Keeping track of our house-sitting commitments
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381950)
Rockingham, Australia
February 15, 2023 4:23am CST
We have been doing some house-sitting over the last six or eight months and now have some ‘repeat business’ as in the same people ringing to see if we can help them out again. It’s nice to think they want us back. We’ve also had some new people wanting our help.
Keeping track of the dates we’ve committed to is a bit tricky, so I’ve now found a calendar of sorts and have highlighted the dates when we’ll be away.
We are away all of April too but we’ll be in Ireland visiting our son and his wife. Needless to say, we’re looking forward to that. We are doing a house-swap with a couple in Ireland. The worst part will be making sure the house is squeaky clean for them. Is that an expression you know and use? Squeaky clean?
24 people like this
24 responses
@DaddyEvil (174335)
• United States
15 Feb 23
That's actually a very good way to remember what dates are available and which aren't. We used a similar method to track vacations at Walmart.
Oh, yes, "squeaky clean" is a phrase we use in the US, too. Have fun trying to feel like your house is that clean... I can guarantee you'll think of a couple of items you'll think you could have done better after you've left. 
4 people like this
@JudyEv (381950)
• Rockingham, Australia
15 Feb 23
We can tell at a glance this way if we're available or not. We have A4 sheets for each month too but this is a quick way to tell.
The house we're going into is their investment property so is probably cleaned professionally between AirBnB customers.
4 people like this
@DaddyEvil (174335)
• United States
15 Feb 23
@JudyEv We had A4 sheets for each month in a pack so names could be added and we could tell at a glance who was gone and for how long.
That's a good way to keep people out of their home, at least.
3 people like this
@popciclecold (40215)
• United States
15 Feb 23
Wow, you are busy. When sre you and Vince going back to the chickens. Love those photos. Yeah, I have hesrd thr term sqeaky clean.
2 people like this
@Juliaacv (56197)
• Canada
15 Feb 23
You are really in high demand, that is wonderful.
I know that you are really looking forward to going to Ireland in April.
Your son and daughter-in-law will be so happy to see you.
We say squeaky clean here too, also sp ic and span, which if I put all of the 4 letters together for the first word, it is banned here on the site. My hubby will also use the expression, it passed the white glove test.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (381950)
• Rockingham, Australia
16 Feb 23
There are a number of websites that help with organising a house swap. They have a daughter working here so want to come out for a month to visit her. There were emails back and forth. Our son will visit them and I hope we'll get to meet the daughter but that's not an integral part of the house swap. They will stay in our house and we'll each use each other's cars. Lots of people swap houses and I feel sure it will work out fine.
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (49753)
• India
4 Mar 23
Squeaky clean for houses can be very tough.
Especially with kids and when one is tired of work all the weekdays.
But yes one can always try to get things sorted and as clean as possible.
Maintaining a track for multiple House Sittings becomes very vital.
By the way your House Sittings acts as good and interesting discussions here and needless to say, I enjoy your discussions!!
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (49753)
• India
4 Mar 23
@JudyEv
When guests are about to come, we try to have it cleaner!
But regular dusting becomes very essential here.
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (49753)
• India
5 Mar 23
@JudyEv
When the Covid had started, and we had the initial lockdown, I was enthused by the new routine.
I used to dust regularly.
Now I have become kind of a lazy in that respect due to many reasons.
But may be a few days of focused efforts might bring me back to track!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381950)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Mar 23
Thanks for the kind words. At least i don't have to go to work now so there is really no excuse for me having an untidy house - not that I'm saying it is! It's pretty good really but I guess most people worry a bit about others coming in and perhaps being critical.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (153544)
• India
16 Feb 23
@JudyEv Who would do a free job f
of house sitting. Not any that I know of and so surely you are important
of house sitting. Not any that I know of and so surely you are important1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (91299)
• United States
15 Feb 23
This is simply wonderful Judy you are kept busy doing something you like and the people even want you back. To your credit you and Vince.
Yes I know that expression.
To your credit you and Vince.
Yes I know that expression.1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
15 Feb 23
That is a pretty common expression in the US too. I suppose they will leave yours the same way?
1 person likes this
@thislittlepennyearns (68246)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
17 Feb 23
Until I read that last paragraph I was going to tell y'all to pack up and head here for my birthday. We will go on a road trip and thrift shop lol
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381950)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Feb 23
Vince's birthday is April 11 so we'll be celebrating in Ireland this year. Did you know they don't have a lot of thrift shops there although the situation has changed a bit. When we first went there, we couldn't find one! I developed severe withdrawal symptoms.
@thislittlepennyearns (68246)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
17 Feb 23
@JudyEv My birthday is the 2nd of April. LOL. I bet Vince has a few years on me.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381950)
• Rockingham, Australia
16 Feb 23
We enjoy getting out in the country and we don't really have enough to do here.
@RasmaSandra (97994)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
15 Feb 23
That sounds exiting I hope you enjoy your time in Ireland, Yes, I have heard that term.
1 person likes this
