I've never had a house-sitter before!

How young is he? This is based on leaving my house in care of my then teenaged son: Hide the liquor. Hide/remove anything of value or personal nature that partygoers may help themselves to. Change the sheets when you get home. Inform the neighbors/recruit a spy network.
Remember that a party often means a cleaner house- they try to hide the fact they had a party. Relax and lay out some ground rules. Destruction of property and mistreatment of animals is not allowed. Tell him to call police on himself if party gets out of hand. Hope for the best and enjoy Italy.

Thanks Karen. He's 23. We're very close and he knows that this is NOT the time to mess up. I'm not concerned about the dogs, crazy parties, or theft. He lives 400 miles away and is coming just to house-sit. So the only people he knows down here are family. Good idea about letting my neighbors know.

You need to provide an unrestricted power of attorney to your brother to authorize needed repairs to your home in case of plumbing, electrical, etc. problems. Make a list of all your service providers: plumbers, electrician, garage door repair, window repair, etc. for your brother's use. Notify your vet of your absence and authorize any treatment required by your dogs while you're gone. And of course provide your brother with a way to contact you.

When my son was 23 we brought him home from the Army on leave and had him house (and pet) sit for 2 weeks while we lounged in Hawaii. I gave him 5 rules and told him there would be a bonus if all conditions were met: - No smoking in the house (I'd know even if he thought he could hide it) - No cigarette butts scattered outside - House generally neat when we returned (I had a cleaning service come in so he didn't have to vacuum, dust, etc.) - No moldy food in the frig
- All pets still alive The last one was with understanding that "things happen" but they better not include carelessness! Tex gives excellent and practical advice which I also followed, but my list included things that I knew would drive me crazy and spoil the return from a wonderful trip. Our son did not disappoint! Everyone was alive and the house was tidy. He earned his bonus!

Dee, One method to allay worries would be to have your brother send you a "status report" once a day via text message. That's also a good method to use if he needs any specific information about anything in the house. I always use that method to keep in touch with my Son when he's looking after the house and pets while I'm travelling. Of course this system will only work if both of you have a Cellphone.

Dee, if you have a house alarm, make sure the alarm company knows his name, and that he knows all passcodes (make one up just for him). And be sure he has your vet info, that he knows where the pet carrier crates are, and can make health-care decisions for your puppy doggies! Then enjoy your trip - DO have him send email updates for those times you can check email. EDIT: Sorry, Tex - You already covered some of this! I should wear those prescription glasses more often, huh? ;-)

Re the status report-My in-laws who traveled around the US a lot, always said they didn't need to know about a relative's death unless it was a child, grandchild, or parent. I realize that sounds cold, but it doesn't hurt to set some parameters before you go. If you'd feel guilty for not returning for a cousin's funeral, or you'd rather not know until you got back that the dog died, let them know now. If one of your neighbors is a bit of a handyman, you might introduce your brother to him. He could be the first responder to problems like overflowing toilets, etc. A 23 yr old won't have much experience with home ownership issues. I hope this works out. It could be a regular thing. You get a trip; he gets 2 weeks in Miami in winter.

Thanks for all the replies. Luckily, my father owns a plumbing company and my brother works for him so I think the pipes are safe! He's great with my dogs so I don't worry about them either. I like the status report idea. I dont think I need a daily report but definitely a check in every few days or so just to ease my mind. My mother-in-law will also be dropping by to check on things so hopefully all will be well. I'm going to also type up a small "instruction manual" for the house/dogs. Thanks everyone!!! (T minus 5 days!!)

My daughter takes care of my house and my only instructions are If I cant do anything about it dont tell me.I trust her judgement and thats the key.

"If I cant do anything about it don't tell me" That's wonderful advice Jack. That will be the title of the manual that I'm typing up for my brother!! Thanks everyone for all your help!!

Password protect your Admin and personal accounts on your home computer. Use strong 14 character Passwords - write those down and hide them somewhere. Set up a guest account for this house sitter so they can receive/send emails if needed.

Tex has practical advice to which I would add: Put it in writing on your computer for an answer sheet that will give confidence to both of you. Write down the location of the water cut off valve, the fuse boxes, as well as showing him. Write down the security codes and the procedure exactly. As Tex says, write down the service providers you have used. Write down the vet name and address (as well as contacting the vet) and write down the name and location of the emergency "after hours" vet you use. Write down the time to feed and amounts of food. Write down the name of a trusted friend that can be asked for advice or in case HE has an emergency of his own. One lady we have used insists on having one of our friends being a backup in case her parents get sick and she leaves town! I also write a statement for the local police ( or anyone else) that authorizes my housesitter to be in my home. I have that notarized at my bank for free. I eave about a hundred in cash for the housekeeper just in case;they keep receipts. One housesitter is so trusted I have also left a credit card for possible pet expenses.
Also, I would leave a detailed itinerary with hotel names/fax/phone numbers, just in case.

Oh Dee, screw the daily status report, just make sure he has a way to contact you for anything major. he's 23, don't make him feel like a kid who has to talk to Mommy every day. And don't forget to bring him something nice back from Italy!

Thanks Elaine, that is the approach that I took. When I thought about ït more I realized that he is an adult (I was married at his age!) And I know that he won't do anything to disappoint my husband and I, so I'm not really worried about it. He's been nice enough to send us emails and pics of our dogs which has been awesome.

This is too late for you Dee, but for anyone else with house sitter situation: Write down your insurance policy number (for house and if he uses your car, auto insurance too), the insurance company name and telephone number.

I've had house sitters many times. The only caution I have is the availability of your computer. If he goes on sites you could receive many inappropriate emails and popups. Also, any bank/credit card accounts. Have a great trip Dee! Joyce
Atlanta