If you’re a long-term traveler or digital wanderer who’s interested in learning more about housesitting, then you’re in the right place.
House sitting presents a great way to travel without incurring lodging expenses. I’ve personally house-sat on multiple occasions and have thus prepared this highly practical guide to help you decide if house sitting meets your needs!
I’ll provide you with step-by-step guidance on effectively obtaining your first house sitting job, inform you of the best website for finding house sits, and I’ll ensure you don’t miss the expert recommendations that I wish I had known before starting house sitting.
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Table of Contents
What Is House Sitting?
Let’s get down to brass tacks — what exactly is house sitting?
As a house watcher, your role is to live in and care for the house, the garden, and any pets while the owner is away on holiday.
Depending on the terms agreed upon in advance, your duties might involve forwarding mail, tending to the garden, keeping the house clean, and caring for pets as if they were your own.
House sitting provides benefits for both the homeowner and the house sitter. People who own homes can travel and explore while their house and pets are cared for. Meanwhile, house sitters gain free accommodation in places they wish to visit.
Why House Sit?
There are plenty of reasons to house sit.
Firstly, being hosted is fantastic for long-term travelers seeking free lodging, a comfortable sense of “home”, and deeper cultural immersion at their destination. Staying in a home provides a more down-to-earth experience than hostels or hotels for gaining insights into the local way of life.
House sitting is also a top accommodation choice when considering amenities. With house sitting, you have access to a place designed and decorated with care where you can cook, do laundry, and relax.
Not to mention, it’s a wonderful way to spend time and care for pets!
How to Get Started House Sitting
Getting started with house sitting is actually pretty straightforward. Let’s break down how to obtain your first house sit step-by-step:
Step #1 – Decide on a House Sitting Platform or Website
One will need a paid membership on a house sitting platform or website to actually apply for house sitting opportunities. For reasons of safety and security, there are no good free options available.
Therefore, since you likely only want to fund one, I suggest doing your research and finding one that suits your needs best. Concentrate on choosing one that you enjoy using and that has a variety of listings which improves your chances of finding a house-sitting opportunity.
My Suggestion: While there are nation-specific house sitting sites, for worldwide inventory my recommended option is Trusted Housesitters . You can join here for aTrusted Housesitters account in less than a minute.
A complimentary account lets you browse listings, but you’ll need a premium membership to apply.
A membership to Trusted Housesitters costs $129 annually whether as a sitter or homeowner.
That price seems like a bargain in my view considering you`ll earn that amount back in housing cost savings within just the first few nights of your initial house sit assignment.
Step #2 – Sign Up and Create Your Account
Initially, proceed to this link and select “search for homes to sit.”
When you browse a entry, you’ll be encouraged to develop a profile (you can either create a free one or purchase your membership at this stage) and fill in as much data as is helpful and add some nice images.
When completing your profile, keep in mind that the house sitting host is searching for a trustworthy and reliable individual to ensure their house, plants, and pets are well cared for. Present your best attributes!
👉 Pro Tip: Employ images of yourself with animals that exhibit your personality. Remember, we trust people by looking them in the eyes so be sure you have pictures where your face and eyes are clearly displayed.
Step #3 – Get Verified
Make it effortless for your house sitting host to trust you.
With Trusted Housesitters, you have 2 levels of verification — the Basic level and the Standard level. Try to obtain them both as soon as possible to increase trustworthiness and the chances of your first house sitting job.
Once your profile has been established the real enjoyment begins …
Step #4 – Start Looking for a House Sitting Gig
For a two week trip, we would suggest beginning in Barcelona, traveling to Madrid, then heading south to Granada before concluding in Seville.
Step #5 – Apply to Strong Contenders
Send customized messages to the house sitting hosts and be sure to mention their and their pets name. Demonstrate that you took the time to read their profile.
Here’s one important thing to keep in mind:
As you have zero reviews, your first house sitting opportunity will be the most difficult one. Don’t get discouraged when the first few house-sitting hosts decline your request or don’t reply.
Begin with a short house-sitting job nearby or seek the ones that are more difficult to find house sitters for. These include house sitting roles where the house sitter needs to personally own a car (mostly in rural areas), or the ones that are only a few days or last minute.
👉 Pro tip: On Trusted Housesitters you are able to see how many individuals have previously applied for a house sitting gig. Going after those that have a smaller amount of applicants will escalate your odds of getting approved for the house sitting duty.
Step # 6 – Get to Know Your House Sitting Host and Their Pet
In order to ensure you get along with the host, hop on a video call with them. During this call, go through the tasks and routines and see what is expected of you.
Allow them to answer any questions you have about the pet and responsibilities of ownership, and demonstrate that you are prepared to take on the commitments involved.
This is an important step in that it generates trust and helps both the house sitter and the housesitting host see if it’s a great compatibility.
Step #7 – Confirm the Sit, Arrange the Details, and Book Your Tickets
As soon as the house sitting gig is confirmed, you can begin making travel plans.
In some cases, it’s a good idea to overlap with the house sitting hosts for a few days. Especially when they are gone for a longer period and you are taking care of a larger house with several or more complex tasks to manage.
For instance, it was much simpler to have someone demonstrate how to use the stove and fireplace here in Canada rather than reading a manual or needing to figure it out alone.
Additionally, investing some time getting acquainted with the house sitter hosting creates more trust. Contacting them regarding any issues may also make one feel more at ease.
Step #8 – Enjoy the Sit
Time passes quickly, so make the most of it! Partake in some excursions, explore the city, fall in love with your house sitting pet, and fully appreciate the experience.
Step # 9 – Do It All Over Again
Gain wisdom from your past experiences and keep exploring the world while having beautiful homes and gracious companions to care for you.
👉 Note – Looking for free lodging but want something more interactive? If you enjoy independent travel, explore positions at hostels through a website such as Worldpackers. Check out Vanessa’s evaluation of Worldpackers to learn more.
Trusted Housesitters House Sitting Review
Perhaps choosing the right house sitting website is the most important part of the process.
Following my research on the various house sitting websites, I decided to enroll with Trusted Housesitters.
Here is why I love them:
Trusted Housesitters Offers the Most Inventory (By Far) of Any Housesitting Website
Trusted Housesitters has more house sitting opportunities listed than all other international house sitting platforms combined.
As a result, your likelihood of finding your ideal house sitting opportunity is much higher than through other avenues.
Imagine spending under $100 a year on rent! This could be possible by house sitting full time since you can take on as many gigs as you want with an annual membership.
Their Customer Service is Next Level
It truly is impressive – they provide 24-hour live chat with very attentive employees.
The customer service representatives always seem intent on assisting users and solving issues in an expedited yet thorough manner. Their clear goal is serving clients competently while also demonstrating care and concern, abilities that shine through contact by phone, chat, or email.
Trusted Housesitters Takes Security Seriously
I started recommending Trusted Housesitters to acquaintances of mine who pay huge amounts of money for canine care while on holiday. Their greatest fear was having someone who accidentally damages the property.
Thinking their worries may be justified, I called Trusted Housesitters and asked what happens if house sitting gigs fail or become a big problem for the house sitting host?
Their answer blew my mind:
Trusted Housesitters has an insurance included with your annual membership cost which offers property damage, theft, and public liability protection up to $1 million USD. So whether you are the house sitting host or the house sitter, you can relax and know you’ll be covered.
Now, of course, this only applies to the house sit, so it’s still prudent to have your own travel coverage policy.
Trusted Housesitters Makes it Really Easy for House Sitters
One of my biggest anxieties about accepting a longer house sitting job was not being able to adequately care for the animal if it becomes ill, acts strangely, or misses its owner.
My first experience as a house sitter was in a home that had a lovebird I was tasked with caring for. Truthfully, I had no prior experience taking care of birds and was unfamiliar with their behaviors.
However, Trusted Housesitters provides reassurance with an extraordinary 24/7 veterinary specialist on call for any incidents.
Trusted Housesitters Pros
Trusted Housesitters presents a stellar platform. The employees genuinely care about all involved in house sitting – the house sitter, the house sitting host, and their pets.
I also appreciate the variety of housesits offered and the huge diversity of locations. All my house sitting hosts have made me feel extremely welcome and it is very pleasant to instantly feel at home.
As Trusted Housesitters is very passionate about their work you can sense this same dedication in their clientele as well.
Everyone I have met through house sitting has been incredibly kind and thoughtful people, which I deeply appreciate.
Trusted Housesitters Cons
One way Trusted Housesitters could improve their service is by providing an automated search option (similar to Skyscanner`s feature that notifies you when the prices of international flights you`re tracking drop) to help clients.
My suggestion is for Trusted Housesitters to specifically email sitters when house sitting opportunities matching requested dates and location become available. Hosts in that area would also receive messages or alerts that a sitter seeks placement throughout those dates.
Indeed, without that feature, the site is still highly beneficial and useful for saving money on travel.
🌐 Website Link | 💻 Occupation: Writing | 💵 Membership Cost: Yes, with full refund period
Final Thoughts on House Sitting as a Way to Save Money on Travel
So is house sitting the ideal solution for exploring and working remotely?
It might for some but it definitely brings its own challenges. Like everything, it’s not one-size-fits-all.
For me, it has been an incredible opportunity to live around the world, experience different lifestyles, and create international memories.
This is the reason I can sincerely prescribe utilizing Trusted Housesitters as it has given me incredibly wonderful seconds and chances I am exceptionally satisfied to have in my life.
Therefore, if you wish to save money on travel while making memorable experiences, I strongly suggest joining the Trusted Housesitters community at this time.
FAQs About House Sitting
Is house sitting something anyone can do?
House sitting is something anyone can do. No matter where someone is from or what age they are, they can start their house sitting experience once they feel prepared to do so. Just keep in mind that for some nations a visa may be necessary.
Where can I do house sitting?
House sitting chances are available nearly anywhere across the globe. Though possibilities exist in many places, you`ll likely find the most selections in Canada, the US, Australia, the UK, Europe, and Mexico.
Am I too young or too old to become a house sitter?
All house sitters are required to be at least 21 years old. Some hosts tend to prefer slightly older house sitters for reliability, but opportunities exist for every age group.
How long are most house sitting gigs?
House sitting periods typically range from 1 to 5 weeks. You may also locate house sitting positions for a few days or longer ones extending up to 6 or 12 months but the extremely lengthy stays are usually scarce.
Can I house sit if I have a family or pet?
You can house sit if you have a family or pet. Some hosts even prefer to have couples or possibly even a family house sitting and, in some jobs, you can even bring your own pet. Just be sure to discuss it with the property owner beforehand.
Do many hosts ask house sitters to house sit again?
Some hosts may ask house sitters to return, particularly when the house sitting host was satisfied with the experience.
What if I don’t like the place?
Avoiding such an unwanted situation is the goal. That is why the initial digital contact and video call are so crucial. If any issues do arise, help is available from the Trusted Housesitters support team.
Who pays for the utility costs including heating, electricity, gas & internet?
While the homeowner pays for utility costs, it also depends on the house sitting job. During multi-month house sitting positions, some homeowners may request the house sitter to cover certain expenses but this should be made clear before agreeing on the terms.
What happens if something happens to the pet?
Trusted Housesitters offers 24 hours expert veterinary advice. Don’t fear to ask the house sitting host for advice either. Being open and honest about the situation is always your best bet. We all know that animals can get sick or pass away eventually so good communication in these cases is key.
How do house sitting gigs go wrong?
House sitting jobs mainly go wrong due to miscommunication. To ensure a happy house sitting experience, the expectations and tasks of both the sitter and the homeowner should be clear. Communication often makes or breaks the experience.
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Interested in other ways to save money and travel better? Check out these other useful articles: The Perfect List of Items for Digital Nomads,The Most Suitable Travel Backpack for Europe,Yearly Travel Insurance: Is It Truly Necessary?
Happy house sitting!
