Hi all - every time I host another guest, it seems they do something that requires me to think about adding yet another note and/or House Rule. Guests quite often fail to read the House Rules, and the notes too, so I'd really appreciate any advice you can give me on how you handle this issue. Where-oh-where does it end??!
I know that having too many House Rules causes guests to go into some sort of zoned-out state, where no information can or will be absorbed. I get it. So, what to do?
Our last guests shut the furnace switch off! - no self-respecting Canadian would shut a furnace off in October, but they did & yes, they are Canadians. No harm done, the inside temp. only went down to 12C by the time I got there, but what if this had been January? Burst pipes are not a cheap fix. Now there's yet another note added, above the furnace control - "Please do not shut the furnace off, adjust heating using the thermostat (up or down)". Srsly? Should I really have to tell people this?
I have a 4 point Check-out list beside the front door. My instructions are simple but guests rarely score 4/4:
1. Close all windows and lock all doors (windows are left open all the time, including by the guests who also shut the furnace off!)
2. Ensure lights and fans are shut off (50/50 on this one)
3. Collect all your garbage & recycling & take it with you or leave it in the garage (most just leave their trash in the bins, both in the kitchen and bathrooms. I hate emptying other people's bathroom trash.)
4. Set the alarm (believe it or not, most also miss this one) and lock the door when you leave (1 set of guests missed this one).
Am I asking too much??
There's a tremendous level of trust involved when we leave our property in the hands of others. Most of our guests have understood this, have been appreciative and respectful of our belongings, but I don't understand why some don't take it seriously. We live about 45 minutes away from our property & try to get out to check the day of check-out, but I had stomach flu & Brian's working so didn't get out until the next day in this case. I'll make sure one of us gets out there on the day guests leave during the winter, in case we have another shut off furnace switch, water left running or who knows what else.
Maybe I just answered my own question - no note or new House Rule needed, just go out and save the place from disaster on check-out day. Thanks for listening to me vent - Karen