House Sitting Myths (Is it Too Good to Be True?)

House sitting is becoming wildly popular. You’ve probably heard tons of great things about getting into house-sitting, but you’ve probably also heard some house-sitting myths!

How do you know what to believe? Is house sitting all it’s cracked up to be? Or is it too good to be true? We’ll unpack some of the misconceptions you’ve probably heard about house-sitting. Keep reading to learn more.

Myth: House Sitting Is Dangerous

Different areas have different risks. People in high-crime neighborhoods may experience danger without ever leaving their own homes. People who live in rural locations may deal with wild animals for the safety of their property.

House sitting in certain areas has the same risks as simply living there. You can decrease the risk by researching the locations ahead of time. If you are uncomfortable going to some areas, don’t apply for these areas.

Staying at hotels while traveling also presents risks. As long as you know how to use common sense safety, you will be safe no matter where you stay. Sites like Trusted House Sitters also provide background checks and previous reviews, which can help elevate your concerns.

Myth: House Sitting Is Easy

The notion that housesitting is “easy” is a misconception. While it can offer significant benefits like free accommodation and the chance to travel, it’s essential to recognize the responsibilities and challenges involved.

The Realities of House Sitting

Skills Required: Effective house-sitting often demands animal care skills, knowledge of home maintenance, and strong communication with homeowners.

Responsibility: House sitters are entrusted with someone’s home and often their beloved pets. This involves a high level of responsibility and trust.

Time Commitment: Caring for pets, maintaining the house, and handling potential emergencies requires time and dedication.

Unpredictable Income: House-sitting opportunities can be inconsistent, making it difficult to rely on as a sole income source.

Costs: While accommodation is often free, other expenses like transportation, food, and pet supplies can accumulate.

Myth: House Sitting Is A Free Vacation

While house-sitting can make travel more affordable, it’s not quite that simple. Yes, you save money on accommodation. Yes, you may even get paid to stay at a certain place.

However, you still have to work for it. Pet sitters need to care for pets and maintain the property. While these responsibilities aren’t difficult, they can prevent you from exploring. Housesitters may need to pay for transportation, food, and any activities.

Myth: You Can’t House Sit And Have A Full-Time Job

Balancing an in-person full-time job with house-sitting isn’t hard. The misconception that these two commitments are mutually exclusive often stems from the stereotype of house-sitting as a leisurely, full-time lifestyle.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Many modern workplaces offer flexible options, such as remote work or part-time schedules that can accommodate house sitting responsibilities.
• Careful Planning: Effective time management and careful planning are essential. This includes understanding the pet care needs, house maintenance requirements, and work schedule.
• Clear Communication: It is crucial to communicate openly and honestly with both your employer and the homeowner. This helps to manage expectations and avoid conflicts.
• Choosing the Right Sit: Not all house-sitting assignments are equal. Opting for shorter stays or those with minimal pet care requirements can make balancing work easier.

While some house-sitting roles require your presence, many homeowners are flexible and understand that housesitters may have other commitments. By carefully considering your work situation and the housesitter’s specific requirements, you can successfully combine the two.

Myth: You Can’t House Sit If You’re Allergic To Pets

While most house sitters double as pet sitters, that isn’t always the case. There are thousands of house sitting jobs without pets, you just need to know how to find them.

Many people hire house sitters even though they don’t have pets. This is becoming more popular as people with second homes like to have someone looking after the pool or garden, or even just to collect packages. If you follow the instructions on this post Ill show you how to use filters to find sits without certain types of animals or even no animals at all.

Myth: House Sitting Is Instant

It can take a while to build up a house-sitting client, house-sitting sites speed up the process, it’s not instant. You need experience and reviews to get jobs, so it may be difficult to get your first few gigs.

After a while, it becomes easier to get jobs. Getting started may take a while, but most successful house sitters say the wait is worth it. With several months of house-sitting experience, you will start booking more frequent jobs. Current house sitters have slowly built up their portfolio and you can, too!

Myth: You Still Need A House Even If You House Sit

While it is nice to have a home base, it isn’t necessary. If you can live out of a few suitcases, you can just go from home to home.

You may need a permanent address, though. This is important for receiving mail or filling out paperwork. Ask a friend or relative if you can use their address. If you need to “go home” for a few days, you can even stay with them between house sits.

There may be times when you go a few days without a gig. With the money you’ve saved up, you could go home or stay at a hotel.

If you travel with a partner, you could even “double-book” yourselves. For instance, you can go to the next house and sit a couple of days early while the other finishes at the current one. There may be overlap, but with two people, it’s doable. This makes it great for a retired couple or two besties who want to see the world!

Myth: House Sitting Is Like Getting A Vacation Home

While people use house-sitting to book lodging for vacation, it’s not that simple.

You can’t just say, “I want to go to San Francisco the second week of July” and find a place to stay for free. However, you can look for a place to stay in San Francisco and alter your travel dates to accommodate the opportunity.

But you won’t be able to sleep there and then explore the day away. You will have duties and tasks throughout the week.

You may find that you have a favorite house to sit at. Maybe it’s a nice home with friendly owners or a great location. Either way, with flexibility, you can schedule your vacations around house-sitting gigs.

House-sitting travel isn’t for everyone. Fortunately, it works well for people with flexible lifestyles.

Myth: House Sitters Need A Car

House sitters should consider transportation before taking a job. Ask if it’s within walking distance of shops, public transport, and other amenities you need.

Fortunately, some homeowners will allow you to use their car if that’s the case. You can always check with them ahead of time. If the homeowner doesn’t have a car for you to use, you can rent one while you stay there.

Need Help Getting Started With House Sitting?

We love sharing our experiences and teaching others how to become house-sitters and start their journeys. So, if you need help starting your house-sitting journey, see my resources here, and don’t hesitate to contact me and ask me any questions.