What is housesitting? Travel cheaply by house sitting

Are you here because you want to learn about housesitting and how to travel while taking care of homes all around the world? Let’s dive into this intriguing practice that can change the way you explore new places.

As we wrapped up our time in India, Rober was about to return home for a few weeks while Lety prepared for her adventure in Malaysia. The excitement to move to New Zealand was palpable, yet we found ourselves without any plans. But then, something serendipitous happened. We stumbled upon a blog by Maga that introduced us to the wonderful world of housesitting.

Understanding housesitting: A unique travel opportunity

Housesitting is an arrangement where individuals take care of someone else's home while they are away, whether on vacation, visiting family, or traveling abroad. This practice not only offers a place to stay but also a chance to experience life in a new locale from a local's perspective.

Imagine sipping coffee on a sunny patio, surrounded by the sounds and sights of a new neighborhood, all while ensuring that someone's home remains safe and sound. It's a win-win situation!

So, are you just staying for free without doing anything?

Not quite! When you become a "sitter," you're entrusted with a valuable responsibility. As Spider-Man wisely noted, “with great power comes great responsibility.” Owners are putting their homes—and often their pets—into your care. This means you must treat their property with the same respect as you would your own.

Your duties can range widely, and this is where the real charm of housesitting lies. You’re not just lounging around; you’re creating a nurturing environment for furry friends and ensuring the home remains in top condition.

What are the specific responsibilities you’ll take on?

The responsibilities of a housesitter can vary significantly depending on the owner's needs. Here are some common tasks you might encounter:

• Feeding and walking pets.
• Watering plants and maintaining gardens.
• Collecting mail and packages.
• Keeping the house clean and tidy.
• Monitoring security systems and ensuring the property is safe.

Each homeowner will have their own expectations, so it's crucial to communicate clearly before accepting a housesitting assignment.

Are you getting paid for this?

Generally, no. Housesitting is considered a voluntary job. The primary benefit you gain is invaluable experience and the opportunity to save on accommodation costs. While some homeowners might offer a small stipend or cover utility costs, this is rare. Most often, you’ll simply enjoy the experience of living in a new environment without the financial burden of hotel stays.

So, is it really free?

While the experience may seem like a free ride, there are costs involved. To access housesitting opportunities, you will need to sign up on various websites, which typically charge an annual fee ranging from $20 to $90. This investment pays off quickly when you consider the savings on accommodation. Once you find a house to sit, you won’t have to pay for lodging, creating a unique travel experience.

Where can you find houses to care for?

The best platforms for finding houses to sit will depend on your desired location. For instance, if you're looking to housesit in New Zealand, we highly recommend Kiwi House Sitters. Our experience with them was fantastic—within two weeks, we secured our first assignment, and within a month, we had lined up three houses to sit!

However, focusing on a single country can limit your options. Consider joining these global platforms for broader access:

• Trusted Housesitters (annual fee of 89€). This platform is widely regarded as the best.
• Housecarers (annual fee of $50).
• Mindmyhouse (annual fee of $20).

It's best to assess where you want to house sit, explore the various offers across different platforms, and register with the one that has the most opportunities that interest you.

Experiencing housesitting: Our personal journey

As of 2021, we have completed housesitting assignments seven times across four countries: New Zealand, Australia, Portugal, and Spain. Each experience was unique and enriched our travels in ways we never anticipated. For more about our adventures, check out our stories as housesitters here.

Would we recommend housesitting?

Absolutely! We are thrilled with this alternative way of traveling. It allows you to immerse yourself in local cultures, learn new customs, and of course, bond with adorable pets. Over the years, we have completed three housesittings in New Zealand, one in Portugal, one in Australia, and one in Spain—and we have no plans of stopping!

Have you ever tried housesitting? Would you consider giving it a go?

To get a better understanding of the housesitting experience, check out this insightful video:

How to Get Free Accommodation While Traveling