Want to know the pros and cons of house-sitting?
House-sitting is an incredible lifestyle but its has does have some cons.
So below we list them all for you!
Table of Contents
The 10 Pros Of House Sitting
Let us see why house sitting can be a very beneficial and life-changing experience.
Make sure you read until the end as I have also added my favorite places to find new sits!
Cost Savings While House Sitting
I mentioned the accommodation making up a large proportion of your budget.
House-sitting cuts out that cost and that part of your budget, meaning you can live rent free. So that money can be spent on whatever else you want to do.
Scuba diving or in the retirement fund. Having extra capital is always beneficial.
The only thing you need to pay for is the house sitting website, this is where you find new assignments. These are worth the investment as a year membership costs the same as two nights in an Airbnb.
A Place To Work
I am what is described as a digital nomad.
I can write wherever and whenever I want to and this endless freedom is what I desire.
House-sitting provides a place to work that is both quiet and comfortable.
If I am traveling I often worry whether there will be strong internet.
Or if there are too many people and their energy for a sensory overload.
Want to become a house sitter, we have some great tips here.
Staying In A Luxury House
Doing luxury house sits is always interesting
These new and positive experiences have a great impact on our well-being.
I know a friend who was house-sitting in Norway and he had access to a sauna every day.
Why not enjoy a bit of the high life while you can?
There are thousands of luxury homes that need a house sitters, especially in the USA. Learn how to become a house sitter in USA, so you can start to land these assignments.
Freedom & Peace To Explore On Your Terms
If you book shared accommodation you will run a risk of being trapped.
This could be in an unfavorable situation or person.
Not feeling safe where you rest at night.
Or dealing with loud drunken people?
This will have a detrimental impact on the trip, as well as your social well-being.
Worrying whether your belongings are safe? Or having food stolen?
This can put a downer on the experience.
When you are house-sitting you are in control and can do what you want to your schedule and no one else’s.
No Skills Or Training Required
The good things in life often come with a price tag.
Whether that tag is a 3-year degree.
Hundreds of hours of training.
Or just a steady increase in work and stress after starting.
House sitting may need a bit of reputation but the actual job is something that is done in the background.
If you can follow instructions, have a bit of empathy, and clean a house then you are ready to go.
It’s that simple!
Building Relationships
I think this can be overlooked in society today.
If you don’t meet a new person and think “what can I learn from them”, then you are going through life blind.
House sitting will open up a community of like-minded people.
With whom you may form long-lasting friendships or even more!
The trust takes to let a house sitter look after your prized possessions cannot be calculated!
So why would you leave them a stranger?
Experience A New Culture
Living in a new place can be daunting but it’s always good to embrace the unknown.
This could be for character development and general life experience.
You could get a house-sitting job in a country you hadn’t thought of visiting.
This would propel you headfirst into a new culture with all the adventure that brings.
Who knows, you might even decide you love it so much and want to permanently move!
Making Fluffy Friends
Looking after animals is a great responsibility which is why I have also put it in the cons section.
This being said, pet sitting and house sitting go hand in hand.
If you’re an animal lover then consider pet sitting for the owner’s animals.
Imagine getting paid to snuggle up with a doggie every night and city exploring during the day.
Or slowly and steadily building up a relationship with a kitty.
If you are pet sitting then you can also earn more as there is that extra responsibility.
New Cuisine To Try
If you are a foodie or want new experiences, then what is better than trying the local cuisine?
Dive headfirst into eating like a local.
I guarantee it will help speed up your cultural adaptation and experience.
Adapting to a new culture doesn’t have to be scary! It is rather tasty!
Learning A New Language
Knowing more than one language is a vital skill to have but it does take a lot of dedication.
I have tried this over the years but nothing compares to forcing yourself by living there.
Do they say it takes 700 hours to fluently learn a language so why not start house-sitting?
You can do this in the country whose language intrigues you the most.
Get out there and put yourself into situations where you need to communicate.
It will help you tremendously.
The Cons Of House Sitting
I will start with the bad news first.
My grandma always said that life can’t always be sunshine and roses.
Building Up Trust & Reputation To House Sit
We don’t live in a society with unlocked doors and trust or respect being given at first glimpse.
This respect and trust must be earned which usually takes time.
Especially when you take into consideration what could be at stake.
Creating a portfolio and effectively marketing yourself is a skill on its own.
Subscription Fees For House-Sitting Website
Life comes at a cost and this is the case with the various house-sitting website resources at hand.
These are effective job sites that act as a tool to help you find jobs or contact active house sitters.
Joining these communities is vital in being able to secure a house-sitting job.
Create a profile, upload positive reviews and connect with potential homeowners.
The application process to these websites usually has a subscription fee to pay.
This is an investment but will need you to fork over some money before actually house-sitting.
Responsible Animal Care
In no way do I think that being responsible for an animal is a con.
We all love a furry companion and a lot of people are drawn to long-term house sitting due to becoming pet sitters.
On paper being responsible and owning an animal is great.
But there are some hardships and responsibilities.
Especially if it’s one you haven’t formed a bond with and also belongs to someone else.
Make sure you think about the responsibility of looking after a pet.
What is required?
I promise you, it is a lot more than late-night cuddles or throwing a ball.
Fundamental Living Costs
You don’t pay for the accommodation when house sitting.
But you might have to pay for any bills, food, and travel costs.
Make sure you have enough money to afford these utilities for the time you plan to stay.
Budgeting is very important!
Don’t forget this because your accommodation costs are null.
Isolation
A new country or city is great but have you ever thought about being away for an extended time?
After the honeymoon period?
It would be good to research the culture you plan to stay in and if you can have a sustainable living experience.
Think of stuff like language barriers, diet, and even crime rates.
Feeling isolated is never good in your own country let alone somewhere unfamiliar!
What Is House Sitting?
The accessibility to travel is booming after the pandemic!
The freedom and travel ban has thousands of homeowners away from home.
These homeowners want respectful people to take care of their property.
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, let’s get into the disadvantages of house sitting. I will then get into the advantages to help you understand in a little bit more detail!
Our Favorite Places To Find New House Sits
So there we have it! Below are some websites to start your house-sitting experience and I bid you good luck!
Trusted House Sitters
https://www.trustedhousesitters.com
Aussie House Sitters
https://www.aussiehousesitters.com.au
House Sitters America
https://www.housesittersamerica.com
House Carers
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.