You Are Here: Home - Expert Advice - The Organizer's Toolbox - Tip Sheets
NEW! - Keywords For This Page: Pets - Kids - Housesitting
Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.
 |
ASK YOUR SITTER
|
 |
- Why have you chosen this job?
- How long have you been sitting?
- Are you sitting for anyone else? Will that get in the way of you sitting for us?
- Have you had an emergency come up while sitting? How did you handle it?
- What medical or emergency training do you have?
- Do you have any children / pets of your own?
- When are you available to sit? Evenings? Weekends? Holidays?
 |
BABYSITTER BASICS
|
 |
- when bedtime is and what bedtime routine to follow
- rules about watching TV, playing video games, getting on computer, etc.
- instructions for completing homework or chores
- rules about having friends over or going out to see friends
- instructions about making dinner or serving snacks
- any other responsibilities (walking pets, cleaning up, etc.)
- information about school hours and day care (if applicable)
 |
CARING FOR PETS WHILE YOU ARE GONE
|
 |
- walk schedule for dogs
- instructions about mealtimes and favorite treats
- location of leash, cat carrier, kitty litter, and other supplies
- list of stores that carry your brand of pet supplies if run out
- any other responsibilities (clean cat pan, bathe, etc.)
 |
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
|
 |
- first aid tips and when sitter should call the doctor
- make sure your sitter knows the family fire plan
- show your sitter where the emergency exits are
- show your sitter where the fire extinguisher is
- show your sitter where the first aid kit is
- leave a list of emergency contact numbers
- fire, police, neighbors, to reach you, doctor / vet, and hospital
- make sure your sitter knows how to use the door and window locks
- give your sitter an extra set of house keys
- show your sitter which outside light(s) to leave on
 |
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
|
 |
- if child or pet require any medications (dose and when to give)
- if child or pet have any illnesses, allergies, or special needs
- let the sitter know if anyone is coming over to fix or deliver anything
- clarify what the sitter can or can't do (have friends over, eat, use phone)
- clarify if you want sitter to answer phone and take messages
- provide instructions and keys if letting sitter use your car
- provide sitter with cash (ordering take-out, paying repair people)
- let sitter know where you will be and what time you'll be back
- provide details about your flight, hotel, itinerary, etc. if traveling
- give the sitter a courtesy call if you will be late
Copyright Ramona Creel, all rights reserved-- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box.
Ramona Creel is a modern Renaissance woman and guru of simplicity -- traveling the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of radically downsizing, and inspiring others to regain control of their own lives. As a Professional Organizer and Accountability Coach, Ramona will help you create the time and space to focus on your true priorities -- clearing away the clutter other obstacles and standing in the way of that life you've always wanted to be living. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a travel writer, social commentator, and blogger, she shares her experiences and insights about the world as we know it. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. And be sure to follow her on Twitter and on Facebook.
Would you like to reprint this tip sheet in your publication -- or distribute it to a wider audience? Click here for reprinting instructions.
Click here if you would like to submit a tip sheet or checklist...