How You Show Up Matters

When it comes to house sitting, first impressions can count — and not just a little. Whether you’re turning up for a house sit interview or arriving to begin the sit itself, how you present yourself to the homeowners will leave a lasting impact with them.

You may have glowing references and a thoughtful profile, but if you show up looking scruffy or smelling less than pleasant, that’s likely what the homeowners will remember. And let’s face it — they are entrusting you with something very personal – their home, their pets, their possessions – while they’re away, and the manner in which you present yourself can be a reflection of how you’re likely to treat their property.

Dress The Part

There’s no need to arrive dressed like you’re heading to a job interview at a corporate law firm — but a little effort goes a long way. Aim for clean, tidy, modest casual clothing. That means no stained shirts, torn jeans, or sleepwear that doubles as streetwear. You don’t have to lose your personal style, but showing that you’ve made an effort to look presentable demonstrates respect for the homeowner and the arrangement.

If you’re coming straight from a long drive or flight, it’s completely understandable that you may not be looking your best — but do what you can to freshen up before you arrive upon the doorstep. Even a simple change of shirt, brushing your hair, or using a facial wipe to clean your face can help you feel (and appear) more put together. Facial wipes, available from supermarkets or chemists, are a handy item to keep in your bag or car when you don’t have immediate access to soap and water. They’re a quick and convenient way to freshen up on the go.

Personal Hygiene: Non-Negotiable

This might seem obvious, but it’s worth stating clearly: personal hygiene is a key part of your presentation. Take a shower, brush your teeth, and make sure you’re groomed, especially if you’re a guy who has facial hair. Arriving with body odour, bad breath, or visibly greasy hair is unlikely to instill confidence in the homeowner. These may be small details, but they’re powerful indicators of how clean and respectful you’re likely to be with their place.

If you smoke, be aware that this can be a concern for many homeowners. Even if you only smoke outdoors and never inside the home, lingering odours on your clothing, breath, or in your vehicle can be noticeable — and off-putting. In fact, a significant number of homeowners prefer non-smokers altogether, and some will explicitly state that they won’t consider sitters who smoke under any circumstances. If you do smoke, it’s best to be upfront about it in your profile and consider whether certain sits may not be the right fit.

If you’re meeting homeowners in person, avoid smoking before the meeting — both out of courtesy and to avoid bringing the smell of smoke into their home.

Your Vehicle Matters Too

You may not think of your car as part of your presentation, but many homeowners will notice it the moment you pull into the driveway. A vehicle that looks like it hasn’t been washed in months, or has fast food wrappers spilling out of the footwell, sends a strong (and not-so-positive) message.

Before heading to a house sit or interview, give your vehicle a quick once-over. A clean exterior and tidy interior show that you care about your environment and take pride in looking after things — qualities that are very desirable in a house sitter. Even if the homeowner never rides in your car, they’ll likely see it — and what they see will influence their perception of you.

Why It All Matters

At the core of house sitting is trust. Homeowners are choosing someone to stay in their personal space, care for their pets, and keep their household running smoothly in their absence. The more you can do to reassure them that you are responsible, respectful, and attentive, the better.

By taking the time to present yourself and your vehicle well, you’re sending a clear message: “I take this seriously, and I will treat your home with the same level of care and respect that I show in my own life.”

Final Word

You don’t need to be overly polished or try to be someone you’re not. But a clean, tidy, and respectful appearance — along with a clean, tidy vehicle — can go a long way in building trust and rapport from the moment you meet a homeowner.

It’s not about vanity. It’s about professionalism, courtesy, and showing that you understand the responsibility you’re being entrusted with.

So next time you’re heading to a house sit or an interview, take a few extra minutes to give yourself (and your car) a spruce-up. It’s a small effort that can make a big difference.