Your home information kit
Essential guide table of contents
Only you know idiosyncrasies of your domestic appliances. Consider your exchanger and make their life as easy as possible. A Home Information Kit, that is well organised and presented in an index ring binder will save both you and your guests from potential future problems.
Prepare it thoroughly and keep appliance manuals in plastic sleeves. Your exchanger will appreciate your thoughtfulness and you won’t receive any calls, asking you how to turn on the oven.
- Leave simple instructions for the washer/dryer. Your guest only really needs to know is how to locate the on/off switch and temperature settings and how to open the door when the washing cycle is complete. Even with the manual, your guest has better things to do with his time. Or at least you hope he/she has.
- Likewise for the dishwasher
- And the oven
- And the microwave
- And the waste disposal system
- And the burglar alarm See section on Keys and Home Security.
- And all the other appliances you take for granted.
- In the sitting room, consider leaving instructions on how to operate the video, stereo and television. If you have pre-set your video to record your favourite programme in your absence, should you let your guest know?
- Do you allow use of your computer, or is it out-of-bounds?
Your kit could also contain other useful information your guest should know about, to ensure the easy and uninterrupted flow of life:
- Do you have a regular cleaner? You may wish to continue his/her services in your absence.
- Where should your exchanger leave all your mail? Will there be any to be forwarded?
- Explain that the food in your freezer and most alcohol is off-limits to your guests. Guests should always be responsible for replacing any food or drink consumed in your home.
- What day is garbage day? Where do you leave it? What about recycling?
- Is there a supermarket nearby?
- Parking restrictions. Are there any?
- Transportation links. Is there a bus? Where is the nearest metro? Think about leaving a transport map for your guests.
- Plants. How often to be watered and fed?
- Likewise for any pets you are leaving behind. See Caring for Pets.
- Any good local restaurants and bars?
The unexpected could happen when you’re there, so spare your guest the anxiety of having to deal with your emergencies by leaving appropriate contact numbers for the:
- Plumber
- Electrician
- Dentist
- Casualty Department
- Clinics
- Police
- Fire Brigade
- Your best friend
- Yourself if you are not staying in your guest’s home. With luck they’ll never need to call.
Forewarned is forearmed. By spending time, thoughtfully preparing this information, you’ll be diffusing any potential problems and can enjoy your own vacation, knowing that your guests are looking after your home in your absence.