Mayo house sitters sought for winter security

The worry of break-ins, combined with the threat of winter damage to homes, has created unexpected demand for a new Irish house-sitting business, MindMyHome.ie.

Owner, Tom Gilligan, says growing numbers enjoying winter sun, winter sports and even extended winter stays abroad, means the business needs to attract additional new house-sitters to cope with the number of home-owners now booking services.

Those who can help ‘keep the lights on’ for home-owners, away from home, can register on the website to connect with families who want the peace of mind of having someone live in their home and, in some cases, keep an eye on family pets too.

MindMyHome.ie was set up earlier this year by the Mayo businessman to connect home-owners with trusted house sitters, pet carers, and home swap opportunities, countrywide.

With darker, colder nights closing in, the threats to empty homes include opportunistic burglars, as well as possible leaks, freezing or flooding, Gilligan maintains.

Last winter, there was an average of 17 burglaries a day reported, according to figures from An Garda Síochána.

That is more than 3,000 residential burglaries, between October and March, with break-ins happening most frequently between 5 and 11 p.m.

House-sitting is a simple solution to avoid winter damage, or the stress of a ransacked home, especially as the Christmas shopping bonanza begins, the owner of the national house and pet sitting service says.

“MindMyHome.ie gives holiday-makers added peace of mind, as well as those who have to be away at short notice, possibly for a hospital stay or family emergency.

"Once people connect with a reliable house-sitter on the site, they relax in the knowledge that their home is secure, and there’s no expensive pet care or kennel stress for their furry friends."

Registering on the new Irish site costs €59.00 for homeowners, for 12 months access.

House-sitters pay the same annual fee to promote their availability to live-in, and to enjoy exploring other parts of the country, with many having comfortable free accommodation at the same time.

Also, Gilligan mentions that the site is getting enquiries from outside of Ireland, with people looking to avail of house sitters and home swaps.

Homeowners on MindMyHome.ie can also connect with other homeowners for house swaps.

This sustainable holiday option is particularly popular for the summer break, as an affordable way to explore different parts of the country, while not leaving your own home vacant either.

A reliable trusted house-sitter ensures consistent home insurance cover too, where longer breaks are planned, Tom Gilligan advises.

Keeping your home lived-in and secure, and your pets happy, makes for a much more enjoyable getaway, he says.

And while securing gates and doors, hiding valuables, and setting alarms or security cameras, is wise, someone being physically at home is the best deterrent, according to crime figures.

Holidaymakers are usually advised to make their house appear occupied, with timers, and the help of neighbours for bin collections and mail and newspaper delivery, Tom Gilligan says.

“Similarly, unplugging appliances, turning off the water, and keeping the heating on low can help prevent winter-specific damage.

"But nothing beats the security of an occupied home, when it comes to nipping trouble in the bud”, the MindMyHome.ie owner says, repeating the appeal for potential house-sitters to get in touch.