travel checklist house sitting

Packing List for House Sitting

You’re getting ready for a house sit and you don’t know what to pack.

Maybe it’s your first house-sitting gig. Maybe it’s just the first time you’ll be sitting for more than a couple of days.

No matter why you’re unsure about a packing list, we’ve got you covered.

This article will discuss the items you should (and shouldn’t) pack!

Table of Contents

What Should I Pack When House Sitting?

You should pack everything you think you’ll need. Don’t expect the homeowner to leave anything for you to use.

Many homeowners will let you use some of their food and hygiene items. If you’re packing light, you can ask about this ahead of time.

You can also run to the store if you need something simple. But some personal items aren’t easy to find. 

If you’re a digital nomad, you probably have all of this figured out. Newer house sitters might be wondering where to start!

House Sitter Packing Checklist

Digital nomads may have everything they need in a couple of suitcases. If you don’t travel constantly, you might need some advice for packing.

This packing checklist covers all the essential items!

Most importantly, you’ll want to pack clothes. To decide which clothes to pack, consider where you’re going.

Will you be house-sitting on the beach? Maybe you’ll be in a city where you’ll do a lot of walking.

Also, consider the weather. You’ll pack different items of clothing for winter in Canada than you would for summer in Arizona.

You should only need to pack a couple of outfits. Ask the homeowner if you can use their washing machine when you need clean clothes. If not, you can find a local laundromat.

If you won’t be able to wash clothes, then you may need to pack an outfit for every day.

It’s good to have a collection of clothes that cover all your bases. You may want comfy outfits and dressy clothes if you plan to explore the area.

Most professional house sitters will bring their food. Fortunately, you don’t have to pack this in your suitcase!

You can visit a local supermarket to stock up on the foods you will need during your house sit.

Homeowners may even let you use some of their pantry staples or any refrigerated food. Always check with the homeowner before making yourself at home.

Also, ask about their kitchen appliances. You may need a kettle if you make tea every day.

While some homeowners won’t mind if you use their shampoo, it’s nice to bring your toiletries.

This ensures that you have what you want and don’t use up all of theirs.

We recommend using shampoo bars instead of liquid shampoo. Do this with any item that you can find a solid version of!

It can be hard to travel with liquid toiletries. And travel-size bottles aren’t always enough.

Not only will it save space, but it will also save money and reduce plastic!

You may also want to bring some first aid supplies. You don’t want to search the house for a bandage when you’re bleeding profusely.

Don’t forget to pack any medicine you use! You don’t want to go without any prescribed medication. And if you use allergy meds regularly, it would be nice to have them handy when you need them.

Electronics

Make sure you can communicate with others while you travel.

If you are house-sitting abroad, you should check with your current phone provider. Many phone carriers will allow you international calling options. Others are not as convenient.

Fortunately, with wi-fi, you can communicate globally pretty easily. However, you can’t always count on having wi-fi.

You might also want to bring a laptop for work or in case something happens to your phone. A laptop sleeve will help keep it safe so you don’t need to worry about any broken laptop issues!

If you don’t speak the local language, you may also want to download some communication apps. This will help you to get around more easily.

While most homeowners will let you use their bed and bedding, it’s good to double-check first. 

If you’re particular about your pillow or blanket, you may want to bring your own anyway.

What Should I Pack For A Long-Term House Sit?

For a long-term house sit, you will pack the same types of items. However, you may need to pack more of them.

If you like to pack a lot of clothes, consider using compression packing cubes. If you can cut down on the number of suitcases, you can also lower your luggage fees!

If you plan to go from house to house, look up digital nomad essentials and find a great digital nomad packing list. This will make it easy for you to travel without having a home base.

An important digital nomad packing trip: try your best to pack items that have multiple uses.

Athletic shoes that also look cute with a dressy outfit? Perfect!

A sweater that will keep you warm on the airplane but matches each of your outfits? Great!

A phone that can be used for literally thousands of important tasks? Better pack that!

What Should I Not Pack When House Sitting?

Pet sitters shouldn’t need to pack anything for the pets. The homeowner should provide anything their furry friends need.

However, you could pack a few pet toys or even treats. Just ask the pet owner if you can feed them special treats while they’re gone.

The biggest digital nomad packing tip is to only lug around the stuff you use. If you might use it a few times, just go without it.

The concept of house-sitting provides the perfect opportunity for a digital nomad life. House sitting provides incredible opportunities for anyone who wants to travel for free or full-time.

You can spend a couple of days in a dream house. Then spend a few weeks in an amazing city.

Whether you incorporate many travel days or just want to save money on rent, house-sitting is a great way to do this.

And now you know how to pack for your first house-sitting opportunity!

Author: Britt I am Britt I have been house sitting and pet sitting for the past 7 years. I have cared for 25 dogs, 35 cats 1 turtle, and 1 rabbit over 80+ houses in 15 countries.

The opportunity to experience different homes, cultures, and communities has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Through house sitting platforms like Aussie House Sitters, and Trusted House Sitters, I’ve connected with homeowners seeking reliable sitters. This unique way of living has not only allowed me to save money on accommodation but also offered a plethora of cultural exchange opportunities.

Being a member of these platforms has not only broadened my horizons but also opened doors to short and long-term house-sitting jobs. I’ve found joy in providing excellent pet care and ensuring the home is well maintained.

I get many questions about how to get start as a house sitters, so if you have any questions please reach out! I want everyone to enjoy this incredible lifestyle as well! You can read more about about Jay and me here! Or connect with me on Facebook or in our house sitting community on Facebook

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Detailed Checklist Items For A House Sitter

The entire purpose of a vacation is to decompress and leave all your stresses behind. Some may find that a bit difficult when they leave they walk away from their home and head towards the airport. House sitters are a great way to keep your anxieties about potential home problems at bay when you travel. The best way to ensure a successful and seamless house-sitting experience is to create a thoughtful checklist.

When you create a checklist for your house sitter it is imperative you include how to get in touch with you and also other pertinent emergency contacts. Next, you should include important dates of note, including trash and recycling days, plant watering days, and the lawn care schedule. Detailed information about your security alarm, emergency first aid, wifi network, and any necessary household facts should be included as well.

Once you sit down to make a list for your house sitter, you might realize there is more information to pass along than you might have thought. What has become second nature to you in your day-to-day life in the home might be completely foreign to someone unfamiliar with your home.

Before you panic, take a breath and keep reading. Below are six important information categories you should make sure you consider and include in your checklist. Once you go through each of these categories and include the necessary information, you can rest easy by the pool, knowing your house sitter has all the information needed to ensure a stress-free stay.

Six Types Of Information To Include In Every House Sitter Checklist

1. your contact information, your cell phone number.

Perhaps the most important piece of information you should leave with your house sitter is information on how to reach you in case of an emergency. Yes, this checklist should make that need very unlikely, but you never know what strange scenario might pop up.

If you are traveling internationally outside your service zone, let them know the best way to reach you. If you can receive texts or are using an app like WhatsApp for communication, note that on the checklist.

E-mail address

Include the e-mail address you use frequently. This can come in handy if there is a non-emergency, but the house sitter still wants to pass you some information. It is helpful to let them know how frequently you plan to check this email on your trip.

Trip Itinerary With Reservations Information

If you worry you might be out of reach of wifi or technology, it might be helpful to be a bit old school and provide the names of your accommodations. At the very least, your house sitter can send a message to your hotel if they need to reach you.

Return Date and Time

Include your return date and time near the top of your checklist, ideally with your flight or travel information. This allows your guests to know when to expect you home. No one likes that kind of surprise.

2. Relevant Emergency Contacts

In addition to your contact information, it is always good to leave contact numbers for those who live locally. This way, if there is a particular issue you can have a trusted individual swing by the house.

Nearby Relatives. If you have any close relatives who you invite over frequently and know the house, put one or two of them down as an emergency contact. Be sure you let them know you are using them as an emergency contact to avoid any confusion or panic.

Close Neighbor. If you have a neighbor you are close and neighborly with, they can be a great addition to the emergency contact list. They can even be a go-to if the house sitter has a garbage, lawn, or even HOA question.

Emergency Contractor Contacts. If you have a trusted handyman or someone who has done quality emergency work on your home in the past, jot that number down. Some types of professional contacts that may be helpful include the following.

• Electrician

3. Important Calendar Dates

While you aren’t trying to put your housekeeper to work, necessarily, there are some chores and responsibilities that come along with staying in a home. Trash collection, recycling, plants, and lawn maintenance are all part of living in a home. Creating a calendar, or specific days to note is a very helpful tool for your house sitter. It also makes it far less likely that you will return with full garbage bins. Some important dates usually include the following.

• Recycling Days
• Trash Pickup Days
• Lawn Care Schedule (if you have a landscaper) 
• Watering Schedule (indoor and outdoor plants)
• Holidays or Periods Of Construction

4. Important Household Facts

There are some aspects of house sitting that are universal, but others are more specific to your home. Take a bit of time to consider what specific knowledge your house sitter might need about your dwelling. Here are some popular specifics.

How To Properly Secure The Home

Make sure you go over which doors need to be locked and which ones are secure. If there are any tricks to locking doors or windows, you might want to go over those in person, as some locks can be a bit tricky.

Fire, First Aid, and Power Outage Information

While unlikely, power outages do happen. Think about what needs to be reset in your home in the event of a power outage, and the steps to do so. It would also be handy to point out the location of flashlights and candles.

Informative Guide To Electrical Panel

If you have a house that is prone to tripped fuses, or outages, you should certainly show your house sitter the location of the electric panel. It can’t hurt to give a quick tutorial, or at least clearly label the important switches on the panel in case of an electrical issue.

Spare Key Information

If you keep a spare key hidden, let your guest know where you hide it. This can save a call to the locksmith or an emergency call to your family member.

5. Alarm Systems And Wifi Information

Alarm codes and wifi information is also critical. While not all homes have security systems, if yours does, this would be the place to include a step-by-step guide on how to arm and disarm the system.

Below these instructions, make sure you leave the number for the security company, and any other necessary information your guest might need if they run into an issue (i.e., after a power outage or a problem disarming the alarm).

Wifi Information is also important. Make sure you list the network name as well as the password. Let your guest know the location of the router, and also how to reset it. Routers sometimes need to be reset, including after a power outage. This is also the place where you should leave the phone number for your internet company’s customer service.

6. Pet Care Information

Sometimes you have a house sitter to keep your house from feeling vulnerable, while other times you also require a pet sitter. If you have a pet that requires attention in addition to the home, you should add an additional sheet with the following information pertaining to the animal.

Locations Of All Pet Supplies. Everything from leashes, to toys, to poop bags, and everything in between. Remember, if you are gone for more than a week, the animal may require a bath or some form of cleaning.

Feeding Schedule. Write down a detailed feeding schedule, step by step, exactly as you follow it. Having the food easily accessible and labeled if needed is always helpful.

How and Where To Walk. If your pet requires walks, suggesting typical walking routes (with a map) is a good idea. This helps guide the pet sitter on how far your animal needs to be walked, and what routes it knows.

Bathroom Disposal Information.

Whether it is a litter box, pooper scooper, or bag method, your animal’s poop will need scooping. Go over what routine you have established for this (try to make this as seamless as possible for your pet sitter).

Medication Information. Some animals require daily medications for an ailment or because they are aging. If this is the case, leave detailed instructions on what, how much, and when to provide this medication.

Vet Contact Information. Leave your vet’s name and contact information. Also, leave the number for the emergency line at your preferred veterinary hospital.

Summing Up Checklists For Your House Sitter

The point of having a house sitter is so you don’t have to worry about your home while you are on vacation. Leaving a detailed checklist for your house sitter ensures the guest will have all the information in case a situation arises.

Most importantly, include your emergency contact numbers and trip itinerary. Be sure to include any important calendar dates like trash pickup and your plant watering schedule. Alarm code, emergency kits, and wifi information are all essential, as is information about your electrical panel in case of a power outage.

Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.

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House Sitting Checklist Template & Instructions: Prepare for a House Sitter

by Lisa Bull | Last updated Feb 16, 2024 | Home Owner Guides

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details.

While it’s easy to find a house sitter through popular sites like Trusted Housesitters , the next thing to think about is how to prepare for your house sitter .

I’m a professional pet sitter in Sydney, and I’ve completed over 170 house sits in Australia. I’ve put together this handy house sitter instructions template and house sitting checklist to help homeowners like you avoid any mishaps.

I’ve come across all kinds of house owners since I started house sitting, from those who’ve thought of every eventuality to those who’ve simply handed me the keys and left.

There are many things you should do in order to ensure the safety and comfort of your home, pets and house sitter before you go on holiday, so here’s my house sitter checklist and expert guide on how to prepare for your house sitter.

If you prefer, you can watch my YouTube video below!

House Sitting Preparation Contents

Click on the following items in my house sitter checklist to jump straight to a topic.

• 1. Write Clear House Sitter Instructions

2. Go Through Pet Care & Household Procedures

• 3. Vet & Pet Preparation
• 4. Prepare Your House for Your House Sitter

5. Notify Your House Sitter of Your Return

1. write house sitter instructions.

One of the most crucial ways to prepare for your house sitter is to leave them a list of expected duties and important information they might require while you’re away.

Prepare this in advance so you’re not in a panic the night before your holiday. Preferably type it up and print it out so that it’s legible and can be easily updated next time.

Click here to download my free printable house sitting instructions template and printable house sitter checklist.

Here’s the standard information to fill out in your house sitter instructions:

EMERGENCY CONTACTS – Who should your house sitter contact in an emergency? Write down names, phone numbers, if they live close by and whether they have a spare key.

VET DETAILS – List your vet’s name, address and phone number, and an out-of-hours emergency number if possible.

YOUR CONTACT DETAILS – Where you’ll be and how you can be contacted. Do you wish to receive regular updates or photos of the animals?

YOUR RETURN DATE – What day and time you’ll be back. Where should your house sitter leave the keys if they need to depart earlier in the day?

ANIMAL FEEDING – How often, how much and where the food is kept.

DOG WALKING – When, where, how long for, whether you let them off the leash and where the leash and poo bags are kept.

PET MEDICATION – List any medical conditions, what medication to give, how much and how to administer it.

PET ZONES – Where your pets sleep, any rooms or furniture they’re banned from, and what you do with them when you go out.

HOUSEHOLD JOBS – What you need your house sitter to do while you’re away, e.g. empty the mailbox daily, water plants, poop scoop.

HIRED HELP – Dates and times any cleaners or gardeners will visit, and whether they have their own key.

WI-FI – Network name and password.

NETFLIX – Any passwords for the TV.

BIN COLLECTION – Which bins go out on which days, where they are kept and where they are collected from.

IDIOSYNCRASIES – Does your house have any funny little quirks that you’re so used to you don’t think about? Any sticky buttons on appliances that need pressing extra hard? Chairs that aren’t stable? Frying pans that need oiling after use?

LOCAL AREA – If your house sitter isn’t familiar with your area, it’s helpful to note down the closest supermarket and hospital, recommended cafes or restaurants and any local attractions they might be interested in.

It’s standard to invite your house sitter over to your home for a meet and greet before agreeing to give them the job. You can read more about this is my post on how to find a reliable house sitter .

Either during the meet and greet, or when the house sitter arrives to start the sit, you should run through your pets’ routines and how things work in your house.

How much detail you go into is up to you; I’ve experienced everything from simply being handed the keys with no information to an hour-long walk around showing me every light switch, electrical appliance, book, DVD and a drive around the area!

Remember there is only so much the human brain can take in, so try not to go overboard, or the important things could be forgotten. Run through all the applicable things I detailed in point one, plus the following house sitter checklist items:

PET CARE – Show your house sitter where the pet food, medication and dog leads are kept, and run through the routines and feeding schedules.

HOUSEHOLD JOBS – Go through the jobs you’ve listed, and show the house sitter where everything is, e.g. cleaning products, kitty litter, hose pipes.

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES – Give a quick demo of anything that’s not self-explanatory, and show them any items that are hidden away, e.g. a microwave inside a cupboard, a washing machine in a garage or a TV with multiple remote controls.

KEYS AND LOCKS – Go through your locking-up routine. Which key is for which door? Do you close window shutters when you go out or need to double lock the door from the outside?

VEHICLES & PARKING  – Can the house sitter park on your drive? Is there a code for the carpark if you live in an apartment? Will you offer them use of your car for emergencies or transporting wet dogs to and from beaches or dog parks?

WI-FI – Get your house sitter hooked up to your Wi-Fi before you leave. I’ve had lots of issues with incorrect passwords and not knowing which network belongs to the owner.

FOOD – House sitters usually provide their own food, but if there are perishables going to waste do tell your house sitters to help themselves. Also let them know if you’re happy for them to use your tea, coffee and pantry items.

3. Vet & Pet Preparation

Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccines before you leave and stock up on pet food, kitty litter, doggy poop bags and any medication they might need. Think about what would happen if your pet fell ill and needed to see the vet and how this would be paid for.

I’ve had about seven vet visits during my time as a house sitter. I even had to pay for two of the visits myself and wait for the owners to reimburse me on their return. Not all house sitters would be willing or financially able to do that.

Ideally, let your vet know that you’ll be away and ask if you can leave your credit card details or pay any fees on your return.

Some pet owners even fill out a euthanasia form giving the house sitter permission to make the decision in the worst-case scenario. Alternatively, you could allocate a nearby friend or relative to take charge if your pet gets ill or leave an emergency cash fund with the house sitter.

4. How to Prepare Your House for a House Sitter

It’s common courtesy to make sure your house is clean and tidy before your house sitter arrives, just as your sitter should leave it clean for your return.

I know for most people this is fairly obvious, but believe me I’ve had some shockers! The following house sitter checklist explains how to prepare your house for a house sitter, including what is standard in terms of providing towels/household products etc.

Click here to download my free printable house sitter checklist and house sitting instructions template.

BATHROOM – No scummy sinks, baths or hairy floors. Leave a clean set of towels for your house sitter.

KITCHEN – No food clogging the sink, mouldy vegetables, half-eaten takeaways in the fridge or dirty dishes. Leave clean cloths and tea towels, and clear room in the fridge and pantry for your house sitter. This is the perfect opportunity to throw away the 20 bottles of out-of-date dressings in your fridge!

BEDROOM – Dust, vacuum and above all else put on clean sheets. Not changing the bedding is beyond vile. If you only have one set at least put them in the wash so your house sitter can put them back on in the evening. If it’s a long house sit it’s great if you can clear a bit of space in your wardrobe.

LIVING AREAS – Dust, vacuum and clear excessive junk.

DIRTY LAUNDRY – This should be in your laundry basket and nowhere else. Don’t leave sweaty sportswear in the washing machine or your clothes strewn across the floor. I once spent a week stepping over one lady’s dirty clothes on the bathroom floor and had to move her worn knickers off the edge of the bath before I could use it. Yes, a LADY!

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS – Make sure you’re stocked up on toilet roll, washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets, clean cloths, cleaning sprays and bin bags. Don’t leave your sitter ancient scourers that have turned black.

VALUABLES – I would personally lock away any valuables like jewellery just in case, particularly if I don’t know the house sitter. You may wish to move expensive breakables too in case of any accidents.

NEIGHBOURS – If you’re friendly with your neighbours do tell them you’ll be using a house sitter, and if they’re one of your emergency contacts introduce them if possible.

This sounds really obvious, but make sure you tell your house sitter when you’ll be returning . The number of owners that have given me the wrong time, or even date, of their return is unbelievable!

It takes me around four hours to pack, clean and load the car after a house sit. If you need to cut your holiday short, make sure you give your sitter plenty of notice, especially if they’ll be out at work in the day.

If you’ll be back in the evening and need your sitter to stick around, check if they can stay that long. Lots of house sitters may need to go straight to their next sit in the morning. If you’re flying back, send them a text when you set off home from the airport with an ETA.

Hopefully I’ve covered all the important items you need on my house sitter checklist in terms of how to prepare your house for your house sitter and how to get your pets ready!

If you haven’t found a house sitter yet, my recommended website is Trusted Housesitters. They differ from other sites by offering a choice of homeowner membership tiers that can include cancellation insurance, home and contents protection, money-back guarantee and free video calls with vets! Click here to get 20% off an annual membership with Trusted Housesitters . You can also join for free if you want to look through sitters first. Just pay within 30 days to get your discount.

To learn more about finding a house sitter, have a read of my guides on how to find a reliable house sitter and how to write an advert for a house sitter .

To learn more about house sitting, check out my guide on what house sitting is or browse all my house sitting guides .

Happy house sitting and happy holidays!

Lisa Bull, founder of Dreaming of Down Under, has been living in Australia as a British expat since 2015. After travelling to every state and territory in Australia and living in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney, Lisa knows from first-hand experience the best destinations to visit in Australia and the best budget travel tips. Her guides on this blog have been read by over 700k readers and helped thousands of people achieve their dream of living in or travelling Australia.

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Hi, I'm Lisa, a British expat living in Sydney. I've travelled almost the whole Australian coastline and love sharing detailed travel and migration guides to inspire other adventurous souls to travel or move to Australia. Read more about me!

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How to Prepare for a House Sitter: Checklist and Guide

So you’re going on a big vacation or an urgent trip and need to know how to prepare for a house sitter. You’re in the right place! I’ll give you a checklist and guide for making sure everything goes smoothly?

Who am I to talk about house sitting? I’m an experienced house and pet sitter who’s been doing this since 2014! My longest sit was for two months in Connecticut with FIVE cats. I’m currently on a house sit in Florida caring for four cats. Trust me, I know my stuff!

Homeowners FAQ About House Sitters

Do you leave food for house sitters.

You can, but it’s not expected. Most of the time, homeowners will tell me, “You’re welcome to anything in the fridge or pantry!” and just let me eat whatever food they’ve left in the house.

When I developed a closer relationship with homeowners who invited me back multiple times to sit for them, on the third visit, they asked me to send them a list of all the foods and beverages I wanted. They then stocked the fridge with these items before my arrival. It was SO sweet of them and much appreciated!

How much should I pay a house sitter per day?

This varies WIDELY. I personally have never charged for house sitting because I go through TrustedHousesitters and it’s not allowed. Plus, I view house sitting as a fair exchange: You’re getting free pet care, housekeeping, and boarding services, and I’m getting a free place to stay.

From what I’ve researched, $75 per day seems to be the average for in-home house and pet sitters.

What do you stock a house sitter with?

It is absolutely crucial that you stock your house with all the items your pet and home need during your absence. That means things like pet food, treats, kitty litter, and cleaning supplies. You don’t want to leave on a month-long trip and leave your sitter in a tricky situation because they ran out of food for your dog.

During one house sit, the owner had a subscription with Chewy, so the dog food got delivered automatically every 4 weeks. It was so nice to not have to worry about finding the right brand! It just came to the doorstep.

Where does a house sitter sleep?

In a bed, hopefully! Depending on the size of the house, homeowners either ask me to sleep in their guest room or in their master bedroom.

What do you give a house sitter?

If your house sitter charges money for their services, obviously, pay them their rate! But beyond that, you don’t have to give sitters anything. Sometimes, homeowners bring me back a small souvenir from their trip—but that is not expected nor necessary!

Simply showing your appreciation via your words is often enough. 🙂

What information should I leave for house sitting?

You should leave all the information about your house, property, and pets that the sitter will need to succeed. Below, I’ll give you a house sitter checklist (including a free template printable!) to help you out.

House Sitter Checklist for Homeowners to Leave for Their Sitter (FREE Printable Included!)

✅ create a welcome guide for your sitter (free printable).

• Your full name and contact information
• A LOCAL emergency contact
• An emergency contact for if the sitter can’t get ahold of you
• The 24/7 emergency vet you’d like your sitter to take your pet to in the event of an emergency
• Pet feeding/medication schedule
• Pet playing/walking schedule
• How often you’d like to receive updates while you’re away and through what mode of communication (texts, emails, photos, videos, etc.)
• Important information about the house
• Garbage/recycling/compost schedule
• Mail collection and storage
• Start your car every other week
• Water the rose bush
• Your arrival and departure dates and times and when you expect your sitter to arrive and depart

Download my free house sitter checklist here

✅ Meet your sitter in person before you leave OR do a walkthrough of your house on video chat

If your sitter is arriving from out of state or out of country, it’s VERY typical to do a video interview and confirm them before you actually meet them in person.

Then, they typically arrive the day before you leave to meet you, tour the house, and meet the pets. They may stay with you that night or they may find a hotel or Airbnb (it’s nice for you to offer them a place to stay, but it’s not always necessary).

If your house sitter is local, meet them in person before you confirm them. This ensures the most success.

Sometimes, you never meet your sitter. You might select a sitter from out of the country, video chat with them, and then you might have them arrive and depart when you’ve already left on your trip. If you choose to do this, BE SURE to do a video house tour to familiarize them with everything.

✅ Figure out how you will handle key handoff and return

I’ve had sits where the homeowner had keypad entry, and they created a special code for me. I’ve also had sits where I had a physical copy of the key and simply left it inside the house, locked the door from the inside, and then shut the door when I was ready to check out.

✅ Clean your house as though a guest is coming

This item is CRUCIAL. There’s nothing worse than arriving for a sit at a house that hasn’t been cleaned. Treat your sitter as a guest.

• Put clean sheets on the bed.
• Clean the toilet and shower/bath.
• Vacuum and mop.

✅ Stock your house with all the necessary pet and housekeeping supplies needed for the duration of your absence

Calculate how much food your pet will need while you’re gone and stock your house with enough supplies. Also make sure your sitter has enough things such as toilet paper, trash bags, and the like.

✅ Notify your sitter of any changes in pet behavior/health

Sometimes, you confirm a sitter months in advance, but as you get closer to your trip, your pet may have changes to their health. Be sure to tell your sitter about this!

✅ Disclose any cameras or recording devices on the property

Recording devices such as pet cams and Ring doorbell cameras are becoming more and more common on my house sits. You need to let your sitter know about any recording devices on the property and ensure they are okay with it. For instance, one couple asked me if they could keep the pet camera on in the kitchen while I stayed there for two months. I did NOT feel comfortable with this.

Almost all of my homeowners have outdoor cameras pointing to their front yard, and I am totally fine with this.

✅ If you rent, notify your landlord that a sitter will be at the premises and for how long

✅ notify your neighbors that a sitter will be on the property (if you’re close to your neighbors), ✅ check your homeowner’s insurance.

Typically, damage done to your property by the sitter or any liability if someone gets hurt on your property during your sitter’s stay would be covered by homeowner’s insurance. But please be sure to check with your insurance company.

✅ Ensure you bring a spare key with you and/or leave one with a neighbor or friend

If your sitter gets locked out or loses your key, how will you manage? Be sure to have extra copies and keep one for yourself and leave one with your neighbor if possible.

✅ Ensure you’ve set up auto payment of bills while you’re away

This is especially important for long sits. You don’t want the electricity shut off because you forgot to pay the electric bill while you were away!

✅ Save your sitter’s name and number to your phone

Seems simple, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to do this. Also, if you tend to keep your phone in Do Not Disturb Mode, be sure to add your sitter to your Favorites so, if they call, it’ll break through and ring to you. This is important for emergencies.

✅ Make sure your sitter saves your name and number to their phone

✅ update your pet’s vaccinations, medication, do a wellness checkup before you leave.

Make sure your pet is healthy before you leave. Or if your pet has known ailments, make sure it’s under control and that you leave enough instructions for your sitters to take good care of them (such as medication instructions).

✅ Bathe your dog before you leave

As a dog sitter, I always appreciate this!

Further Reading...

14 Cute Small Patio Decorating Ideas on a Budget

How to Live Rent Free: 14 Legitimate Options

23 Small Bathroom Storage Ideas for Renters Who Want Damage-Free Decor

How to create an entryway in your apartment when there is none, how to make hard-boiled eggs the right way.

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• House sitting

The Ultimate House Sitting Guide

Become a house sitter and travel the world for free.

Do you want to live for free in various parts of the world, while having the chance to look after adorable pets and to getting to know the local area? I’ve already told you about the benefits of house sitting as well as the downsides of it. Here in the Ultimate House Sitting Guide I’ll tell you everything else you need to know, from finding your first house sit to following up with the homeowners afterwards.

What is house sitting? How does it work?

Often when people go away on vacation they want someone in their house to look after pets, water plants, and collect the mail. Sometimes they just want their house to be occupied while they’re gone. Someone needs to do all this, so why not you?

Some important points to note about house sitting:

• There may be payment involved, but often the house sitter performs their duties for free.
• House sitting duties can range from simply watering plants right up to full-on gardening, paying bills or acting as accommodation manager if part of the place is rented out
• Homeowners may ask the sitter to pay their share of the utility bills while they occupy the house
• House sitters are expected to provide their own food, although the homeowners may indicate some items in the cupboards or garden that can be eaten
• Occasionally there might be a car supplied for the house sitter to use
• House sitters may be allowed to leave for short periods of time or to have guests
• Many homeowners will fill out a formal house sitting agreement and ask you to sign it. Read it carefully so that you have no surprises.

How to Find a House to Sit:

The most popular way to find house sitting jobs is via websites such as trustedhousesitters.com, housecarers.com, and mindmyhouse.com, though competition for house sits can be fierce on these sites! You can also do a Google search for any local house sitting websites in the country you’re going to. Note that most house sitting websites charge a registration fee to the house sitter.

Be flexible with places and dates, and you’ll have more luck.

Some homeowners never advertise their home, but instead browse house sitter profiles for someone who appeals to them, so you should create a profile. Include key info such as:

• Reason for wanting to house sit
• If you’ve owned your own home before
• Any previous house sitting experience
• Relevant skills such as handyman stuff or gardening
• Pets you’ve had and/or want to look after
• Any experience with farm animals (if you want to look after farm animals at a house sit)
• Whether or not you smoke or drink
• General lifestyle and interests
• A link to your blog or website, if relevant. I’ve had a few homeowners tell me that reading this blog gave them a great insight into who I am.

You should also upload a picture (or several, if the website allows) of yourself. Make it a fairly close up one so they can see your face. Pictures with pets are good too!

Other ways you might find house sits are through community or expat websites or at least a Facebook community page in your chosen city. You could try advertising your services on Craigslist, Gumtree, or whatever the local advertising equivalent might be. Be clear about what you’re looking for and what you’re offering, and you just might get lucky.

Word of mouth can also work. Talk to people, and tell everyone you know that you’re interested in house sitting.

Making contact with the homeowners

When you enter a discussion with a homeowner about a house sitting opportunity, follow these guidelines:

• If you’re contacting them, think about what they need to know about you. From a house sitting website they’ll probably automatically get a link to your profile, but if not, you need to tell them all your relevant info!
• Refer to some details in their ad so they know you’ve read it carefully.
• Always reply promptly. Any delay can result in you losing the job!
• If they contact you and you’re not interested, reply anyway. It’s only polite.

Deciding on a house sit

• Choose your dates carefully. Make sure you can get there in time to spend long enough with the homeowners to go over everything you need to know. • More time is good if they have pets, especially dogs. It’s a good idea to have enough time to go for a walk with the dog and its owner so you can see the dog’s behaviour and normal routine, and so the dog knows that the homeowner ‘approves’ of you. • Ask the homeowners if they want you there at all after they come back. Some might want you to leave right away, others will want a full report! • If you have a question, ask it. Any question. About anything. Just ASK. No question is silly in this situation. I can’t stress this enough. (Sign up for my newsletter to receive a FREE comprehensive list of questions to ask your homeowners,as well as a printable House Sitting Guide!) • A Skype video call is a good way for both house sitter and homeowners to get a feel for the other person, and to cover a lot of questions quickly. • Be honest. • Don’t be afraid to say no. It’s easy to get all excited about a house sit, but you’ll know if the job is not for you. Trust your intuition, and don’t try to make it into something it is not. • Don’t commit yourself to them and then decide later that you don’t want to do it. That’s just rude.

Before the house sit:

• Be on time. If your arrival time is only an estimate, keep the homeowners updated periodically with your progress while you’re on the way.
• Make sure you get emergency contact info for while they’re gone. An itinerary is good, or at the very least find out the best way to contact them as quickly as possible.
• Ask ALL THE questions. Anything you can think of. Write down the answers if you need to.

When the homeowners leave:

This is your home for the next little while, so make it feel like it! Unpack your things and familiarize yourself with the kitchen and its contents.

• On longer-term house sits you can move stuff around a bit if you want. Consider taking pictures before you do this though, as your memory might not be as good as you think when it comes time to put it all back!
• While it’s ok to move stuff, don’t go messing with any of the homeowner’s personal items and don’t even think about re-organizing their DVD collection or the kitchen cupboards!
• Put away anything that you’re afraid of breaking or spilling on. I also tend to close doors to any rooms I won’t be using.
• If you’re going to be there long term, consider buying any missing household items that you’re used to having and will make your life easier.
• If there are pets (in particular a dog) you might like to stick around for a while so they know you before you go out. Play, cuddle, maybe go for a walk, and if it’s time, feed it so the dog knows that you are the master now. A treat or two never hurts, if the owners are ok with it.
• Be adaptable and be prepared for surprises! There will always be something that comes up that you don’t expect.

During the house sit:

• Develop a daily routine or a daily or weekly checklist of duties, so you don’t forget to water that special plant!
• Don’t just throw out papers and things that look like rubbish. You never know what might be important to the homeowner. If in doubt, keep it.
• ALWAYS lock all the doors and windows when you go out, even if the homeowners don’t normally.
• Don’t bother the homeowners with every little thing that might go wrong. That’s why you’re there: deal with it.
• If there’s anything you really can’t handle, try calling any trusted neighbours or friends for help first.
• Unless it’s an emergency! Then you should definitely let the homeowners know.
• Send an email update every week or so to put their minds at ease that everything is ok.
• If the homeowners are gone for a while, you might want to email pictures of happy pets every so often. The owners are sure to be missing them and they’ll be thrilled to see their pets enjoying themselves!
• Go meet the neighbours! Explore the area! Enjoy yourself!

Before the homeowners come back:

Try to have the house exactly as the homeowners left it. The last thing they want is to come back to a mess or to not be able to find the things they’re looking for! This means:

• Clean, scrub, vaccum and wash, inside and out. Open the doors to rooms you closed off, if the weather’s good open windows to air the place out, and put back anything you moved around.
• Make sure the lawn is freshly mowed and outside areas swept and tidy.
• Replace any items you might have broken, or at least have a plan for addressing it with the homeowner.
• If possible, buy a few staple items to stock the kitchen for when they return. Bread, milk, and eggs are pretty standard items and with these on hand they can make a simple meal easily and quickly.
• Think about making them a meal or a snack that they can have when they return so they don’t have to think about cooking. Something that can be just left in the fridge and put in the oven when needed is good.
• Consider what the homeowners will need when they come back. Will they be jetlagged? What time of day will it be? Will they want to go straight to bed or stay up? Do whatever you can to make their return as easy and seamless as possible.

After the house sit:

Ask the homeowners for a reference! Assuming they are happy with what they’ve returned to, this can really help you get house sits in the future. It can be in written form if they’re willing to give you something you can take with you to show others, but most often they’ll just say that any future house sits can contact them.

Don’t forget to give back your keys!

You might also enjoy:

19 Comments

Glad you found it useful, Amir. Let me know if you have any questions!

would love a copy of your list please

Hi Pascale, if you scroll down all the way a box should pop up and ask you to subscribe to my newsletter. When you do, you’ll get the full guide and question sheet! Plus a lovely bunch of Mexican recipes. 😉

Interested in the house sitting content and free printable. This was the only way i could find access to the newsletter

Hi Bec, You should have gotten them when you subscribed to my newsletter, but I’m so sorry if you couldn’t download them. There are definitely some things I need to fix on this site right now, so I’ll take a look and see what’s wrong. I’m also emailing them to you now!

We are interested in recidivist your newsletter and can’t wait to get started! Thanks

Hi there; This is our first house sitter and we are looking for a manual guide/list to leave for her. Thank you.

Kind regards, Gloria Nimmo

Hi Gloria, I’m sending you an email right now!

The comment field was not marked as required! You should have 2 buttons. One to post a comment, and one to just sign up to your newslewtter and receive the downloads.

Sorry you weren’t happy with my set-up. In the sidebar on the right there is a place you can just sign up for the newsletter, which will also give you access to the downloads.

This is simply an amazing story and would love to travel vicariously with you!

Hi Marissa, the best way to follow me right now is on Instagram @jennyfaraway!

Great information and I’ve been inspired to try house sitting for myself! Thanks.

Glad you enjoyed it Mary, and good luck with the house sitting!

Great info thnx 4 posting. Pls send me your handy checklist. Thank You, jean

Have enjoyed reading this! Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge!

I would love to see your question list please!

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Work. Play. Mommy.

Start making family memories!

House Sitter’s Checklist: How to prepare your house before you take a long trip.

Travel with Kids

House Sitter Checklist: A Free Printable for House Sitters 

Wondering what you should know about house sitting? Check out this free printable house sitter’s checklist .

House Sitter for Our Family Sabbatical

Our family had the opportunity to take a European sabbatical. While some people make the bold and brave choice to sell everything they have and travel around the world, our family played it a little safer and kept our home while we taveled.

Curious about sabbaticals? Check this out.  

However, in leaving our home, pets, and life behind for three months, we had to enlist some help. We had to hire a house sitter.  

With three animals, a house, mail, weeds, and everything else that comes with a life with three little ones, we needed someone who could help us while we were away.  

If you are a homeowner wondering what you should tell your house sitter or a house sitter wondering what your homeowner expects from you, consider this.  

What homeowners would expect from a house sitter: 

Homeowners know that housesitters are not the owners and will not take quite as good care of the home as they would.  

However, homeowners also don’t expect housesitters to be 18 year olds throwing high school keggers in the living room.  

Home owners expect you to love on their animals, water their plants, check for leaks, and lock the doors at night.  

Check out this simple House Sitter’s checklist for your house sitting gig. It is a simple free printable that you can share with your homeowner before you start your job.  

What house sitters would expect: 

If, on the other hand, you are the homeowner and wonder what you should talk to your house sitter about, consider looking through this free printable House Sitter’s checklist.  

Give him or her important details about your animals and house –when and what to feed your pets, where your electric panel is, and how frequently to mow your yard.  

Further, talk to them about expectations about time spent at the house and the acceptability of visitors.  

Share your Wi-Fi password, Netflix login, and garage code for their safety and convenience.  

House Sitter’s Checklist 

Personalize the checklist to your needs and preferences!

Or easily print the checklist by clicking here . Leave the checklist out where your house sitter can easily access and review it.  

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• Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

House Sitter Check list: Essentials for Every Sitter

How would you prepare the ultimate house sitter check list to ensure peace of mind when you leave home?

Here are some top tips on how to prepare the ultimate check list prepared by trusted house sitters for home and petowners .  While home and petowners experienced in having petsitters at home will have established routines and approaches for how to select and brief the house and petsitter, those who are new to housesitting may find our house sitting guide handy to have.

And for experienced home and petowners it may prove to be a useful aide memoire . The information, ideas and ‘ house sitting rules ‘ presented here are gathered from our members both homeowners and housesitters. We hope you find this useful.

The ultimate trusted house sitter check list – Where to start

As we reflected on our own house sitter check list we became convinced that both homeowners and housesitters could benefit from the insights of experienced house sitters from all walks of life who enjoy housesitting, caring for property and pets while traveling and experiencing new places and countries.

Here we offer the  contributions of some of the most experienced housesitters we know, people who perhaps started housesitting part-time as a way to explore new locations on a budget or experience new countries from an authentic local perspective.

Eventually most of the housesitters quoted have gone on to do ‘housesitting’ full time, and often internationally. Between them they offer you a wealth of experience, gained by housesitting across continents , managing properties, homes, farms and estates, sometimes holiday homes in far off countries, usually with multiple pets.

What is the ultimate check list?

Together, they offer a fresh perspectives on the  ‘Ultimate house sitter check list’ drawn from years of experience and based on three simple questions:

• What must a homeowner look for to select a house-sitter?
• What top tips should they consider when briefing their chosen house sitter?
• What is best practice when hosting a house sitter?

Selecting – What to look for when ‘you select a house-sitter’

What are the most important things to look for in a house sitter when you are selecting someone to care for your property and pets in your absence?  Likely you will never have met them before, and all you have to go on is whatever is given you by the source of information. This is where your house sitter check list can really help.

If that is a housesitting platform such as HouseSitMatch.com there will be a well documented profile, with ID and background checks visible or underway.

We offer these to everyone free of charge on the HouseSitMatch network. If the sitters are experienced they will have references to share. They may even offer to talk or meet either virtually on Zoom, Skype or in person if possible. These are the general guidelines we as a housesitting platform would give you as a homeowner and petowner.

We then asked a number of housesitters on our register, all of them experienced and great exponents of housesitting, what they would consider the most important things to look for when selecting a house sitter.

The group house sitter check list for ‘ When selecting a house-sitter ‘:

Claire doyle – one housesit completed, another booked.

A really good honest house sitter profile.

Tracey & Rob aka The Expat Experiment  a housesitting family 

Selecting someone who is trustworthy and experienced.

Andrew Redfern – Winner of the HouseSitMatch Video Competition

Read and check references and/or letter of introduction. These can give a great insight into the people who have applied.

Vanessa Anderson – Editor of Housesitting Magazine

When selecting a house sitter, I would want to see them advertised on a reputable house sitting platform where some ID check has taken place and I could see a well prepared profile with a history of their sits, references and skills.

Tim & Lou – International sitters 

Check that they meet your needs before you choose.

That is, before you review the sitters on offer list the things they MUST be capable of doing. It could be critical, for example:

• Large powerful dogs require an experienced dog handler
• If you have an off-grid or isolated property, someone who’s comfortable being around generators, understands the workings of this type of property and is happy being in an isolated location
• I would suggest creating a list of needs and sending them to potential sitters
• Don’t settle if you don’t think the sitters can’t handle your place – keep looking
• The Skype call can really be advantageous in this regard, to help you understand the level of their knowledge and adaptability
• Ask them to demonstrate how and if they’re strong dog handlers, or why they feel comfortable in isolated environments or even to share with you the type of off-grid property experience they have.

Briefing – What’s top of your house sitter check list for ‘ briefing a sitter’

Claire Doyle – One housesit completed another booked

Clear instructions and relevant phone contacts, for just in case situations.

Tracey and Rob aka Expat Experiment housesitting family

Being honest with them about expectations and pet behaviour. It’s only fair when you leave your pets and property in their care.

Andrew Redfern – Winner of the HouseSitMatch Video Competition

Have prepared written notes or a ‘book of the house’ as the sitter can refer back to this. Owners are used to their home & pet routines but the sitter is not. So having written, thorough instructions can be so useful.

Vanessa Anderson – Editor of HouseSitting magazine

Before the sit, it’s really important to brief the sitters with anything that might affect their ability to complete the sit well. This is really key in a house sitter check list.

What do you discuss in the brief

Talk about the pets, the duties, the location, ease of getting around if there’s no car etc. Don’t hide anything that might later cause an issue. It’s better to be upfront and have a sitter decide the assignment isn’t for them. You can always keep looking for that sitter that is the right one for you! And at the handover, don’t overwhelm the sitter. There’s often a lot of info to take in. Take it slowly. Check they understand.

Ask if they have questions. And if the opportunity is there with dogs, go for a walk together so they can see how the dogs respond to commands, socialise and what their recall is like if off the leash. These are really essential pointers in your house sitter check list.

Tim & Lou International Housesitters 

The success of the house-sit has a great deal to do with preparing your sitter to succeed.  Sits that fail generally suffer from a lack of preparation.  What might go wrong could be in any category –  Environmental, mechanical, pet health.  How should a sitter handle these issues?  Provide them with a map for success.

Silly as it may sound some sitters find themselves handling extraordinary conditions unexpectedly.  We have certainly experienced earthquake, hurricane, tornado, floods and volcanic activity as unexpected challenges to face as part of previous house-sits. Think about the following items, it might be important if your part of the world is vulnerable to extreme weather or environmental conditions:

• What do you want saved?
• Where should a sitter go if they must evacuate?
• What should they do with the pets they can take with them?

Everything matters in a housesit

The most important thing is that you must consider  everything. And for that, one requires a Book of the House that is detailed enough for the sitter to handle the ‘What if scenarios’ we dread but just might happen. You know things about your home that nobody else does.  Document those property foibles. The book helps you list everything. It must be your comprehensive house sitter check list for when the sitter is in situ.

Give yourselves one day – at minimum – to go over the home and systems with the sitters.

Take the time to show your sitter your community including dentist, doctor, shopping and points of interest. Include a map.

Cleaning matters a lot when your housesitting

One of the most important tasks apart from caring for the animals is maintaining the home. According to Super Cleaning ‘Cleaning is a vital routine when you are maintaining the home. Whether the property is a large estate or a small apartment cleaning the space where you are living is important. With pets it matters even more. So do maintain those cleaning routines.

Hosting – Best practice notes for when ‘Hosting the house sitter’

Claire doyle – new irish housesitter who loves spain.

Making room for the sitter’s stuff, cleaning out a space in a closet or drawer, moving important items to an unused area. i.e. moving sentimental breakables to a closet or bedroom. You are better offer feeling secure they are carefully out of harms way.

Andrew Redfern – Winner of the HouseSitMatch video competition

Provide some space for them in a wardrobe, pantry and the fridge. It makes the sitter feel welcome and expected and allows them to be comfortable in the owner’s space. Introducing them to a few neighbours or friends can also be a great help.

When hosting a sitter it’s important to make sure they have really understood the routines and procedures during the handover, where quality time has been allocated. Have they read the home book, asked questions, taken notes?

Have they shown a real interest in the pets? I think it’s also really important to ask the question, “Is there anything you aren’t comfortable with, or that we should be providing you with, before we leave?” Expectations need to be met from both sides to ensure a trouble free sit.

Tim & Lou – International housesitters 

When hosting or housing a sitter, welcome them.  Treat them like old friends. You will likely become really good friends by the end. This should be top of any house sitter check list. Better bonds are made if you start with this attitude.  Remember, they’re caring for you most valuable possessions so help them feel welcome.

Think of yourself, in a vacation rental or Airbnb.  How do you feel when hospitality is lacking?

The room they are going to be living in should be comfortable, with a bed adequate for the sitters (ie: not a twin for couples).  

Introduce them to friends and neighbours.  Perhaps a community group like Yoga, Tai Chi or a social club.

You must provide the house-sitter with a clean, safe and secure environment. Do not expect the sitter to deep clean your home upon arrival.  It should already be very clean. You can certainly ask them to keep the property clean for you.

In summary, all our sitters made excellent points for their personal house sitter check list items. They help us understand about how to ‘select’, ‘brief’ and ‘host’ a sitter. Did any of these points make it onto your house sitter check list?

So why not start your housesitting adventure now. You can find your house and petsitting solution register with HouseSitMatch:

To register as a House-sitter follow this link

To register as a homeowner follow this link.

At Housesitmatch.com we like to share useful blogs and practical advice about housesitters, housesitting and pet sitting. We hope you find this small selection of our blogs on house sitters and house sitting in London useful.

What is House Sitting?

A great article Lamia. With 3 years of house sitting under our belts I still like to read tips from home owners and other sitters to make sure we’re staying up to date.

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13 Things Your House Sitter Needs to Know Before You Leave Town

By Deirdre Mundorf

Updated on Jun 13, 2023 6:55 PM EDT

5 minute read

Photo: istockphoto.com

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

Whether you’ll be traveling for work or taking a fun vacation, hiring a house sitter is a good idea. House sitters can help keep a home maintained while you’re away, collect mail and other packages, and make a home look occupied to reduce the risk of burglary.

Before you grab your suitcase and head out the door, though, you’ll want to make sure you provide your house sitter with all the information they’ll need while staying at your house. This can help make their job easier, but will also allow you to travel without the added stress of trying to answer questions such as where you keep your extra towels or who they should call if something stops working or there is a water leak.

1. Emergency Phone Numbers

Make a list with all the phone numbers your house sitter may need in the case of an emergency. Your cell phone number should be first on the list, but also include other numbers that they could call right away, rather than bothering you or wasting time. Some important numbers to add to the list may include:

• The utility companies
• Trusted contractors/ handymen that could help with any needed repairs
• Your neighbors
• A friend or family member who lives nearby
• If you are a renter, contact information for the landlord or leasing office

2. Locations of Your Water Main Valve and Electrical Panel

If there is a major water leak or an electrical problem in your home while you’re gone, you don’t want your house sitter to waste time trying to call you to find out where the water shutoff valve or electrical panel is. Be sure to provide them with the location of both of these. If your house sitter will be doing a property walk through with you before your trip, take a few minutes to point out how to operate/shut off each device.

RELATED: Mistakes You Make Every Time You Go On Vacation

3. Alarm and Gate Codes

If your home has an alarm system , you will want to be sure to give your house sitter your alarm code so they can get into the home, and arm the the alarm when they go to bed each evening. Some home security companies may allow you to set up a temporary code that will expire after a certain period of time, or more likely, you can program in a code at your system’s control panel. If you have a smart door lock or live in a gated community, be sure to set the sitter up with those codes too.

4. Wi-Fi and Streaming Passwords

How can a house sitter make themselves comfortable, particularly if they’re staying overnight, without access to your home’s Wi-Fi ? Write down the password for them and show them where the Wi-Fi router is in case it needs to be reset. If you have any online streaming accounts that you’ll be letting the sitter use when you’re gone, be sure to leave those passwords as well.

5. Recycling and Garbage Pickup Schedules

If you don’t want to come home to a stinky mess, your home’s caretaker will need to be apprised of the trash and recycling schedule and procedures for your area. Let them know which day(s) refuse is collected and where they should place the trash can and recycling bin on those days. Some homeowners associations have strict rules about how promptly cans and bins should be removed from the street after pickup, and where they should or should not be stored. If this is the case in your neighborhood, be sure to share these regulations with your house sitter.

RELATED: 20 Surprising Things You Can’t Recycle

6. To-Do List of Indoor Tasks

Be sure to clearly lay out any tasks you want your house sitter to complete in your home. Household tasks could include cleaning, watering plants , collecting the mail, and turning on certain lights to make it look like someone is home. Compose a list of these tasks and the days/times they should be completed.

7. Necessary Outdoor Tasks

In addition to indoor tasks, you may also have a few outdoor jobs that need to be completed while you’re away. These could include watering or mowing the lawn , picking fruits or vegetables from your garden, and cleaning or maintaining the pool . Write down and clearly explain any of these outdoor tasks that you will want your house sitter to do.

RELATED: How to Keep Your Garden Happy While You Are On Vacation

8. Ground Rules for Use of Your Home

Is it cool for your house sitter to raid your wine cellar, or swim in your pool? If you have any special rules you want your house sitter to follow, be sure to articulate them clearly. You may want to explain your policy regarding them bringing guests over, if they’re allowed to eat any of the food you have in your refrigerator or pantry, and whether you want them to remake the bed or do the dishes before you’ll be back.

9. Out-of-Bounds Areas

There may be areas of your home that you don’t want your house sitter to enter or see. If this is the case, be sure to explain which rooms, cabinets, or closets they should avoid. If you’re determined to keep them out now that you’ve piqued their curiosity, consider locking the doors to these locations.

RELATED: Buyer’s Guide: The Best Padlocks for Home Security

10. Where to Find Extra Supplies

Where do you store extra paper towels , cleaning supplies , toilet paper, pet food, linens, and anything else that they may run out of while you’re away? These instructions could save your house sitter an unnecessary late-night text if they can’t find what they need.

11. Any Quirks About Your Home

Every home is different and has its own quirks. Letting your house sitter know about your abode’s peculiar characteristics can make their stay easier and less stressful. For example, are there any door knobs that stick, toilets that run if you don’t jiggle the handle just right, windows that don’t open, or light switches that will shut off the TV?

RELATED: 36 Easy Ways to Protect Your Home From Break-Ins

12. Important Information About the Neighborhood

If your caretaker isn’t local, be sure to share any important local or neighborhood information. This information may include the closest grocery stores and restaurants, instructions for using community facilities (such as the pool or tennis courts) and, of course, the best pizzeria that delivers.

13. The Date and Time of Your Return

Finally, be clear about when you will be returning home, and give the caretaker as much notice as possible if your travel plans change. If they will be leaving before you return, leave clear instructions about where they should leave the key, and anything else that needs to be done before you get back.

Looking for a way to organize all of this information for your house sitter, so it’s all in one place? Dozens of Etsy merchants offer downloadable house sitter templates that can help keep your home running smoothly while you are away.

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Before you go - checklist for house sitters

Congratulations that you have found a house sitting assignment! For the next step, use this checklist to make sure you're ready to start your house sitting assigment.

1. Download and fill out the house sitting agreement

When two perfect strangers meet and arrange to take care of each other's house sitting requirements, it's a good idea that you both go into the situation equipped with a copy of our House sitter agreement . We've tried to cover all the bases with this plain-English document but as you go through it with the home owner you may think of further amendments, clauses and deletions you'd like to make to suit your particular situation.

2. Ask for an information pack

It's a good idea to ask the home owner for an information pack, containing all of the material that you will need to provide top quality care for the home (and pets). Your signed and completed house sitting agreement will provide the cornerstone of your information pack. Consider requesting the following from the home owner:

Contact information

Does the home owner want you regular email updates on the status of your home and animals while you're away? If so, ask the home owner for their contact details and how often they want to be notified.

Emergency contact information

Make sure that the home owner has a nominated contact person you can contact for emergencies eg. a friend, relative or neighbor and that you have their contact details.

Visitors policy

Does the home owner have strong feelings about the numbers and types of people who may (or may not) visit their home during your stay? Include this information in your house sitting agreement.

Rules and regulations

If your home is a condominium, a unit or a rental property, you may want to ask if there are any rules or regulations that you need to follow.

Home contents/areas out of bounds

You may want to ask the home owner if there are any contents or areas of the property that are out of bounds (add this to your house sitting agreement).

Ask the home owner whether they have home and contents insurance, and whether you will be covered during your stay.

Service providers

If the home owner has any third party services running during your stay, it's important to ask for their details and schedule (eh. maid, gardener or grounds person etc) and if you are expected to give them access.

3. Vehicles

Use of home owners' vehicle.

If the home owner is happy to let you use their vehicle, make sure you ask them to familiarize you with their vehicle before they go. Also, ask that they add your name to their motor vehicle insurance policy. Also, you should agree (in writing) who will be liable for any costs and damages incurred while using the vehicle, including payment of any excess fees on any resulting insurance claim (this can be added to your house sitting agreement). Also, make sure you are familiar with the local driving laws if you are coming from overseas.

Maintenance of the home owners' vehicle

The home owner may want you to have the vehicle maintained in their absence. This could include starting the car once a week and/or cleaning the car of leaves, dust and bird droppings.

Use of home owners' bicycle

The home owner may be happy for you to use their bicycle. Familiarise yourself with any security locks they may need you to use including combination numbers and spare keys.

4. Preparing animals

Take the time to ensure that the home owner has fully educated you in the finer points of caring for their pets. This process is crucial to ensuring the house sitting assignment is a success for every party (animals included). In case the home owner is not aware, we have a checklist for them also: Before you go - checklist for pet owners .

5. Preparing to travel

A few simple preparations can make being away from home a snip!

If you are currently using an email address that is dependent on your home internet service provider, you may need to set up a new address that can travel with you. There are many hundreds of good, free email service providers you can sign up with in less than five minutes. Choose a service provider that gives each member account enough disk space to store, send and receive jpg (image) files.

Traveling from overseas? Have a plan B.

If you are coming from overseas, don't forget to have a Plan B in place, in case something goes wrong and you are unable to stay at the property – it has been known to happen before! Being stuck in a foreign country without a backup plan can be a problem, unless you are prepared for all eventualities. Also, ask the home owner how you can get to their property, or if you can get a lift :)

6. Services

You will need to know everything about the home's usual services in order to keep everything sailing along.

Rubbish collection

Make a note of which day the rubbish is collected. Make sure that the home owner provides plenty of rubbish bags of the right size and strength.

Recycling services

Make a note of the day the recycling is collected. Make sure that the home owner provides any recycling equipment available for you to use. Ask what can and can't be recycled through the kerbside collection service.

Subscriptions

Ask the home owner if you are allowed to access any magazine or newspaper subscriptions they may have.

Pay-per-view TV

Ask the home owner if you are allowed to access any satellite, cable TV service. Also, find out if they expect you to pay, or whether they will pay.

Internet access

Ask the home owner if you are allowed to access the internet/wifi service. Also, find out if they expect you to pay, or whether they will pay.

Mail redirection

Ask the home owner if they want you to redirect their postal mail.

7. Your needs

Ask the home owner to leave a set of spare keys with their nominated contact person in case you lose yours.

Transport maps

Ask if the home owner has a spare local transport maps that covers travel by bicycle, bus, train, tram and underground to help you get oriented.

Ask the home owner what parking arrangements are allowed on or near your property including costs and restrictions. If you are bringing your own car, do you need a visitors parking permit?

8. Utilities

The utilities will need to be paid for in the home owners absence, either by you or the home owner (depending on what financial arrangements you have agreed to). Irregardless of who pays for the utilities however, you will need to know everything about maintaining these critical elements during your stay.

Gas and electric

Ask the home owner for instructions on the safe use of electricity and gas services. Ask the home owner where the relevant meters are as well as the fuse boxes and cut-off switches. Take meter readings on your first day in the property so that the utility bills can be worked out on the home owners return. (Use the fields in your house sitting agreement to record meter readings.)

Heating and air-conditioning

Ask the home owner for detailed instructions on how to program the heating and air-conditioning systems and where the relevant heating and air-con switches and thermostats are.

Water and drains

Ask the home owner to leave instructions on the location of the water mains tap and the access area to the drains system in case of emergency or routine maintenance.

Laundry appliances

It's amazing how quirky and bad tempered laundry appliances can get with age. Ask the home owner for instructions on how to keep on the right side of your washing machine and dryer.

9. Grounds maintenance

Only the home owner knows just how much loving the outside space needs during your stay.

Ask the home owner for a list of what you can compost.

Pool maintenance

Ask the home owner for clear written instructions to maintain and clean the pool.

Garden tools

Ask the home owner where the garden tools are kept (are their shed keys?).

Indoor plant maintenance

Ask the home owner for any supplies that you need to look after any indoor plants.

Lawn maintenance

Ask the home owner for instructions on how to use the lawnmower and where to find the spare can of fuel. Also, ask for the location of the outdoor water supplies for watering the garden and how often you should do so.

Bird feeders

Don't forget to keep the bird feeders topped up during your stay!

10. Security

Security systems.

If the property has an alarm system, you may need to know the code and security password. Security systems can be very tricky (and noisy) so be sure to ask the home owner how to manage the alarm system in exact detail.

Security cameras and/or recording devices

Ask the home owner if they have security cameras or other recording devices on their property, and whether they intend to operate these during your stay. We have included a special declaration regarding this in our " House sitter agreement " document (in section five), where the home owner can list the locations of these devices as well as the times of operation. If you don't want to consent to being recorded during your stay, make sure that you make this clear to the home owner before the assignment starts. If there is disagreement about this, remember that the home owner just wants to know that their house and pets are safe and are being looked after – there may be other ways of doing this, such as a regular zoom call or emailing photos of the pets daily to the home owner. This can even be alot of fun!

Window locks and security doors

Ask the home owner for any keys for window locks and security doors that you need.

Phew! Well done...you've made it to the end of this list. Now you can begin your house sitting assignment knowing that your are well-prepared to take on your duties and responsibilities.

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How to Prepare your Home for Travel (Plus Printable Checklist!)

Heading away on vacation and need to prepare your home for travel ?

There are a number of things you should do at home before you leave for a vacation.

One of the last things anyone is probably thinking about as they dash out the door for the airport is the state of their house, but it’s one thing we should all be mindful of when we’re away travelling.

Preparing your home before travelling will ensure you come home to a house that’s neat and in order, without risking any break-ins, water leaks, or foul odours! 

Get your home travel-ready with these simple tips!

This post contains affiliate links   which means I earn compensation when you click on the links at absolutely no extra cost to you! Feel free to read my  disclosure policy .   Thank you for supporting my blog!

1. Replace your smoke detector and CO2 monitor batteries

We learned this one the hard way. This didn’t happen to us while we were on a trip, but we had just bought our house and hadn’t moved in yet. 

The very first night after we got our keys, one of the smoke detectors failed in the middle of the night and it prompted our neighbours to call the fire department. 

They ended up having to break in through our garage (and we ended up needing to buy a new glass panel for our door). 

We don’t want this to happen while we’re away, so now we always replace all of our smoke detector batteries before we leave (and at the minimum, we replace our batteries twice a year).

2. Empty your garbage

I’ve checked in on some stinky places while house-sitting. Collect all of your garbage and leave it outside in your secured can (think of raccoons!) or have a friend toss it on collection day.

3. Clean out your fridge

What’s that smell? Oh, it’s just leftover fish fermenting in the fridge.

YES. That happened to me when I was housesitting. Don’t forget to go through your fridge before travelling!

 Toss any perishable foods to avoid any unpleasant odours.

Tip : Leave an open box of baking soda in your fridge to absorb any smells.

4. Empty your dishwasher

Coming home to an empty dishwasher is best – you wouldn’t want dirty dishes sitting there stagnating for an extended period of time! Run a final cycle or do your dishes by hand.

5. Vacuum and wash floors

I know. Doing chores while you’re packing at the last minute isn’t always a priority. 

However, coming home from a trip is sad, but having a clean space to welcome you home makes it a little less painful. It also leaves a good impression on anyone looking after your house (like your in-laws) !

6. Turn off your water

This is important for winter months, so your pipes don’t freeze, but can also be useful to prevent any drips or leaks. Water damage isn’t fun to deal with.

There are many people who have a different opinion on whether or not you should turn your water off before travelling, but a simple task of shutting the water off is much better than coming home to water damage if any leaks occur while you’re away!

7. Set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature

Don’t shut off your furnace or air conditioning – you want some air circulating throughout your home and if you’re travelling in the winter, you don’t want any pipes to freeze, either!

During summer months, set your thermostat to a higher temperature so your air conditioning unit won’t be running unnecessarily.

8. Do any last bits of laundry and your bedding

Come home to fresh sheets to help you rest peacefully after your day of travel. Having clean clothes can help you avoid unpacking your suitcase for a little longer 😉.

9. Notify your neighbours you will be away

We let our neighbours know when we’ll be away and let them park their car in our driveway so it looks like someone is home. 

It’s a good idea to let your neighbours know your house will be vacant, and if anyone will be checking in on your home, give your neighbours their contact info in case anything happens.

10. Arrange for lawn care and snow removal

If you’re away for an extended period of time, an unruly lawn or snowy driveway is a telltale sign the homeowner is away.

Ask a friend or neighbour, or hire a local service to keep your property in check.

11. Check all doors and windows are locked

Check your windows and doors to ensure they’re closed and locked. It’s easy to forget to lock a garage door or close a bedroom window.

12. Invest in some timers

Having some of your lights come on sporadically will make it appear as though someone is home. Plug in some programmable timers throughout your home.

I have some on different levels of our house that come on at various points throughout the morning and evening.

13. Alert your alarm company (if you have one)

Leave the number of your house sitter, neighbour, or family/friend with your alarm company and notify them of your travel dates.

14. Arrange for mail collection

Leave your mail key with a trusted family member, friend or neighbour to collect your mail. 

If you have a small mailbox like ours, it doesn’t take much to fill. You can always opt for mail to be held at the post office (for a fee) if it’s not possible to have someone collect it for you.

15. Pay any upcoming bills

If you don’t have autopay, remember to stay ahead of any bills due (car, water, hydro, cell, home taxes, credit card, etc.) when you’re on vacation.

16. Leave a list of contact numbers in your home

We leave our phone numbers, email addresses, and name of place(s) and any associated phone numbers for those places in the event of an emergency. Leave them organized in a place that is easily noticed.

17. Make copies of your travel documents

Take a photocopy of your passports and travel itineraries, flight information, and where you’ll be staying and leave them tucked away in a drawer in the event something happens. Tell someone close to you where these documents are kept in case of emergencies.

18. Ensure valuables and kept away

Do you have a safe at home? 

We keep all of our important documents and valuables locked away in a fire-proof safe .

This is a good day-to-day habit to get into regardless, but especially while you’re away from home.

Do you have a house sitter?

If you have someone coming in to periodically check your home, leave clear instructions written down on plant care, who to call in case of home emergency, as well as any other miscellaneous tasks. 

Leaving a pet at home?

If you’re leaving a furry friend behind, ensure there are clear instructions on feeding, cleaning litter boxes, dog walking, etc. Be sure to leave ample pet food behind for your pet sitter – you wouldn’t want them to be responsible for replenishing their food!

Leave your vet’s number somewhere visible in the event of emergencies.

Pre-Travel Home Checklist

Having a checklist of these items can be useful to help you prepare while you’re having a million other things go through your head before you leave.

Be sure to grab a printable copy of your pre-vacation home checklist !

Pin it for later!

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I really appreciate this article! It’s so true that preparing your home before leaving for a vacation can save you from so many headaches later. I never thought about leaving a list of contact numbers in my home – that’s a smart idea. Question: What other tips do you have for ensuring home security while traveling?

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Extended Vacation: A Comprehensive Checklist for Your House Sitter

Nothing can be more exciting than getting ready for a well-deserved vacation to a paradisaical destination. However, an extended vacation can also be somewhat stressful when you start thinking about living away from your home for months.

Will your pets be okay with the house sitter? Will your precious garden be attended to? These are the kinds of questions that will prompt you to hire a house sitter before you leave. However, simply leaving a house sitter in your abode with vague instructions isn’t a good idea.

Instead, create a checklist covering all the crucial things they need to know and do when you’re away. With a handy checklist and some thinking ahead, you can stay on top of your home’s security for an enjoyable vacation and peace of mind.

Do You Need a House Sitter Checklist?

Picture this. For the first time in 2 years, you finally take a vacation and arrive at a luxurious beach resort in Maldives . You sit on the beach, dip your toes in the white sand, and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze while holding a glass of Champagne.

Then boom! Your phone beeps. A very long text from your house sitter with a lot of questions. What’s the Wi-Fi password? When do I feed the dog? Where are the gardening tools? Or, worse yet, a panic call (The toilet is leaking—Who do I call?)

What a terrible way to start off your vacation. The good news; you can avoid such scenarios with a comprehensive, well-crafted house sitter checklist.

House Sitter Checklist: What to Include

If you opt to enlist a house sitter, you’ll need to craft a house-sitting checklist to ensure nothing goes wrong when you’re away. Here’s what to include in the checklist.

1. Contractor Info

Leaving contractor information is crucial for many reasons. For instance, a leaky faucet, toilet, or roof could damage your house, leading to costly repairs down the line. Also, your property coverage may require you to make a reasonable effort to prevent damages when you’re away.

Having someone attend to the property issues on time could make the difference between having an insurance claim approved or denied. That said, you’ll need to leave the contact information of all your service providers. Write down the contacts of your preferred contractors, such as:

• HVAC professional
• Electrician

If you anticipate HVAC issues, scheduling essential routine heating system maintenance is a great way to ensure your home’s heating and cooling system is in good condition. In the event of furnace problems, your local ARS/Rescue Rooter professional can conduct a heater tune-up and replace the faulty parts to fix the problem, even when you’re away.

2. Emergency Contacts

Make a list of the contacts your house sitter can call in case of an emergency if they can’t reach you. Some important contacts to add to the list may include:

• A family member who lives nearby
• A trusted friend
• Your neighbors

If you’re a renter, you could provide the contact information for the landlord.

3. Garden Care

Be specific about how you need the house sitter to care for your garden. Do you need them to mow the lawn or tend the vegetables? Or just water the flowers at specific times of the day? Garden care can be a really important part of the house sitter’s duties. Be specific about their dos and don’ts and ensure they have the will and skills to care for your garden.

4. Home Security System

If your home has a security system, you probably have triggered it several times. Since you don’t want your house sitter to deal with a system they know nothing about, give them all the details they need to know about the system.

Teach them how to use and set up your security system. Show them how to reset the system in the event of a false alarm or power outage, and they’ll be more informed and alert.

You want to make sure your house sitter keeps your pets alive. So, prep them on how to keep them healthy. Describe when to feed the animals, take them out, and take them for health check-ups. Also, guide them on how to make sure the pets are neutered.

Wrapping Up

That’s it! A functional checklist for your house sitter. This list is by no means exhaustive. Other items worth adding to your checklist may include visitor’s policy, use of your vehicles, and rooms to be kept private. Any time-sensitive information should also be added to the list.

Author:  Matt Lloyd

Matt Lloyd is a writer and editor for magnificentworld.com. His topics cover everything from travel and tourism, to economics and politics, to culture and world events.

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Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist: Important Things To Do Before Travelling

Packed for Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Disclosure policy for more info.

Planning a vacation? There is so much to think about before actually heading out on your adventures, but preparing for your trip doesn’t have to be stressful. Our Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist will help make sure all the important things are done before travelling. So you and your family can relax and enjoy your vacation, knowing everything is well in hand.

The Pre-Vacation checklist covers everything from booking hotels, packing and bringing meds, to all those last minute details of making sure you’ve brought your toothbrush and phone charger, secured your home and the housesitter is confirmed and settled.

While it is organized into what to do 3 months, 1 month, 1 week and less before your trip, if you have less time, just adjust the time frames for the time you have left. It’s never too late to organize!

Our Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist Free Printable has all things you definitely don’t want to miss, when planning your trip.

Ready to plan? Let’s get prepping.

Table of Contents

Pre-Travel Checklist: What To Do Before Leaving For Vacation

Research destination & pre-trip planning.

Every trip starts with a little (or in my case a lot) of research. It is good to get an idea of what you will be looking forward to or any challenges your family may face. Here are a few things to consider before booking your destination. Then you’ll be all set to go through your travel preparations checklist.

We also like to make a yearly travel vision board to help us focus on our dream vacation that year.

What type of weather are you looking for? Are you looking for a wintery ski destination,  some fun in the sun, or mild fall foliage road trip tour?

It’s a good idea to research the average weather and temperature of your destination beforehand, because you definitely don’t want to fly somewhere expecting sunny, hot beach weather, only to find out once you’ve landed that it’s too cool or stormy to hang out on the beach, and you don’t even pack a sweater. 

Travel advisories and warnings

Take a look at your government’s travel advisories for your desired destination. They’ll have the latest info on what you need to be aware of from security to healthy risks, recommended vaccines and more.

This is especially important in the time of COVID, as rules, and entry requirements change rapidly. 

Rules, etiquettes and cultural norms 

Get a sense of the rules, etiquettes and cultural norms of your travel destination. This will help prepare you not only to be a more respectful  global citizen, it can also help guide what you need to pack. 

Activities & Tours

Many popular tours and activities require advance bookings. Doing a little research ahead of time will avoid the disappointment of missing out on bucket list items, and can even save you money.

Get your kids and partner involved in the dreaming. Ask what they are interested in doing, and have them to help with the research. Watch some YouTube Videos on hotels, activities, things to do in the area you are traveling to. 

Language 

Learn what language the majority of locals speak. While in tourist destinations you will find most people tend to know at least a little English, people appreciate it when you at least try to say a few words in their language.

Take a class, or brush up on a few common words you can use. We like to take a few courses before we travel and brush up on a few helpful phrase like Hello, Thank You, Where is the Bathroom and How much does that cost?

Rosetta Stone offers popular and affordable language classes you can do from home (or on the road); Try it out here.

Local Transportation Options

Check out the local transportation options. Many places, especially in larger cities, have great public transit or taxi systems, which are easier to use  than driving a car.

Or is it a place where you need or want to rent a car, because it’s safer, need to use a carseat, or you plan on doing road trips ? This is good to know ahead of time.

Compare rental car prices and options, auto insurance requirements, and see if there are any discounts available to you through your credit cards, CAA / AAA, professional organizations. 

Currency 

Different currencies are always a fun challenge. Research what currency you’ll need, the exchange rate, and how easily you’ll be able to access your money abroad. 

For most places this is not a problem. However, our trip to Cuba was the exception.

You can’t exchange Cuban currency beforehand, and all research pointed to bringing all the cash you needed. Accessing money while down there through ATMs or the bank can be difficult, so it would have been a stressful situation once we arrived, if we didn’t know all this beforehand.

Loyalty Programs

Sign up for loyalty programs for hotels you like to stay at, airlines you like to fly with and travel points credit cards. Often there are sign-up bonuses, that may even land you a free flight or an extra night or two at no extra cost.

Budget 

Working out a budget beforehand can give you an idea of where and how long you can travel for. Planning ahead with a budget can ultimately lead to less stress down the road.

Then you won’t have  to pay off a high interest credit card bill, for an expensive vacation you couldn’t afford. 

Make sure to include not only the big ticket items like flights, resorts, and  hotels, but also factor in meals, snacks, water, tips, souvenirs and activities.

We like to budget out  3 or 4 more expensive items per trip separately, such as special tours, a concert, or fancy meals. Then have a daily per diem to cover food, and miscellaneous daily expenses like bus tickets, tips, water and the like. 

Check out how to build a vacation fund for simple ways you can save money for your next family vacation.

Kids School

Check with your child’s school and teacher, to see what the rules are around taking a family vacation . A couple of things to consider. Is it an excused absence? Will your child need to catch up on any missed homework or assignments?

Read Is a family vacation an excused absence from school for all the considerations in pulling your kids out of school.

Book Your Vacation

Now that you have settled on a fun holiday destination, now it is the time to book your trip.

• Make reservations for your accommodations – hotel, airBnB, VRBO, castle, cruise, resort or wherever you are staying. 
• Book your transportation – flights, taxis, airport shuttles, buses, trains, transfers between cities and/or hotels
• Book activities & tours  – some activities and tours  book up quickly (like certain rides at Disney), so if there are certain ones you know you don’t want to miss out on, book ahead. 

For all reservations make sure you read and clearly understand their cancellation policies BEFORE booking. 

Grab your copy of our complete pre-travel checklist template , ready for you to use on your next vacation.

Booking Your Trip

Save up to 90% off flights – Flight deals from well regarded airlines straight to your inbox. Save up to 90% on your flights with Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). Finding a cheap flight: Check out Skyscanner or Momondo or Google Flights Explore . Search engines that scour the web and airlines for best flight deals. Booking accommodations: Booking.com is a great option for finding cheap accommodations around the world. We also use VRBO to find more unique, home away from home type places to stay. For example: Book your perfect beach house! Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance is important for everything from illness and injury, to trip cancellations or delays and theft. It’s peace of mind and protection should anything go wrong.  Safety Wing is a favourite amongst travellers for the under 60 crowd. As always, read the fine print on any insurance policy you buy.

Pre-Trip Checklist: What to do 3 months before Travel

While you may not always have your vacations planned out 3 or more months in advance, it’s a good idea to give yourself as much time as possible to prepare, especially if you are travelling internationally. 

Just move these items to the top of your to do list, no matter how much time you have left to travel. 

Check Travel Advisories & COVID Testing Requirements

As noted above, it is imperative you check for health advisories, travel warnings and entry requirements.  While this is true anytime, with COVID it is especially important to keep up to date on the changing situation around the world.

You will want to check back regularly leading up to your departure date, to make sure your trip is still possible, and if entry or exit requirements have changed.

Keep an eye on COVID testing requirements for not only leaving your country, but what is also required on your return.

Research government approved testing sites at your destination as well. Being prepared will give you peace of mind and help ensure you aren’t stuck on holiday longer than anticipated. For more info:

• Canada Travel Advisories
• USA Travel advisories
• UK Travel Advisories
• Australia Travel Advisories

Pre-Travel Checklist – International Travel  

If you are travelling internationally, or use your passport as ID, check to make sure all travellers passports are not expired, and will be valid for at least 6 months past your return date, with at least one blank page.

Double check with your destination’s embassy website,  to make sure they don’t have any other passport or entry requirements.

The embassy’s website for your destination will have a lot of helpful information. Look to see their entry and visa requirements. 

Make sure you have an idea of how long the process for getting a Visa will take, and if there are any special requirements.

In some cases, you may need to send your passport to the foreign consulate for processing of the visa, so make sure you will not need it during that time. You’ll also  want to make sure you have enough time to get all your documentation in order before your trip. 

If you are planning on a longer visit, determine requirements at least 6 months in advance, as some types of visas require extra steps (like visiting the consulate in person), and may take longer than expected. 

Check back in frequently to make sure visa requirements haven’t changed.

Vaccinations

Are you up to date on your vaccinations?

Visit your government’s travel advisory website (linked above), as they will have all the latest recommendations for safety, travel advice, including vaccine requirements for your destination. The World Health Organization (WHO) website also outlines recommended vaccines based on destination.

Follow up with your local travel clinic, to discuss what vaccines,  and precautionary measures may be best for your family. Some vaccines require multiple doses over time, so book well in advance.

Health and Travel Insurance

Extended medical insurance is a necessity when travelling outside the country. Make sure to add this to your list of things to do before travel.

Many employers and credit cards have insurance plans that cover emergency travel and health expenses while abroad. Call for all the fine details. Research and choose an insurance plan that will fit your family size, holiday activities and destination.

Double check the fine print around trip cancellation policies, and coverage for COVID related expenses. Many insurance plans are decreasing and changing coverage due to the pandemic. You don’t want to be caught in an unfortunate situation. 

Keep your valuables safer when travelling, with anti-theft gear .

Pre-Travel Checklist – Things To Prepare Before Travelling (Anywhere )

Pet and house sitters.

Arrange a house sitter and either a pet sitter or  book a kennel or boarding situation for your beloved pets, that won’t be travelling with you.

Sometimes these services are in high demand, especially around popular vacation times like Christmas or Spring Break, so book  well in advance. 

It will give you peace of mind, knowing your home is safe and your furry family is well taken care of, in your preferred boarding situation.

Create your Packing Lists

Make your packing lists and check them twice. Don’t forget all the essentials!

While it may seem a bit overkill to create a packing list so far in advance, if you have to buy off season clothes or gear for your trip, it can make prepping, and saving money for and on purchases much easier.

Feel free to move this to one month before your trip  if you have most or all the gear you need.

Before creating your family’s packing list, there are a few things to consider:

• Check on luggage allowances – Does your airline, cruise, train have limits to the weight, and number of luggage pieces you can bring? Are there any extra costs, and are you ok paying them? 
• Decide how much you want to pack.   Are you a carry-on only family? Do you want one suitcase for the kids, one for the adults, or each their own?
•  Decide on your style of bag: Do you prefer a duffel bag, backpack, suitcase, or maybe a combo. This will also dictate how much you can pack.
• Consider your type of trip: Take into consideration the length of stay, weather and planned activities for your family trip. 
• Decide about laundry: Are you planning on washing your clothes while away, or bringing everything you need? Will you have access to a washer / dryer or laundry service?
• Figure out what you can / can’t bring on a plane like waterbottles , sports racquets , magnets and the like.

Most Common Items People Forget To Pack For Vacation

Here is a list of some common items people forget to pack , so make sure they are on your list. These also all happen to be items I have missed a time or two myself.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Phone, kindle, ipad,  chargers
• First Aid kit or supplies
• Prescriptions and medications
• Travel adapter
• Copies of travel documents
• Warm layer (sweater, light jacket) for sunny destinations
• Laundry Bag – I like to keep dirty clothes in a separate mesh bag.

If you forget a few things, don’t panic, most destinations have plenty of options to buy any items you may have forgotten. Cuba however was one destination where you needed to pack everything you needed, as there weren’t a lot of options once you get there.

Buy Essentials Before Your Trip

Planning ahead can save you time, money and headaches. 

Here in Canada, finding warm summer clothes, even online, is difficult in the winter months.

Our trip to the Carribean was case in point. Not a lot of options to buy once we arrived, and not many options before we left. If I hadn’t bought a couple of end of summer sale items, we would have been out of luck.

Purchasing a few essentials beforehand can help get your trip off on the right foot. It can help save you money, as you have time to keep an eye out for deals and don’t have to pay exorbitant resort prices to purchase these items.

It can also help save time, if you need to special order anything online.

Some items you may need / want to buy ahead:

For the Kids

• Travel Entertainment: Activities, games, crafts, small toys, books
• Kids tablet / iPad – load up with fav movies, TV shows, books, podcasts
• Weather appropriate clothing & gear (snorkels, rashguards, sun hats, skiis, snowsuits etc.)
• Extra diapers, wipes, bottles, 
• Travel car seat and travel stroller
• Travel Booster Seat – We love our compact MiFold Grab and Go Car Booster Seat for travel with older kids (must be at least 4yrs+, 40″ tall and 40lbs)
• Infant travel bed
• Travel potty & toilet seat (2-in-1 awesomeness)

Toiletry items

• Carry-On sized toiletries
• Solid shampoo & conditioner bars 
• Sunscreen 
• Hand sanitizer

First Aid Kit  or items

• Pain relievers ( examples: Paracetamol, Tylenol, Ibuprofen). If travelling with kids, pack some for them too. 
• Bandaids, blister pads, gauze, surgical tape, & antiseptic wipes
• Tweezers & small scissors (don’t bring in carry-on!)
• Antihistamine & anti-bacterial creams
• Loperamide tablets – emergency anti-diarrhea medication
• Rehydration Tablets or packets – Pedialyte, Nuum
• Motion sickness meds 

For the Adults

• Weather appropriate clothing & gear
• Magazines, books, e-reader subscriptions (and download beforehand)

You may also like 50+ fun gifts for travel lovers of all ages

Pre-Trip Checklist: What To Do 1 Month Before Travel

Get a copy of our free pre-vacation checklist , to make sure you have all the things you’ll need to do in one handy document.

Confirm All Reservations And Bookings

With so many things to prepare before travelling, you don’t want to forget to confirm your bookings.

Now is the time to confirm / reconfirm all reservations, and bookings you made.  Look to see if any times or schedules have changed.

We tend to do this 1 month up to 2 weeks before we leave, depending on the travel destination, and the requirements of the various companies.

• Flight Times
• How you will get to the airport & Pick up time ( friend, taxi, shuttle etc.)
• Transportation to lodging
• Accomodations
• Car Rentals
• Bus / Train Reservations
• Activities, Tours, & Dining 
• Pet and House sitters

If you haven’t made any activity, tour or dining reservations yet, do so now. Check discount sites like Groupon, Travelzoo, or local travel sites for deals.

Also confirm any special assistance or requirements, you and your family members may need. Often they require more than 24 hours notice. Double check the amount of notice that is required with your airline, resort or hotel. 

Pre-Book in advance:

• Special meals – for kids, vegetarians, vegans or any special dietary needs
• Assistance at airports – such as porters or transport between terminals 
• Special Bedding / Room requirements – extra cot, playpen, adjoining rooms, non smoking or smoking rooms, rooms away from the pool etc.

Make A Hard Copy Of Reservations and Bookings

While most reservations are online, and on our phones these days, it’s a good idea to make a hard copy of all bookings, reservations, itineraries. Add emergency numbers, contacts and nearest hospital / clinic.

You never know when you may lose access to the internet / your phone, and need your passport or other info.

Keep a copy handy and  in a safe place while you travel, and leave a copy with a trusted friend or family member at home. Taking photos of all important documents is a good backup strategy as well.

Also program “In case of emergency” numbers into your phone , both for your home, and destination.

I like to have the number for police and ambulance, as well as the nearest hospital or clinic mapped out, so in the unlikely event of an emergency I don’t have to scramble for the info.

Car Maintenance

If you are taking a road trip, now is the time to have a little maintenance done on your vehicle. Make an appointment for the car to get checked over; oil change, tire pressure, fluids, windshield wipers.  

It is also a good idea to find some ways to save money on your road trip . You don’t want to spend more than you have to.

Medications and Prescriptions

A key item for your pre travel checklist is your medications and prescriptions. Make sure you have enough of your usual medications and prescriptions to last the entire trip plus a week or two extra if possible.

Pharmacies at your destination may have different meds than you are used to, and language may be a barrier. 

Here are a few tips to be prepared:

• Talk to your doctor prior to your trip, and let them know you will be travelling, and for how long
• Ask your  doctor to write a prescription for all your medications, preferably renewable for up to a year (or however long you will be gone). Most prescriptions can only be maximum a year.
• Make sure they write the American and generic name, doses, amounts etc. 
• Bring a hard copy of your prescription with you.
• Pack your medications in the original containers and place in  a one-quart, plastic bag near the top of your carry-on baggage.
• Divide the rest into different pieces of luggage, so if one piece of luggage is lost, you won’t have lost all your meds.

Cell Phones & Data Plans

Planning on texting or skyping friends and family back home, browsing the interwebs or streaming a few movies or videos for your kids? Most cell providers these days have fairly competitive international roaming packages for out of country usage. 

You definitely want to call your provider and set it up before you leave, so you don’t get an outrageous, surprise international roaming bill on your return home. That’s not the type of souvenir we are looking for!

With so many electronic devices and cords these days, it can be difficult to keep track of it all. Hands up if you’ve ever left a charger at a hotel or a Kindle in the pocket in front of you on the airplane, never to be seen again? No, just me…..ok maybe not.

It’s wise to invest in a small storage pouch, or electronic organizer case like this awesome, affordable Bagsmart electronic organizer . It’s a life saver (or at least an electronics saver).

Pre Travel Checklist – What to Do One Week Before Travel

Exchange currency.

Exchange some currency. It is a good idea to have at least a week’s worth of local currency on hand when you arrive at your amazing destination. Be sure you have some small bills for tipping your taxi or porter at your hotel as well.

Often you’ll get a better exchange rate at your home bank, than at your destination airport anyway.  Plus you won’t have to wait in line, exhausted after your days travel, with a bunch of cranky kids, spouse, friends in tow. 

Check Pre-Travel COVID Test Requirements & Where To Get One Done

Alot of destinations these days require proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of boarding.

In the US, visit your . Updated Covid travel rules to look for the latest information on where to get tested. If you are in Canada, visit the government’s website for more info.

Before you leave, make sure all bills are paid up, or that automatic payments are set up, with enough money in the account to cover any expenses while you are away.

Electronics Prep – Download Music, Games, Movies, Books, Travel Apps & Offload Photos

To make those long flights and travel days smoother, especially with kids, download the music, games, movies, podcasts, books you want to keep everyone entertained.

Download and familiarize yourself with any new Travel Apps you want to try out. 

If you use your cell phone as your camera, make sure you have enough storage, or delete / save old photos off your phone to make room.

Prepare Your Home 

Of all the things to prepare before travelling, home prep is one of the most important, and often overlooked tasks.

Now that all the travel details are under control, you’ll want to start prepping your home. I love returning home to a clean home, with freshly washed sheets and nicely made beds, Don’t you?

Many of these items can be done one week before, right up to the day of travel:

• Clean your house; mop floors, clean bathrooms, wipe down counters, vacuum
• Run the dishwasher & empty the dishes
• Wash and dry clothes, then pack or put away.
• Clean your sheets, and make the beds with freshly laundered linens
• Empty the garbage and compost bins
• Empty out your fridge of perishable items
• Water plants
• Set your thermostat
• Check the heating fuel level (Don’t want to run out in winter!) Arrange for a delivery while you are away if needed

Prepare your House Sitter

I like to have my house sitter and pet sitter over at least the week before we leave on vacation, to go over any routines, expectations and to give them a house tour.

If you have a house sitter looking after your home: 

• Write out and leave your list of do’s & don’ts
• Let them know which room they will be staying in
• Leave emergency contacts & how to get a hold of you
• Identify any quirky house items they need to look out for
• Make sure they know where any emergency shut off valves are (for the furnace, water, propane tank etc.) 
• Leave the schedule for garbage, compost, recycling, and watering days
• Prepare your home for them; clean up, put fresh sheets on their bed, buy some grocery staples, leave the WIFI password

Prepare Your Pet Sitter

If you have a pet sitter:

• Leave a detailed note about your pets routine, including feeding amounts and times and walking schedule
• Note the contact details for the vet, and dog walking or doggy day care services if you use those
• Provide enough pet food and supplies for the whole time you will be away. 
• Put pet supplies out where they can be easily found; food, leashes, toys, treats

Security Measures: How To Keep Your Home Safe While On Holiday

Before leaving on vacation, you’ll want to take some extra security precautions to make sure your house is safe and looks lived in while on holiday. The best way to do this is to hire a housesitter (or friend) to stay in your home while you are on vacation.

If that is not possible, here are a few things you can do to make sure your house is more secure:

• Arrange for a trusted neighbour or friend to collect your mail, water the plants & check up on the house.  Ask them to vary the hours they visit, so it’s not predictable. 
• Put your mail,  and newspaper subscription on hold
• Set your lights to a timer
• Set sprinklers, and watering systems to automatic
• Mow your lawn before you leave, so it looks well kept
• Lock all your doors and windows
• If you have a security company, let them know you will be gone.

Things To Do Before Travel: 3 Days to 24 Hours Before

Pre-departure Check-in For Flights

Once you’ve  received the  email from your airline, complete your pre-departure check-in.  

• Complete your pre-departure check-in
• Choose seat selection
• Double check baggage allowances
• Make sure mileage account number has been added to each person’s ticket if appropriate.
• Print boarding passes

Read and confirm the details of  the flights, and that your connections  are correct. 

You don’t want to end up like the poor woman who thought she was going to Australia and somehow ended up in Newfoundland, Canada. Not that Newfoundland isn’t an awesome place to visit (It is!), just a slightly different experience than the expected Australia. 

Choose your seat selection if you haven’t already. We highly recommend if you have young kids, doing this when you book your flight. Most airlines will allow free seat selection for at least one parent to sit with their child.

Check your baggage allowance , and pay for any extras up front. It is often cheaper this way, and means less to worry about at the airport.

COVID Tests

Alot of destinations these days require proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of boarding. Make sure to get one done from an approved testing place.

Take a trip to the grocery store and buy some filling snacks for your travel day. Ask your kids what they would like too. Less whining = happier parents. 

If you have a special diet, or special dietary needs,  it’s also a good idea to bring extra so you know you have some safe food to eat on your trip.

Some crafty ways to pack snacks:

• Pencil Case
• Fishing Tackle Box
• Reusable Snack Bags: We love the silicone ones and these cute fabric patterned ones

Now comes the fun part of actually packing. I always feel like this makes the trip more real. It’s a good idea to review your packing list and cull any unnecessary items (especially if it all doesn’t fit in your suitcase). 

• Pack your main luggage and carry on items
• Don’t forget to pack your face masks, hand sanitizer and proof of negative COVID test
• Check off the items as you put them in
• Use packing cubes . They are a space saver and a life saver. Tip – Have each traveller use a different colour packing cube, to keep clothes organized, and easier to tell apart. Get the ones we use here
• Make a list of those last minute items that need to be added right before you leave

Ready to Go! Last Minute Things to Do before Travelling 

Make sure all those last minute things are done before you head out.

• For a road trip; fill up car with gas, check tire pressure, clean out car, load it up and put out a garbage bag for the trip
• Check the weather 
• Lay out travel clothes for the next day
• Charge electronics & pack chargers in an accessible bag
• Make sure thermostat is set
• Double check doors and windows are locked
• Empty garbage cans and compost bins
• Check the house for any forgotten items, and pack last minute items
• Use the restroom

Conclusion: Pre Travel Checklist – Things To Do Before Travel

While there are a lot of things to prepare before travelling, having a Pre Travel Checklist will keep you organized and hopefully stress free before your vacation.

Have we missed anything on our Pre-Trip Checklist, or do you have any helpful tips to share? Let us know in the comments below, or connect with us on social media. We’d love to hear from you!

Related Articles: Looking for some travel inspiration?

• Find out which Hawaiian Island is best for families
• Best Travel Backpacks for Kids and Toddlers
• A Day in Havana, Cuba (What not to miss)
• One Day in Bryce Canyon, UT – Detailed Guide
• 20 Fun (and family friendly) things to do in Stowe, VT

Packed for Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.ca.

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

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As someone who just moved abroad, this is very well written and very useful for those of us who love to explore!! Hoping we can travel the world again soon!

Very helpful! Thanks for sharing!

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House Sitting Checklist

If you have to go out of town for personal reasons, vacation or on business, that alone can leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed. You have to pack, make travel arrangements, and find a way for your home to be cared for while you are away. Preparing a house sitting checklist is the best way to make sure that your possessions, loved ones, and obligations are handled in a responsible manner.

How to Use the House Sitting Checklist

This house sitting checklist will allow you to leave important contact information with your house sitter. It will provide a space for you to leave instructions and a description about who to care for and when. This free to download house sitting checklist is totally customizable to your needs. It outlines the details so that nothing is forgotten or ignored. Your house sitter will be able to easily read, understand and follow the instructions given. This form can also be used as a legal document to allow permission for medical care of pets/children in case of an emergency.

Being away from home is never easy but with this checklist in hand it takes some of the “what if” fears out of the situation. The information provided on the checklist for the house sitter will even guide them through an emergency. The checklist provides instructions for how to handle the incoming mail that can pile up while you are away. In this day of electronic transfers and communications you may not have many important documents coming in the mail, but you also do not want to bring unwanted attention to your mailbox by strangers who maybe lurking. Be prepared for your next out of town trip by downloading this checklist.

Tips for Using the House Sitting Checklist

• Fill out the checklist at least one week before your planned departure. This will give you time to go over the checklist with your house sitter.
• If you are caring for and older parent instead of children or pets. Fill the providing care for section with your older parent’s medical information and care instructions.
• Fax, e-mail, or hand a copy of the checklist to a trusted neighbor so that they will also be aware of the house sitter’s instructions, in case of and emergency.
• Scan a completed copy of the checklist onto your computer and email it to yourself so that you can have a copy of the same information with you on the road.

Download: House Sitting Checklist

Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

Prep Your Home for Vacation: Ultimate Checklist for Solo Travelers

October 9, 2023 by Tracey Nesbitt

Oh, the excitement of the countdown to your departure on a big trip! Your head is filled with all the research you've done, the things you want to see and do, the anticipation of new discoveries. But have you considered how to prep your home before leaving on vacation?

There are so many things to tend to before leaving on any trip, but especially on longer journeys. For a short getaway, you can basically lock the door and go. For a longer trip, you will want to take care of a few things both for peace of mind while you're away and ease of re-entry when you return.

If you're a solo traveler who also lives alone, not only is the trip planning all up to you, but ensuring the security of home is as well.

This topic arose in one of our recent Solo Traveler Virtual Meetups as a reader in Australia was preparing to head out on a long-term trip and asked the group for advice. (If you'd like to receive invitations to our monthly meetups, sign up for our newsletter .)

You don't want to be worrying about home when you're out exploring the world, so let us help you with a comprehensive checklist of things to do to prep your home before your next vacation.

Table of Contents

Tips for the Safety and Security of Your Home

In the course of writing this article, I was introduced to “burglary tourism”, a term that was new to me. People travel to other countries, break into homes and steal valuables, then sell them or mail them back to their home countries. Apparently, this has spread throughout Europe, Canada, and the United States. One more reason to make sure to prep your home before vacation so you do not appear to be away!

✔ Secure valuables . Further to my mention of burglary tourism, you might want to consider putting valuable jewelry, important documents, or cash in a safe or even off-site in a safe deposit box.

✔ Lock and cover windows and doors . And not just the exterior doors – also lock any adjoining doors, say, between the house and garage, as well as any pet doors. Close curtains and blinds and make sure all windows are locked. If you have sliding doors, place a bar into the track for extra security.

✔ Make it look like you're home . Set programmable light timers on all floors, approximating your usual schedule: bedroom lights on at the time you usually get up and off when you go to bed, outdoor lights on whatever your normal schedule would be, living room lights in the evening, etc.

✔ Leave a car in the driveway . If you live in a house and have a driveway, you might think about parking your car there. Leave a set of keys with your neighbour in case there's a need to move it. Logically, one might put the car in the garage while away for an extended period, but leaving it out may signal that someone is home. Alternatively, if you have a neighbour with more than one car, or someone who could use a parking spot, have them park in your driveway while you're away – they'll be coming and going and it will make your place seem lived-in.

✔ Consider getting a house sitter . Engaging a house sitter can solve a number of problems. See Successful Solo House Sitting Tips for Travelers and Homeowners for more.

• Your house will be lived in while you're gone, which makes it less attractive to burglars. It also means someone will know immediately if something goes wrong with heating/cooling, water, electricity, or any appliances.
• If you have pets, they can be cared for in the comfort of their own home.
• A house sitter can water your houseplants.
• There will be someone to collect your mail and accept deliveries.
• You can negotiate terms such as yard maintenance, thus avoiding hiring other people to cut grass, shovel snow, or water flowers and gardens.

✔ A home exchange might be an option . If it happens to fit the style of travel you're doing, a home exchange can be a great option as well. If you're not planning to stay in one place over the course of your trip, bear in mind that home exchanges don't have to be simultaneous. You can have someone stay in your home this time around and you can stay in someone else's home on a future trip.

✔ Engage your home alarm system . If you have an alarm system, don't forget to turn it on as you leave for the airport. If you don't have one, you might want to consider installing one before your trip. Here are reviews of a number of smart home security systems from PC Magazine.

✔ Check your home insurance policy . Be aware of how often your home insurance requires your house or apartment to be checked in your absence. Mine is every three days. Whatever yours is, have a neighbour do a walk-through on a regular basis. For added reassurance, you might consider hiring someone to do this who will keep records of each visit and cover a checklist of items. You'll also want someone to check in the wake of any power outages or extreme weather events. And of course, don't forget to purchase travel insurance before you leave!

✔ Have someone take care of your outdoor space . Arrange for grass to be cut or snow to be shoveled, leaves raked or plants watered, so it won't be obvious that your home is vacant. In a condo or apartment, have someone check for packages and mail, flyers, or notes to be cleared from in front of your door. If you have outdoor furniture in your yard or on your balcony, secure it or store it away in case of storms or high winds.

✔ Don't leave a key under the mat . Or under a fake rock, or above the door frame, or beneath a planter. You're not fooling anyone and it's the first place a burglar would look.

Money-Saving Tips

✔ Pull the plug on electronics . Unplug anything that won't require power while you're away. In addition to saving you money, there will be less to worry about if there's a power outage or electrical issue.

✔ Put services on hold while you're away . If you're going to be away for more than a month, put a hold on your internet and cable services. Unless you're going to be using them while traveling, suspend your streaming services as well. There's no point paying for something you won't be using.

✔ Arrange for the payment of bills while you're away . The easiest way to do this is to have your bills sent to you via email and then pay them online.  Be sure you have a VPN activated before doing any financial transactions while using Wi-Fi. Additionally, you can set up automatic pre-authorized payments for your recurring bills to ensure you never incur late fees.

✔ Suspend subscription deliveries . Don't forget to cancel any regularly delivered items such as produce baskets, meal prep kits, newspapers, or anything else that is delivered to your home and will end up sitting in front of your door, indicating your absence. Why pay for something you won't be able to enjoy?

Prep Your Home for Your Return from Vacation

✔ Clear out garbage, recycling, and compost . This may sound obvious, but it's easy to forget in the mad dash to the airport. My neighbour will tell you that more than once, I have sent frantic texts begging her to run upstairs and take out my countertop compost bin. Empty the refrigerator of anything with a shorter lifespan than your trip. You don't want to come home to the smell of sour milk.

✔ Program heating and cooling . Will it be hot or cold at home while you're away? Dry or humid? Set or program your heating, air conditioning, or humidity control devices both for while your home is empty and for when you return. You may not want to cool your home while you're away, but you don't want to return to a sauna-like atmosphere either. Think it through both for energy conservation and for the impact on your home of high/low humidity or temperatures.

✔ Arrange for care of your houseplants . You don't want to come home to dried out ferns and dead flowers. Unless your plants are the kind that thrive in the desert, you'll want to either have someone come in to water them or send them on a vacation of their own and have a friend care for them in their home.

✔ Don't just empty the fridge . Make sure to empty the washing machine, dryer, kitchen sink and dishwasher. It will not be pleasant to return to eggs caked on your breakfast dishes or the mouldy smell of neglected wet laundry!

✔ Make your bed . I'll be the first to admit that this is the last thing on my mind when I am in the chaos of leaving for the airport. But you will thank me when you return from a long trip and crawl into your own bed with fresh sheets.

✔ Make an advance date with your cleaner . If you use a cleaning service, arrange for them to clean your home a day or two before you return. Even if you leave it clean, depending how long you've been gone, things may have gotten dusty or you may have had people coming and going to take care of things in your absence.

Take the time to prep your home for vacation so you will have fewer worries on the road and a smoother transition when you return.

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Pre Travel Checklist: 31 Things to do at Home Before Going on Holiday!

Are you wondering what to do before a vacation to make sure you’re prepared? I’ve forgotten more things than I can count and struggled with organization when traveling for a while. In the last few years, since having kids, I’ve learned how to be organized and use checklists to help me be more relaxed when I’m traveling and on vacation. I’ve compiled the ultimate pre travel checklist which includes 31 things to do at home before going on holiday. Starting at the top of the list are items that can be done earlier pre-travel followed by the more last minute items towards the end of the list. Whether you are traveling to an international destination, to the national parks , or somewhere else in the states , you’ll be fully prepared if you follow this checklist. And you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation stress free knowing you did all the vacation prep you needed to.

1. Put a Stop on Your Mail

If you don’t have a house sitter, or are going to be gone for more than a couple days I would recommend putting a stop on your mail. The last thing you want is to have your mail stolen or piling up in your mailbox. The first time putting a stop on your mail is the most difficult. You’ll have to create a USPS account initially, but after that it’s an easy process. Click the link here to put a stop on your mail.

2. Find a House and/or Pet Sitter

Having a house or pet sitter you trust is amazing for your peace of mind while traveling. You won’t have to worry if anyone is bothering your house or if any maintenance issues popped up. We actually had our sprinkler system with a huge leak while we were traveling that was noticed by our neighbor who was watching our house! That time alone saved us a ton of money. And if you have pets, it’s so nice to know that someone is watching your babies and giving them lots of love while you’re gone.

3. Make Restaurant and Ticket Reservations

Depending on where you are going, it may be a good idea to make restaurant reservations or reserve tickets for different events ahead of time. It’s so fun to be flexible at times, but it helps to look into some of this ahead of time. I like to have some of our travel be spontaneous, but I make it a point to make reservations or buy tickets for things that I would be really disappointed if we missed out on.

4. Get Travel Insurance

It’s never a bad idea to get travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally or with your kids. Luckily we haven’t had to use ours up to this point, but just knowing we have a plan in case of emergencies is so important. There are tons of great travel insurance companies out there, we’ve used Allianz Global Assistance in the past and it was really easy and affordable.

5. Pay Bills

Look for any bills that are going to be due while you are gone or shortly after you come back. Pay them ahead of time if you can. Better yet, put everything on auto pay and you won’t have to worry about it. I’m always a little out of sorts when I return from vacation so I try to pay my bills out at least a week after returning so I don’t miss any payments.

6. Plan Your Airport Transportation

Make a plan for getting yourself and your family to the airport. If you are planning to use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft, you can often pre-schedule the pickup to make sure there is a driver available. If you’re planning to park at the airport, it’s a good idea to check out the map and figure out which terminal you’ll be in, especially if you are unfamiliar with the airport. Or if you’re planning to have a friend drop you off, it’s probably a good idea to give them a reminder and set a time you would like them to pick you up.

7. Make a Vacation Playlist

A vacation specific playlist is totally optional (obviously!) We love to add songs to a playlist for a month or so before our trip that gives us the vibes we’re looking for while we’re there. It’s super fun to listen to new music, and it’s fun to revisit this playlist when you’re home and reminiscing on the fun times you had.

8. Download Books, Podcasts, Music, Movies

Never, and I mean NEVER, trust that the airport wi-fi will come through for you when you need it. I’ve definitely made this mistake and found myself sitting on the plane in silence because I forgot to download a podcast or book. If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to download movies or YouTube shows they’ll like. Netflix makes it really easy to download shows as well. And don’t forget headphones for you and your kids.

9. Pick up Prescription or Over the Counter Medications

As a pharmacist, I have to mention this one! This may one of the most important things on your pre travel checklist. It will definitely put a damper on your trip if you end up in the emergency department to get refills of your medications, or scrambling around trying to get ahold of your doctors office.

It’s also a good idea to pick up any over the counter medications you may need including pain relievers, stool softeners, anti-diarrheal medication, antacids, allergy medications, motion sickness, sleep aids, first aid kit supplies, etc. If you are traveling to a country with malaria or high rates of traveler’s diarrhea make sure to get an appointment to get prescriptions for those as well (or get your pre-travel vaccinations).

10. Print Travel Documents

In today’s world, we usually have all of our travel documents on our phone. Maybe it’s old school of me, but I try to make sure I have a printed copy of important travel documents just in case my phone dies or the internet isn’t working. It’s also helpful to have copies of your passport with you, but not absolutely necessary.

I’m a little (or a lot) type A, so I always have a printed rough itinerary as well. I don’t plan out every detail of our trip, but I do like to write down where we’re staying when, ideas of short hikes or things to do in the area, and restaurants within our budget with good reviews.

11. Clean Out Your Vehicle

Cleaning out your car or truck is very important if you’re going to be going on a road trip. If you’re like us, your car will be very messy by the end of your road trip, so starting with a clean slate is best. Make sure you have some of the basic road trip essentials in your car like tissues/napkins, chapstick, phone chargers, etc.

12. Make a Last Minute Trip to the Store

It’s time for your last minute grocery store run. If you need any travel size toiletries, snacks, crossword puzzles, etc. Make sure to take inventory of a special road trip snack that each member of your party likes. You’ll save money by buying this at the grocery store rather than making purchases at the gas station every time. We also try to bring some healthy options too. Don’t get me wrong, we love junk food on occasion, but fruits and veggies make for good road trip snacks too! This is also a good time to make sure you have ice or ice packs in the freezer if you’re planning to pack a cooler.

13. Fill Up With Gas or Charge Your Vehicle

When you make a trip to the store, just go ahead and fill up. Don’t save this for the “we’ll just get it in the morning”. I am that type of person, and thankfully my husband is not. If the road trip is going well, you’ll be able to get to your destination quicker if you don’t have to make an unexpected stop at the gas station.

14. Withdraw Some Cash

This may not be relevant if you’re traveling within the states. However, it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand no matter where you’re traveling in case your credit cards get cancelled or your wallet gets stolen. Store some of this cash in a different place than your wallet or in a fanny pack, just in case! It’s also fun to get some local currency at the bank if you’re traveling to a new country.

15. Double Check the Yard

No one wants to come home to a dead lawn that you’ve worked hard to keep up all year! Whether that is making sure your sprinkler system is set to the correct settings or giving those outdoor plants one last watering, it’s an important thing to double check. This would also be a good time to mow your lawn one last time or make sure you have someone to mow your lawn while you’re gone.

16. Water Indoor Plants

This kind of goes with the item above, but if you’re like me you will forget about those poor indoor plants. Although weirdly, my indoor plants seem to thrive when I forget about them… You can use self-watering bulbs for your plants instead if you’re going to be gone for a while.

17. Eat or Throw Away all Perishable Food

I try to plan our weekly menu for the week before travel around using up perishable food we have in the fridge or the pantry. If it gets close to the day of you leaving and there are things that are not going to last throughout your trip, get rid of them. You definitely don’t want to come home to moldy or stinky food in the fridge. Or better yet, gift them to your neighbor if it’s something worth sharing.

18. Check the Weather at Your Destination

This one is important. Even if you think you’re going to a tropical paradise, the weather could surprise you. Make sure to pack at least a few outfits that prepare you for weather you are not expecting. Not to mention, you may still have time to pivot some of your plans if you’re supposed to have poor weather or a major storm.

19. Do Laundry

Make sure to do laundry the day or two before you leave so you can pack those extra underwear that needed washing. However, it’s also important to not do this too far in advance or you may end up with a bunch of dirty clothes again and nothing to pack. My friend once packed too early, and was slowly picking clothes out of her suitcase in the time leading up to her trip. When she ended up at her destination, she actually had zero pants to wear. Whoops!

20. Clean the House

There is nothing better than coming home to a clean house after a long week of travel. I promise your future self will thank you for this one. And, if you have a house sitter, it’s important to leave them a nice house. Run your robot vacuum one last time as you are leaving for an extra sparkly floor for you to return to.

Okay, this is obvious thing to add to our pre travel checklist but here is your reminder to start packing. I know it’s hard and you probably are planning to leave this for the very last minute, but just do it now! That will give you time to do extra laundry or make a trip to the store if you need. It’s also helpful to make a list of last minute items that you can’t pack quite yet. This way, you won’t forget anything you need.

22. Last minute grooming

I like to do some last minute grooming at home as part of my pre travel checklist so I feel fresh when I arrive to my destination. Remember to shave, clip your toenails, get a manicure or paint nails (if you like), wash your hair, and any other things that are part of your routine.  I love to put on some stick on nail strips because I don’t have the patience for the salon. I definitely keep my pre vacation beauty checklist simple. You’ll be ready to hit the beach or the pool right when you arrive!

23. Make a List of Last Minute Items

Items that you can’t pack until morning need to go on a list, trust me – I’ve forgotten my toothbrush more than half of the time I travel. Other things on this list may include other toiletries, water bottle, baby monitor, phone charger and more things you use up until the time you leave. Don’t trust yourself to remember this in the morning when you are chasing your kids around to get them dressed.

24. Choose your Next Day Outfit

No more fumbling in the dark for whatever outfit you plan to wear to the airport. Just pick one and set it out so you can travel comfortably the next day.

25. Check-in for Your Flight

If you haven’t learned how to check in for your flight before you get to the airport, this is your sign to learn! You will save yourself so much time by not going through the check-in desk. I can’t count how many times the self-serve kiosks have been malfunctioning. Get your boarding pass on your phone and print an extra copy if you’d like before you get to the airport.

26. Charge Your Devices

A crucial item on the pre travel checklist is to make sure to charge all of your devices including iphones, ipads, portable chargers, laptops, headphones, and more. And don’t forget to charge your portable charger if you have one! Occasionally the planes will have chargers, but don’t rely on that. It’s no fun to be the person sitting on the floor of the airport because you need a phone charger or worst of all to have a dead iPad when you’re trying to entertain your toddler! 

27. Weigh Your Bag

If you have a scale at home, it’s so helpful to weigh your checked bag prior to going to the airport. I have also been the person whose bag was over the weight limit. Having to open and rearrange your luggage when there are 20 people waiting behind you is not ideal. Even if your scale is slightly off, you can get an estimate of where you’re at.

28. Run the Dishwasher

Don’t leave dirty dishes in the dishwasher all week. Just run it and if you don’t have time to unload it, at least the dishes will be clean for when you get back. Your future self will thank you!

29. Turn Down the Heat or AC

Depending on the season it’s good to do one of these two things to save some money on bills and also to be as eco-friendly as possible. Don’t turn it down so far that your pipes will freeze, but at least lower than you’d normally keep it for comfort.

30. Take Out the Garbage/Recycling/Compost

This kind of goes without saying that you don’t want smelly garbage sitting there for a week while you’re lounging on the beach. That will not be a good welcome home, I promise.

31. You’ve done everything! Now you can relax and enjoy your vacation!

Okay, now you can take a deep breath and relax – your pre travel checklist is COMPLETE . That is, after you arrive at your destination. Hopefully this list will give you some peace of mind that you did all the things you needed to get done before leaving for vacation!

What else do you do before you leave for vacation?? Leave a comment!

Ready to start planning your next vacation? Check out some of our favorite destinations !

• Grand Teton National Park With Kids: The Best Guide
• The Best Things to Do in Reykjavik With Kids
• One Day in Saguaro National Park Itinerary with Kids

Happy travels!

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Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

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Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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What to do in Moscow

Ballet at the bolshoy, cathedral of christ the saviour, drinking & nightlife, entertainment, house-museums, the museum of modern history, the new tretyakov gallery, novodevichiy convent, patriarch’s ponds, the pushkin museum of fine arts, sandunovsky baths, the tretyakov gallery.

Travel in Moscow is easier than you might think: the city’s general layout is a series of concentric circles and radial lines emanating from Red Square and the Kremlin, and the centre is compact enough to explore on foot. Moscow’s sights can also be mapped as strata of its history: the old Muscovy that Russians are eager to show; the now retro-chic Soviet-era sites such as VDNK and Lenin’s Mausoleum; and the exclusive restaurants and shopping malls that mark out the new Russia. A CityPass is a good bet if you plan on seeing several of the city's heavyweight attractions.

Despite its size, Moscow's concentric layout is easier to grasp than you'd imagine, and the city's famous metro ensures that almost everywhere of interest is within fifteen minutes' walk of a station. Red Square and the Kremlin are the historic nucleus of the city, a magnificent stage for political drama, signifying a great sweep of history that includes Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great, Stalin and Gorbachev. Here you'll find Lenin's Mausoleum and St Basil's Cathedral, the famous GUM department store, and the Kremlin itself, whose splendid cathedrals and Armoury Museum head the list of attractions. Immediately east of Red Square lies the Kitay-gorod, traditionally the commercial district, and originally fortified like the Kremlin. Stretches of the ramparts remain behind the Metropol and Rossiya hotels, and the medieval churches of Zaryade and the shops along Nikolskaya ulitsa may tempt you further into the quarter, where you'll find the former headquarters of the Communist Party. Take a private Kremlin tour to skip the lines for the Kremlin grounds and cathedrals.

The Kremlin and Kitay-gorod are surrounded by two quarters defined by rings of boulevards built over the original ramparts of medieval times, when Moscow's residential areas were divided into the "White Town" or Beliy Gorod, and the humbler "Earth Town" or Zemlyanoy Gorod. Situated within the leafy Boulevard Ring that encloses the Beliy Gorod are such landmarks as the Bolshoy Theatre and the Lubyanka headquarters of the secret police – with its "KGB Museum" – while the Zemlyanoy Gorod that extends to the eight-lane Garden Ring is enlivened by the trendy old and new Arbat streets, with three Stalin skyscrapers dominating the Ring itself.

Beyond this historic core Moscow is too sprawling to explore on foot. Krasnaya Presnya, Fili and the southwest describes a swathe which includes the former Russian Parliament building (known as the White House); Tolstoy's house and the Novodeviche Convent and Cemetery; Victory Park, with its war memorials and Jewish museum; and Moscow State University in the Sparrow Hills – the largest of the Stalin skyscrapers.

Across the river from the Kremlin, Zamoskvorechye and the south are the site of the old and new Tretyakov Gallery's superlative collection of Russian art. Private guided tours are recommended for art enthusiasts. Here too you'll find Gorky Park, the Donskoy and Danilov monasteries that once stood guard against the Tartars, and the romantic ex-royal estates of Tsaritsyno and Kolomenskoe – the latter known for staging folklore festivals and historical pageants.

Taganka and Zayauze, east of the centre, likewise harbour fortified monasteries – the Andronikov, Novospasskiy and Simonov – and the erstwhile noble estates of Kuskovo and Kuzminki, but the main lure for tourists is the Izmaylovo art market. Inside the Izmaylovo Kremlin, a cultural centre, there are also a range of attractions, from the Bread Museum and the Vodka History Museum to the fascinating Museum of Russian Toys.

Moscow's Northern Suburbs cover a vast area with a sprinkling of sights. Foremost is the Memorial and Museum of Cosmonautics and VDNK. For anyone interested in the glory days of the space race, and its monumental landmarks and propaganda, a visit is a must, like on this guided tour . In the vicinity are the Ostankino Palace, Moscow's Botanical Gardens and TV Tower. West from here, the Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines will appeal to visitors with an interest in Soviet social history, too.

Outside Moscow there's scope for day-excursions to the Trinity Monastery of St Sergei, the Abramtsevo artists' colony, Tchaikovsky's house in Kiln, Lenin's estate at Gorki Leninskie, and the battlefield of Borodino, where the battle is re-enacted every September. You can also head out to the village of Aksakovo for a beautiful two-hour troika ride. Further afield, the historic towns of Vladimir and Suzdal are graced by splendid cathedrals and monasteries attesting that they were the seat of a principality when Moscow was merely an encampment. Suzdal is one of the loveliest towns in Russia, and definitely merits an overnight stay. It's also possible to visit the Aviation Museum at Monino air base, en route to Vladimir, if you take the trouble to get permission ahead of time.

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Top image: Komsomolskaya metro station © Gubin Yury/Shutterstock

While Moscow's Bolshoy Ballet (also spelt "Bolshoi") is going through uncertain times, plagued by infighting and rivalries (not least the recent acid attack on Artistic Director Sergei Filin), few would deny themselves the chance to see this legendary company. During the season, evening performances start at 7pm, and Saturday and Sunday matinees at noon; there are no shows on Monday.

You can see what’s on currently and for a few months ahead on the Bolshoy’s website – although the English version sometimes lags behind the Russian one. The ballet company is usually abroad over summer and sometimes also in the autumn, leaving the junior corps de ballet to entertain visitors – although star dancers are certain to be in Moscow for the opening of the new season in September. For more on Russian ballet visit www.for-ballet-lovers-only.com . For those not interested in ballet but more in the historical aspect of the Bolshoy theatre, take a guided historic tour of the grounds.

If you're more interest in Folk Dances, visit the Kostroma Folk Dance show , the most authentic one in Moscow.

Built as a symbol of gratitude to divinity for having aided the Russians’ defeat of Napoleon in 1812, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour (daily 10am–6pm), opposite the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts at Volkhonka ul. 15, was demolished in 1931 in favour of a monument to socialism. The project was soon abandoned and years later, under Krushev’s rule, the site was turned into the world’s largest public swimming pool. In 1994 the Cathedral was rebuilt and is now a symbol of Moscow’s (and Russia’s) post-Communist religious revival.

Moscow isn’t a city that goes to bed early. Many venues act as a café by day, restaurant in the early evening, and both bar and club at night. This can cover anything from an arthouse café with a spot of live music to a dance warehouse, or a fancy nightclub with a restaurant and casino. Most cater to a certain crowd, whether it’s creative professionals, students, shell-suited "flatheads" or designer-draped models. While formal dress codes are rare, face control (feys kontrol) is widespread. Russians distinguish between “democratic” face control (aimed at keeping out hooligans and bandits), and the kind that favours the rich (never mind how they behave). It’s unwise to rile club security staff, however rude they might be.

There are scores of trendy bars and clubs on Krasny Oktyabr, a former chocolate factory building located across the river from Kropotkinskaya and now home to some of Moscow’s hippest nightlife.

Learn how to walk, talk, drink and party like a Russian on a small group with Russian spirits.

Moscow's gastronomic scene has improved enormously over the last five years, with hundreds of new cafés and restaurants offering all kinds of cuisine and surroundings, aimed at anyone with a disposable income – from mega-rich New Russians and expense-account expatriates to fashion-conscious wealthy teenagers.

For cheap eats head to a canteen, where you can compile a tray of dishes smorgasbord-style. Take advantage of the great-value business lunches offered by cafés and restaurants during the week between noon and 4pm.

For well over a century, Moscow has been one of the world’s great centres of classical music, opera and ballet, most famously represented by the Bolshoy Theatre but also by its orchestras and choirs. Theatre can be tricky for non-Russian speakers though circus and puppetry surpass the language barrier. Moscow’s film industry and annual international film festival dwarf St Petersburg’s, but at other times most cinemas screen Hollywood blockbusters.

All this can be surprisingly good value, provided you ask for the cheapest ticket available ( samiy deshoviy bilyet ).

Gorky Park on ul. Krymskiy Val 9 (R100; Park Kultury) is a large park occupying an area of over 700 acres along the river. In the winter the frozen-over paths become one of the city’s largest ice rinks, while in the summer Muscovites stroll the area savouring an ice cream.

Admirers of Bulgakov, Chekhov, Gorky and Tolstoy will find their former homes preserved as museums. Anton Chekhov lived at Sadovaya-Kudrinskaya ul. 6, in what is now the Chekhov House-Museum (Tues, Thurs & Sat 11am–6pm, Wed & Fri 2–8pm; R100, student R60; Barrikadnaya), containing humble personal effects, while the Gorky House-Museum (Wed–Sun 11am–6pm, closed last Thurs of the month; free; Arbatskaya) on the corner of Povarskaya ulitsa and ulitsa Spiridonovka is worth seeing purely for its raspberry-pink Art Nouveau decor. Leo Tolstoy admirers should head to the wonderfully preserved Tolstoy Memorial Estate on ul. Lva Tolstogo 21 (Tues, Wed & Fri 10am–6pm, Thurs 1–9pm, Sat & Sun 11am–6pm; R200, student R60; Park Kultury) where the Tolstoy family lived after moving to Moscow from their country estate in 1881, and where the novelist wrote War and Peace . The Bulgakov Museum at Bolshaya Sadovaya ul. 10 (Sun–Thurs 1–11pm, Fri & Sat until 1am; free; t 495/970-0619; Mayakovskaya), is the house where the novelist lived from 1921 to 1924. There are nightly tours (1–6am; R550; phone a week in advance for tour in English).

The Museum of Modern History at Tverskaya ul. 21 (Tues, Wed, Fri 10am–6pm, Thurs & Sat 11am–7pm, Sun 10am–5pm, closed last Fri of the month; R100; Tverskaya) brings the Communist past alive with striking displays of Soviet propaganda posters, photographs and state gifts, although there’s a frustrating lack of English translation.

Opposite the entrance to Gorky Park at Krymskiy Val 10, the New Tretyakov Gallery (Tues–Sun 10am–7.30pm; R360, student R220; Park Kultury) takes a breakneck gallop through twentieth-century Russian art, from the avant-garde of the 1910–1920s to contemporary artists. Full and illuminating commentary in English is a bonus.

A cluster of shining domes above a fortified rampart belongs to the lovely Novodevichiy Convent (daily 10am–5pm; closed Tues & last Mon of month; R150; Sportivnaya), founded by Ivan the Terrible in 1524. At its heart stands the white Cathedral of the Virgin of Smolensk. In its cemetery lie numerous famous writers, musicians and artists, including Gogol, Chekhov, Stanislavsky, Bulgakov and Shostakovich.

One of Moscow’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, Patriarch’s Ponds is a pleasant spot (there’s actually just one pond) for a summer stroll or an ice-skate on its frozen waters in the depths of winter. The area is also known for being the location of the opening scene of Mikhail Bulgakov’s magical realist novel The Master and Margarita .

Founded in 1898 in honour of the famous Russian poet, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts at Volkhonka ul. 12 (Tues–Sun 10am–7pm; R150–300, separate fee for Impressionist wing; Kropotkinskaya) holds a hefty collection of European paintings , from Italian High Renaissance works to Rembrandt, and an outstanding display of Impressionist works.

Get the city grit out of your skin at the exquisitely elaborate Sandunovsky baths (Neglinnaya ul. 14 bldg 3–7 w www.sanduny.ru ; Teatralnaya), patronized by Muscovites since 1896. Join Russian businessmen and socialites in the banya , a wooden hut heated with a furnace, where you are invited to sweat out impurities, get beaten energetically with birch twigs, and finally plunge into ice-cold water. Men’s and women’s baths are separate, with the women’s section more like a modern spa. A three-hour session costs R1000. Daily 8am–10pm.

Founded in 1892 by the financier Pavel Tretyakov, the Tretyakov Gallery at Lavrushinskiy per. 10 (Tues–Sun 10am–7.30pm; R360, student R220; Tretyakovskaya) displays an outstanding collection of pre-Revolutionary Russian art. Russian icons are magnificently displayed, and the exhibition continues through to the late nineteenth century, with the politically charged canvases of the iconic realist Ilya Repin and the Impressionist portraits of Valentin Serov, including The Girl with Peaches , one of the gallery’s masterpieces.

To see Soviet triumphalism at its most prolific, visit the Exhibition of Economic Achievements, or VDNKh (Prospekt Mira; VDNK/Prospekt Mira), with its statue upon statue of ordinary workers in heroic poses. Adding to the scene is the permanent trade-fair-cum-shopping-centre housed in the grandiose Stalinist architecture of the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition of 1939, and the People’s Friendship Fountain, flanked by Soviet maidens, each symbolizing a Soviet republic. One of the most hubristic Soviet monuments ever built is the Space Obelisk , which bears witness to Soviet designs on the stratosphere. Unveiled in 1964 – three years after Gagarin orbited the earth – it’s a sculpture of a rocket blasting nearly 100m into the sky on a plume of energy clad in shining titanium. Moscow’s giant Ferris wheel, small amusement park and numerous food vendors help to create a fairground-like atmosphere. For a fantastic view over the VDNK, take the lift to the 25th floor of Hotel Cosmos across Prospekt Mira.

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updated 26.04.2021

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