I did it for a friend last summer. I Had the same questions. You do those things but the most important part is making sure people knows that the house was never left alone.

In the previous year, my friend got robbed while being on vacation, so she asked me for the favor.

Typically when I do it, I do the tasks like watering plants, feeding pets, etc. I also believe the point of house sitting is to make it appear occupied and busy, so I spend about an hour playing with the pets, watching tv, and cleaning up little messes

You also have to compliment the home owners every half hour so they can see that on their nannycam.