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" 1. If the duty list is really light, you might be able to swap stints with a neighbor and save money. But it&amp;#039;s usually a paid gig, with the rate depending on where you live and the number of chores required. 2. Don&amp;#039;t make the sitter track you down. Leave all phone numbers (the vet, the plumber, the pizza guy) and your exact itinerary while you&amp;#039;re away.  3. Set hospitality limits. Having a friend over to use the pool? Fine. Hosting wild backyard parties? No way. 4. It&amp;#039;s okay to cancel the newspaper while you&amp;#039;re gone, but don&amp;#039;t switch off something crucial like the phone. Also, warn sitters about home extras like sprinkler systems. 5. In addition to pay, a small gift lets your sitter know how nice it is that you&amp;#039;re able to count on her. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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