriately if alarms are triggered.

2. Pet Care In A Familiar Environment

Having a house sitter tending to the pets in their own home is a no-brainer.

No Stress For Pets: The owner’s fur babies can stay in their own home and among familiar surroundings, which eliminates the anxiety they can feel when roughing it in kennels or catteries full of strange noises and smells, and strange animals.

Customised Care: New Zealand house sitters provide one-on-one care and attention for the pets by following specific routines, dietary needs, and exercise schedules tailored to each animal. Pet motels cannot offer this level of individual attention because they simply have too many animals to look after at once. And it’s surprising just how many pet motels do not follow the pet owners’ instructions regarding the dietary and medical needs for their fur babies!

Health Monitoring: House sitters can keep an eye on pets for any signs of illness or distress and arrange veterinary care if necessary.

3. Regular Home Maintenance

An unoccupied home can develop issues that go unnoticed until they become significant problems. Having NZ house sitters on the property will allow for these things to be seen to promptly.

Preventative Care: House sitters in New Zealand can perform routine tasks like watering plants, mowing the lawns, tending to gardens, and maintaining pools.

Early Detection Of Problems: They can identify issues like leaks, mould, or pest infestations early, preventing costly repairs.

Upkeep Of Appliances: Regular use of appliances like heating, cooling, and plumbing systems keeps them in good working order.

4. Peace of Mind

Knowing that someone trustworthy is caring for the home allows the owners to focus on their trip without lingering worries.

Stress Reduction: Eliminates concerns about the safety and condition of the home and pets.

Regular Updates: House sitters can provide updates with photos or videos, assuring homeowners that everything is in order.

Personalised Assurance: Having someone trustworthy looking after personal belongings adds an extra layer of comfort.

5. Financial Savings

While hiring a house sitter may involve some costs, it can also lead to significant savings in other areas.

Avoiding Pet Motel Fees: The cost of boarding pets can be considerable. Using house sitters in NZ is a more economical option.

Preventing Damage Costs: Early detection of issues (e.g. faulty wiring, leaking roof) can save money on extensive repairs in the future.

Insurance Benefits: Some insurance policies can be compromised if the house is left unoccupied for extended periods of time. Having a house sitter can help meet these conditions, preventing potential policy voids.

6. Continuity Of Daily Routines

A house sitter can ensure that daily routines and responsibilities are maintained.

Mail And Package Collection: They can collect mail and packages, preventing them from piling up and signaling an empty home.

Bill Payments And Appointments: House sitters can handle scheduled deliveries or services and ensure bills are paid on time.

Care For Plants And Gardens: Regular watering and care keep plants healthy and gardens well-maintained.

7. Personal Touch And Trust

Engaging a house sitter allows for a personalised approach to home care.

Customised Instructions: Homeowners can provide specific guidelines on how they want their home and pets cared for.

Building Relationships: Regularly using the same house sitter fosters trust and also an understanding of the homeowner’s preferences.

Cultural Exchange: For international house sitters, it can be an opportunity for cultural exchange and building friendships.

8. Flexibility And Availability

House sitters often offer flexible arrangements to suit homeowners’ specific needs.

Short Or Long-Term Stays: Whether a homeowner needs someone for a weekend getaway or a months-long trip, house sitters can accommodate various durations.

Last-Minute Arrangements: In unexpected situations, house sitters can often step in on short notice.

Adaptability: They have the ability to adjust to changes in the homeowner’s schedule or additional requests as needed.

9. Better Energy Efficiency

An occupied home tends to be surprisingly more energy-efficient.

Regulated Temperature: House sitters can adjust heating or cooling systems as needed, preventing energy waste.

Monitoring Utilities: They can keep an eye on water, gas, and electricity usage, ensuring there are no leaks or wastage.

10. Increased Property Value

Regular maintenance and care can contribute to preserving, or even increasing, the property’s value.

Well-Maintained Appearance: Keeping up with cleaning and yard work enhances street appeal.

Preventing Depreciation: Addressing minor issues promptly prevents them from escalating into larger problems that could decrease property value.

Summary

As house sitting jobs in NZ are only going to become even more popular than what it currently is, it makes sense for Kiwi homeowners to take advantage of this concept because utilising a house sitter offers a comprehensive solution to the myriad concerns that come with leaving homes unattended. From enhanced security and pet care to financial savings and peace of mind, the benefits are substantial. By ensuring the home is occupied and cared for by a responsible individual, the owners can enjoy their time away with confidence, knowing that everything at home is in capable hands. Whether for short trips or extended absences, hiring a house sitter is an effective way to protect private property, care for the fur babies, and maintain daily routines, ultimately providing a worry-free experience while the owners are away.