Please watch my house?

[polineedyan]

Does anyone have any samples of letters you might leave with trusted neighbors to keep an eye on your home while youre on vacation?

 

[Aliceacc]

I don't do it by letter, I do it face to face. That way, if there's a problem (say, they're going away too) the facts are clear.

I'll run across the street or next door and let my neighbor know which days we'll be away, and ask her to pick up the mail. I'll also leave her a copy of our flight arrangements and the resort phone number. (My mom, my inlaws and 1 of my sisters get the same info, usually via email.) That same neighbor has a key to my house anyway.

The only time anyone has ever used the info was when my sister got engaged while we were upstate. Someone from the hotel came to the door of our room with the message

Of course, we're more than happy to reciprocate when she goes away. And we'll bring back something small as a thank you.

 

[AKBAFB]

I usually just call or stop by and ask them about a week in advance for a semi-long trip. Then the day before, I give them a typed copy of our contact information, airline/hotel info, etc. If it's just a weekend trip or a day trip, I usually just call and let them know that we're gone in case they see something unusual.

 

[DevilDuckie]

This sort of favor should be asked for face to face. Writing a letter seems to assume that they will do it rather than taking the stance that you are imposing upon them. While it is a minor imposition and a favor most neightbors are happy to grant, it is still a favor and should be handled as a request to which the other party might say no.

 

[Belle1962]

FYI: The postal service will hold your mail while you are away and deliver it when you return. You can do this from their website.

In our town, if you notify the police dept you are going out of town they will do drive bys.