What Is House Sitting (And Whether It’s Right for You)

🌍 Our Journey Begins

When I took on my first house sit in London—a cozy flat over Christmas in exchange for looking after a friendly cat—I didn’t know it would spark a lifestyle that would take me through 13 countries, from Europe to Southeast Asia, and all across Australia and New Zealand. I’ve looked after homes and pets full-time, lived on sailboats, remote islands, city apartments, and everything in between.

That first sit was just the beginning. Since then, I’ve used house sitting to build a location-independent life—sometimes solo, sometimes with my partner Jay. We’ve swapped rent payments for rooftop gardens in Paris, vineyards in Tuscany, and even a catamaran in the Caribbean.

But what exactly is house sitting? And could it work for your lifestyle? This guide breaks down everything I’ve learned over nearly a decade of living rent-free around the world—plus how to get started.

📚 What’s In This Guide?

This article covers everything you need to know about house sitting:

1. Basics – What house sitting is and how it works
2. Benefits – Why people choose this lifestyle
3. Responsibilities – Pet care and property duties
4. Is It For You? – Matching your personality to house sitting
5. Money Matters – Real costs and savings
6. First Steps – How to get started
7. Special Cases – Families, pets, remote work
8. Global Opportunities – Where in the world
9. Building Success – Long-term strategies
   Whether you’re planning a local weekend getaway or dreaming of international adventures, this guide provides the tools to get started.

What Is House Sitting?

House sitting is beautifully simple: homeowners need someone trustworthy to care for their pets and property while away. In return, sitters get free accommodation. It’s a value exchange—not a paid job—with huge benefits for both sides.

Thanks to online platforms, it’s now easier than ever to find these sits, whether in Australia, Europe, or Southeast Asia. The practice has exploded worldwide and is especially common in the US, UK, France, Mexico, and Thailand.

Why Choose House Sitting?

❤️ Animal Connections

Let’s be real—house sitting is mostly about animals. From energetic Labradors to lazy cats and flocks of backyard chickens, pets have shaped every sit we’ve done.

We’ve cuddled St. Bernards during snowstorms in the Alps, walked dogs at sunrise past temples in Thailand, and bottle-fed kittens in Ireland. In Melbourne, I cared for a senior rescue dog who needed daily meds and a comfy lap every evening.
Each animal adds joy and purpose to our travels.

💸 Financial Benefits

Rent-free living is the biggest reason we started house sitting, and it’s still one of the best perks. Over the years, we’ve saved more than $150,000 in accommodation costs.
💰 A Notting Hill flat during Christmas in London? Free.
🏖 A beachfront home in New Zealand? Free.
⛵ A sailboat in the Caribbean? Yep, also free.
These savings have allowed us to travel longer, work less, and enjoy a slower, more fulfilling life.

🛒 Living Like a Local

In France, we harvested veggies from a garden and learned the quirks of rural recycling systems. In Portugal, we were invited to backyard BBQs with the neighbors. In Italy, we shopped at the local market and sipped espresso with regulars.
House sitting has let us immerse ourselves in cultures in ways hotels never could. No tourist traps—just everyday life.

🔍 Testing New Locations

House sitting is the perfect “try before you buy” strategy. We’ve used it to explore Melbourne, New Zealand, Spain, and more, deciding which places suit our lifestyle before committing to anything long-term.
We’ve met couples who’ve done the same, sit-hopping around Portugal or Italy to scout the perfect place to retire.

The Reality of Responsibilities

🐕 Pet Care Comes First

In Montenegro, we walked two energetic dogs every day through the hills. In Ireland, we managed medication for a cat with thyroid issues. Each sit has been different—but pet care is always the core priority.

That means feeding schedules, walks, cleaning up messes, vet trips if needed, and being there when they need us. Pets are the reason you’re there—and their wellbeing always comes first. 🐾🧼💊

🧹 Home Management

From watering rooftop gardens in Lisbon 🌿 to troubleshooting power outages in France ⚡, we’ve handled every type of home scenario.
Some homes need garden maintenance, others just security and plant watering. One sit in Scotland had us managing a veggie garden and greenhouse, while a Hong Kong apartment mostly needed light upkeep and observation.
Being calm, practical, and respectful goes a long way.

Is House Sitting Right For You?

If you love animals, enjoy slower travel, and don’t mind a bit of routine, house sitting might be your dream lifestyle. It’s best for:

• People who prefer depth over speed
• Travelers who want to explore like locals
• Folks who can be flexible and independent
• Those with some basic home or pet care experience
  It’s not a free holiday. It’s a responsibility. But the rewards? Incredible.

🧠 Key Traits for Success

Successful house sitters are:

• Reliable & punctual
• Animal lovers
• Clean & tidy
• Great communicators
• Problem-solvers
• Calm under pressure
  We’ve found that trustworthiness and good communication matter even more than experience. Homeowners choose us because they feel their pets and homes are in caring, capable hands. 🤝

💵 The Financial Picture

Accommodation is free—but other costs remain:

• Flights and transport
• Food & local expenses
• Insurance & emergencies
• Annual platform fees ($50–$200)
  One year, we spent just $1,200/month total for two people while sitting full-time in Southeast Asia—including all travel and food. That’s a massive savings compared to paying rent or hotels. 🌍💸

🚀 Starting Your House Sitting Journey

Here’s how to get started:
✅ Create a standout profile
✅ Include pet experience and home care details
✅ Add photos of you with animals
✅ Get references (landlords, employers, friends)
✅ Get police checks or background checks
✅ Join platforms like TrustedHousesitters or Aussie House Sitters
✅ Personalize every application
✅ Offer to video call and show genuine interest
Your story matters. Share why you’re doing this and what makes you reliable and trustworthy. Show that you’ll care for their home and pets like your own.

Questions We Always Get Asked!

Are Families Welcome?

Yes, families can housesit, too! We’ve seen parents traveling full-time with their kids, bonding with animals, and learning responsibility along the way. Some homeowners even prefer families for routine and reliability.

Bringing Your Pets

We’ve met sitters who travel with their own dogs, especially in Australia and New Zealand. This limits your options, but some hosts are open to it. Be honest about your pet’s behavior and needs—some sits even offer a guest cottage or yard for flexibility.

Can You Work Remotely

Jay and I have balanced house sitting with work. The key? Good Wi-Fi, a quiet workspace, and clear expectations. We always confirm internet speeds before applying and choose sits where pet routines won’t clash with meetings.

🌏 Global Opportunities

We’ve sat in:
🇬🇧 London flats
🇳🇿 New Zealand beach houses
🇫🇷 Vineyards in France
🇬🇷 Farmhouses in Greece
🇹🇭 Rural homes in Thailand
🇮🇹 Italian villages
🇦🇺 Coastal homes in Australia
🏝️ A catamaran in the Caribbean
Each sit has given us a unique view of local life—and some wild stories to tell.

🔁 Building Long-Term Success

We now have six homeowners who rebook us annually. That kind of trust comes from:

• Leaving homes spotless
• Sending regular pet updates
• Handling issues with care
• Treating every sit like a job
  We also stay active in house sitting communities and Facebook groups. These networks often lead to unlisted sits and referrals.

✨ Final Thoughts

House sitting has transformed how we travel, live, and work. We’ve swapped rent for new experiences, hotel rooms for cozy homes, and tourist traps for local connections. It’s not always glamorous—but it’s real, rewarding, and filled with purpose.

If you love animals 🐾, enjoy slow travel 🌍, and can handle the responsibility 💪—house sitting might just be the lifestyle for you.
👉 Ready to Start House Sitting? Here’s Our Step-by-Step Guide