Looking to have some unique memories through travel experiences?
You have to try house sitting in Europe!
Make those travel plans a reality in the most beautiful places on earth!
The French countryside drinking wine or deep in a metropolis like Berlin.
Getting a housesitting job in Europe is easier than you think.
Read further for everything you need to know to get started!
Table of Contents
A Quick Introduction to House Sitting
The accessibility to travel is at a new height!
Thousands of homeowners are away from home for work or traveling themselves.
These homeowners want respectful people to take care of their property.
Yes, that’s right… I said PETS!
More of that later.
A quick breakdown of the guidelines behind retiree house sitters are:
- Living in the house like you would your own
- List of expected everyday tasks to be completed and other agreed rules
- Reporting and communication with the owners
- Taking care of animals if they are pet owners
- Respectful and appropriate behavior conduct
So now we understand the gist of house sitting, why is Europe a good place to start?
Advantages of House Sitting in Europe
There are opportunities for house-sitting all over the world, but we know Europe is the best.
From exploring 160 diverse cultures with a large service demand from house owners.
To accessing simple international travel in a safe and secure environment.
Europe has it all for the perfect housesitting experience.
Diverse Cultures to Explore
Imagine waking up in a luxury house in Paris or visiting the street markets in Bulgaria.
There are 44 countries in Europe with a story to tell!
Security & Safety
European or ‘Western Law’ set the standards for liberty and freedom.
Security and safety will always be at the back of our minds when in a new place.
But understand you are protected and have institutions to help you.
I bet your travel budget security is a worry as well!
Europe can be an expensive place or a cheap one.
You are in control of the exchange of services and money security.
Note: Safety is primarily in your control.
With a little common sense and self-awareness, lots of bad situations can be avoided!
Wherever you decide to house sit.
There Is a High Demand for House-Sitting in Europe
Europe has a vast variety of homeowners.
There are young professionals needing pet care in cities.
Or people living remotely away for a couple of months.
Whatever takes your fancy, there will be plenty of opportunity!
Pet Loving Globe Trotters
Did you live your life with a furry companion?
Now at rest and it was too much work committing again?
Pet sitters go hand in hand with house-sitting.
Without the full responsibility of owning another animal.
Having a companion on your travels makes life so much sweeter and just imagine…
Intermittent dog care in the form of exploring a new city in Europe.
How to Get a Housesitting Opportunity in Europe
Try It for Free
It might seem funny that my first recommendation is to try it for free.
This will also help you know if it suits you before investing too much time in finding the ideal house!
Close family or friends’ houses are a perfect way to get some initial experience.
You might think this is house minding in a place you have been but treat it like a professional job.
Exploring Current Online Resources & Communities
There are many communities and organizations that you can engage with…
Further in this guide, I have listed a few helpful house sitting websites for in Europe.
I will say though, as a disclaimer that generally these are not for paid house-sitting jobs.
They are still great matching services and a way to be introduced to the community.
These are websites with a monthly membership fee or online subscription.
Be prepared to invest a bit of money at the start.
Marketing
Have you explored the available resources?
Joined some of the online job sites and organizations?
It is time for self-marketing in your online profile.
This is very like social media or a CV when applying for any type of job.
Marketing yourself is a skill that needs to be perfected like anything else.
I would research and look at examples of people in a successful house-sitting role.
Experience & Skills
If you haven’t got house sitting experience think of the transferable skills you may have.
Have you done any housekeeping services, administration, or working with animals?
This can always be added to the marketing yourself.
Maintaining Leads & Clear Communication
Clear communication and follow-up with potential employers is a cat and mouse game.
I recommend being honest and to the point especially with a personal travel plan.
Having clear communication enables the best working relationship.
It also irons out any house rules or more costs.
Tips for House Sitting in Europe
If you’re thinking about house-sitting in Europe, there are a few things you need to know first.
Here are a few tips to help you along the way!
Get Familiar With the Local Laws & Customs
Before you house sit, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the local laws.
This will help you to avoid any legal issues that could arise.
Also, research and find out as much as you can about the area you’ll be living in.
This will help you to understand the culture, the landscape, and the people.
Make Sure You Have Travel Insurance
It’s important to make sure you have travel insurance
Just in case of any emergencies that need cover.
From medical expenses or accidental damage.
Get covered so you can be at peace of mind while you’re house-sitting.
Have a Reliable Phone & Internet Connection
It’s important to make sure you have a working phone and internet connection.
– You can contact your hosts if there are any problems.
– Keep up with your work.
– Stay in touch with your friends & family.
Grow the Relationship With the Homeowner
There is considerable mutual respect and trust to let someone look after your home.
Take this into consideration to form respect and friendship with the homeowner.
This will then be returned to form a good working relationship.
Not to mention a reliable friend on the other side of the world!
Plan & Prepare Supplies
Make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need and the average prices.
This includes cleaning supplies, food, and anything else you might need.
Access Resources & Be Patient
House-sitting requires marketing and resource gathering.
You will have to make accounts on websites and research via resources.
This can be in the form of magazines or blogs.
See below our list of resources to get you started in Europe.
The Best Resources for House Sitting in Europe
So there we have it!
I have personally had great times traveling around Europe while house-sitting.
I wish you success in acheiving your dreams!
Trusted House Sitters
https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/
Nomador
Mind My House
Author: Britt
I am Britt. I have been house-sitting and pet-sitting for the past seven years. I have cared for 25 dogs, 35 cats, one turtle, and one rabbit over 80+ houses in 15 countries.
The opportunity to experience different homes, cultures, and communities has been extraordinary.
I’ve connected with homeowners seeking reliable sitters through house-sitting platforms like Aussie House Sitters and Trusted House Sitters. This unique way of living has allowed me to save money on accommodation, explore new cultures, and meet new people.
Being a member of these platforms has broadened my horizons and opened doors to short- and long-term house-sitting jobs. I’ve found joy in providing excellent pet care and ensuring the home is well-maintained.
I get many questions about how to start as a housesitter, so please reach out if you have any questions! I want everyone to enjoy this incredible lifestyle as well!
You can read more about Jay and me here!
Or connect with me on Facebook or in our house-sitting community on Facebook.
