We recently chatted with Erica. She has house-sat in some incredible places, including Costa Rica and Santorini, and is currently in Playa Del Carma. What a life!
She has figured out how to combine house sitting with her remote job (which allows her to work from anywhere). Below, you’ll find out how she started as a house sitter, some of her adventures, and where she will be heading next.
Tell us a little bit about yourself – who are you, where are you from for, do you do it full-time or sporadically
I’m Erica, and I grew up in the concrete jungle of New York – where I was
immersed in a melting pot of culture, history, and adventures every day.
The thing about New York (aside from great bagels) is that it prepares you for something else. After graduating college, I set sail to Australia with a one-way ticket and a 65-liter backpack, where I resided for a year.
Fast forward to 10 years, and I’m still globetrotting, with a home base in Denver, Colorado. I became a Trusted Housesitter in 2018, and I’ve been housesat sporadically over the past few years, with longer stints (3-4 months). However, I’m been noodling on housesitting full-time…

Why did you do petsitting? What is the primary motivation?
House sitting is truly an invaluable experience to see the world and develop long-lasting friendships with homeowners and companionships with pets.
What was your favorite housesitting experience to date and why?
My favorite house-sitting experience was in San Jose, Costa Rica. I arrived a few days early, and the homeowner showed me around the neighborhood and introduced me to neighbors.
She was incredibly welcoming, and I even joined her book club and later became friends for dinner. Not to mention, her cat Theo was such a great work-from-home companion.
How many housesits have you had and where?
I’ve done 25-30 house sits, and everywhere! From Colorado to Santorini, Greece, but mainly in North America and Europe.

How did you find out about housesitting?
Seven years ago, I started house-sitting for neighbors, and when a dear friend of
mine, Bianca, a full-time house sitter, recommended I start house-sitting.
Immediately, I was on board.
To this day, we stay connected and meet up in
different countries, and provide a support group for each other.
What’s been the biggest adventure so far?
My biggest adventure so far was my four-month housesitting in Europe and Costa Rica earlier this year. I’m grateful that my company has a work-from-anywhere policy and a four-day work week (32 hours), which allows me the flexibility to travel and explore new destinations. There are other options for working online, such as becoming a proofreader, which also enables you to work from anywhere.

How do you decide on a destination?
Deciding on a destination requires some planning. First, the length of the stay must be decided. More extended house sits are needed to allow time to adapt and build a community (meet neighbors or locals, as there can be a downside of solo travel, loneliness, and sometimes isolation). If I’m in the US and traveling somewhere for, say, a weekend getaway, new scenery, or maybe to visit a friend (without having to impede on their space).
For more frequent travel or hopping from house sit to house sit in different areas or countries, flight or other transport costs could add up (unless you have special rewards and points!).
Do Your Research: Also consider any visa restraints. As a digital nomad, I know some countries allow for stays of up to 3 months without a visa.
Consider the location: rural vs. urban. I like to have a balance of both. I love the outdoors and hiking, so rural places don’t bother me. However, I require a car (it is good to have an international license).
Some homeowners are uncomfortable with this, and I respect that; however, it may take longer to find a house sitter. I also enjoy city locations, with easy access to points of interest or public transport.
Indeed, be aware of any recent events, natural disasters, or civil unrest in the country or city you are going to (and if there are travel bans).
And lastly – a no-brainer – a location that has been on your bucket list! I also love asking homeowners for any local recommendations, whether eateries or sights to see, as that’s a great way to learn about the area and meet people.
How much luggage do you travel with?
Hot take: Traveling with oversized luggage on wheels. Don’t do it. Just don’t. Your future self will thank you and your fellow pedestrians as well. Having to schlep 30-50 lbs of a suitcase is not ideal – especially in countries where infrastructure may not be great.
The narrow streets in Europe, dirt roads, small buses, taxis, and other transport. And stairs. Sweet Pete, no one wants to embark on that incredible journey.
Depending on how long I’m going. Usually, a 45-liter backpack is compact and compresses air out. I can have about 7-10 outfits, my laptop, a small toiletry bag, and a pair of shoes.
This can pass as a carry-on with most airlines and avoid checked baggage fees. If I’m going for a bit longer, on a hiking trip, or traveling in winter (unfortunately, sweaters take up a bit of space), I use my Dueter 65-liter backpack with a detachable day pack. I’m a fan of Patagonia and Deuter, both sustainable, durable brands, and I’ve had my packs for nearly 10 years.
In the end, you always pack more than you need. Reset your way of packing. Take what is needed. Depending on your location, a washer will likely be available or nearby and layering and having versatile outfits is key.

3 Items I Can’t Travel Without
Aside from my passport, here are my must-haves:
● Kindle: I love to read. And Libby Library is a great way to use your local library card to check out books. I try not to rely on my phone for all entertainment, and sometimes, I may not have a wifi connection. Plus, for those long-haul flights, Kindles come in handy.
● Quick Dry Towel: Beach destination or not, this is handy for hikes or day-to-day use. Maybe you are stuck at the airport with a canceled flight and desperately need a shower (yes, some international airports have showers!).
● Portable Cell Phone Battery: Maybe you’ve been traveling for a while and can’t find an outlet. Or used up all your battery juice trying to navigate the city you’re in. Avoid unnecessary anxiety with a portable battery. I have the Mophie Portable Charger that clips to your phone via a magnet – slightly less bulky than some chargers, plus a cardholder.
Was it hard for you to secure your first housesitting gig? How many applications did you have to send before you got accepted for your first assignment?
I started house-sitting for neighbors and friends, asking them to leave me a review or be a reference.
With Trusted Housesitters, being credible sets you apart from the competition. At first, it may be challenging to secure a house sit, and more experienced sitters will likely get priority. Don’t let that get you down.
Try applying for more remote locations or sit with lower applicants, maybe local house sits opportunities, before applying to house sit in very desirable locations where the competition is much more fierce, like Costa Rica or Barcelona, Spain.
When I first started, I probably applied to nearly a dozen house sits that rejected me before I got my first house sit. Like anything you pursue, rejection may happen, but I encourage you to persevere!
Did you ever have any unusual pets to take care of or responsibilities that were out of the norm?
I’ve house-sat for pets with special needs requiring medication, had separation anxiety, and administered insulin shots. Having very clear directions and communication with the homeowner is crucial.
Tips for Others Wanting to Get Started?
There are so many tips! Getting started can seem daunting, but start small: care for the pets of friends, family, and neighbors. Do you have more questions? Feel free to connect with me on Instagram.
Where to next (when you can)
I’m in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Who knows where my next house sit will be but South America is on my bucket list.Need Help Getting Started?
Have we got you excited about house sitting in Rome? We love sharing our house-sitting experiences and teaching others how to become house-sitters and start their journeys.
Need Help Getting Started With House Sitting
Have we got you excited about house-sitting? We love sharing our house-sitting 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.
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.

Are You Ready to Start House Sitting?
My name is Joan am from Uganda but currently in dubai working as Ananny, am here for house sitting job in Europe or have experience for 2yrs in dubai and 6yrs years in Abudhabi hospital working as house keeper.
Hiya Joan 🙂 sounds like you have some great experience, I would suggest havng a look at this https://www.thetravellinghousesitters.com/start-house-sitting/