Here is a guide that will help you start house sitting in the right way

Traditionally considered a budget travel hack, house sitting has evolved into a full-fledged lifestyle choice for travelers looking for a new way to see the world while keeping their costs low while still seeing all the sights. In order to save money on accommodation, you can live in a cozy cabin in Canada, a sleek city apartment in Paris, or a beachside villa in Bali, all the while saving money on accommodation. It is true that house sitting offers a number of experiences that can only be discovered by sitting in someone else’s house.

You will find this guide invaluable in telling you everything you need to know in order to start house sitting successfully within your own home, from finding the right opportunities to how to make your impression on homeowners a good one. Let’s take a look at this in more detail!

The most important takeaways

A housesitter offers free housing; however, they must also care for the house and pets of another person.
There’s no excuse for choosing the wrong platform: Trusted housesitters are popular, but they can be tough to compete with; MindMyHouse offers a more affordable alternative.
Create a great profile and apply thoughtfully. The first impression you make is very important, so make sure to personalize your application accordingly.

Is house sitting right for you? In addition to saving you money, there are a number of other benefits

(Here, I would like to introduce the value of house sitting beyond its potential as a budget option, as it is also an opportunity to experience a place as a local, to make connections, and to take advantage of unique living arrangements.)

In addition to getting a taste of local life, house sitting gives you an opportunity to truly live in a neighborhood.
You will save money on accommodation when you take advantage of free accommodation, allowing you to enjoy more activities and extend your stay.
The companionship of your pet is an added advantage to house sits, especially if you miss your pets while you’re away from home.
In terms of flexibility, house sitting offers a sense of routine and homely comfort. This is a perfect solution for digital nomads or travelers who are seeking stability during their travels.

Listed below are the different types of house sitting services you can choose from

It is recommended to discuss various setups, e.g., short-term, long-term, pet sitting versus property care only, etc.

The most common form of pet care is pet sitting, which involves taking care of pets such as cats, dogs, and even chickens as part of the service.
Occasionally, house-sitting can be reduced to just watching the home without having to take care of pets, which might be called property-only sitting.
Sits involving high-end properties or unique situations, which may require background checks or special qualifications, are known as luxury or specialty sits.

Personal Insight

“On my first house sit, I spent two weeks on a sprawling property in the English countryside. Not only did I get to enjoy a beautiful home, but I also got to look after a lovely pair of dogs. It was like having a mini vacation without hotel bills!”

What Are the Best Platforms for House Sitting?

This paper presents a short overview of the most important platforms, along with brief summaries of their pros and cons and estimated membership costs.

Platform	Membership Cost	Key Features	Pros	Cons
TrustedHousesitters	$129/year	Global listings, pet-focused	Large user base, verified profiles	Competitive
Nomador	Free or $99/year	Varied types of seats	Flexible pricing, good for Europe	Smaller selection
HouseCarers	$50/year	House-only and pet options	Budget-friendly	Limited to fewer countries
MindMyHouse	$20/year	Lower-cost global option	Affordable	Fewer listings, older site

(Include real user reviews and ratings if available.)

What are the steps to creating a standout house sitting profile?

(In this section, you will guide the reader on how to write a profile to attract homeowners.)

1. Write a compelling introduction that engages the reader

It would be helpful if you could describe your background, your experience with pets, and your interest in house sitting.
Please share any skills that may be relevant, such as pet grooming, gardening, or home repairs, that you may have.

2. Upload photos and videos to your account

Including high-quality images and even a brief video introducing yourself would be a good idea.
Pro Tip: Show a mix of personal photos (outdoor, travel) and a few showing any pets you’ve cared for.

3. Obtain references and testimonials from previous clients

Try to start with friends or family members you have helped with housekeeping or pet-sitting tasks in the past.
As soon as you have completed a few sits, you can ask homeowners for their feedback on the platform.

Personal Insight

“I was nervous at first about not having any official references, so I volunteered to house sit for a local family friend. Having even one solid review on my profile made a huge difference when applying for my first overseas sit.”

Here are some essential tips on how to make your application successful.

It is important that you provide step-by-step instructions on how to write a compelling application.

It is always advisable to be prompt when applying to popular sites; your ability to respond quickly can make all the difference.
Show genuine interest in your recipient by mentioning specifics about their pets, home, or location in your message.
Identify Relevant Experiences: Tell them about your experience with cats if they have one. Be sure to reassure them that you are comfortable with solitude if they are in a remote location.

What to expect when you are preparing for your first house sitting

It is important for first-time passengers to be aware of what to expect, including challenges and surprises.

The homeowner appreciates a sitter who comes prepared with all the necessary equipment. If they have mentioned any supplies or items they would like you to bring, such as pet treats or their favorite brand of coffee, please do so.
Become familiar with the house rules: Discuss details with the homeowners, from pet feeding schedules to emergency contact information with them.
It is important to respect their space. Treat the home as if it were your own (or even better). As a result, you should leave everything cleaner than when you arrived.

Getting the most out of your pet care responsibilities

As a petsitter, you are expected to perform a number of tasks, ranging from feeding and walking pets to administering medications.

It is important to understand the expectations of pet owners in terms of pet care

It is common for many people to have specific feeding times and diets for their pets depending on the type of pet they have.
As for the exercise needs of the dog, he or she may require a daily walk or a specific game routine.
It is important to be clear on instructions when it comes to pets with special needs, such as those with health conditions or prescription medications.

What to pack for a house sit when you are going to stay with someone else

(It would be a good idea to include a handy checklist, focusing on items that may enhance a sitter’s comfort.)

Item	Why You Need It
Comfortable clothes	For lounging or pet care duties
Personal toiletries	To avoid using the homeowner’s supplies
Small travel toolkit	In case minor repairs are needed
Laptop/Tablet	For communication and research
Pet care essentials	If instructed, bring treats, toys, etc.

What Are Some of the Key Challenges in House Sitting and What Can Be Done to Overcome Them?

It’s helpful to prepare readers for the pitfalls they may encounter, from navigating cultural differences to dealing with difficult pets.

1. Unpredictable behaviors of the pet

There is one solution to this problem: spend time getting to know each animal and be patient. It can be very helpful to have a calming presence in your life.

2. Handling home maintenance issues in a timely manner

Learn how to reset a circuit breaker to get the power back on in your home. This is one of the basic household repairs you can do.

3. Differences in cultural background and linguistic barriers

Research the cultural norms of the country you are going to and learn a few basic phrases in the local language, especially if you are going to a country that does not speak English.

Here are some of the pros and cons of house sitting

The advantages and potential drawbacks of the proposed solution can be summarized as follows:

Advantages include:

Accommodation is provided for free
The experience of living in a unique environment
Pets provide companionship in the form of companionship

A few cons:

Pets and property are the responsibility of the owner
A competitive application process will be followed
In the event that plans need to be changed, there is limited flexibility

A look at some real-life stories about house sitting

(The purpose of this section is to give readers a glimpse into the lifestyle by sharing anecdotes and success stories about it.)

A few years ago, I house sat in Bali for a while.”

During the summer of 2015, I had the opportunity to house sit for a family in Bali, caring for their two rescue dogs. I spent my mornings on beach walks with the dogs, my afternoons exploring the island, and my evenings relaxing in their stunning garden. It was like a slice of paradise.”

The Best Way to Find Long-Term Success in House Sitting

I will provide you with advice on building a reputation, getting repeat gigs, and how to move towards full-time if that is what you want.

Communicate Effectively: Keep homeowners updated by sending them regular messages and photos of their pets on a regular basis.
Establish Relationships With Sitters: Many homeowners prefer to rehire a sitter who they have already trusted in the past.
Be flexible: In order to achieve long-term success, it is often necessary to be open to unexpected destinations or types of sittings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the house sitting safe?

Generally, yes. Reputable platforms vet homeowners, and reading reviews helps you choose safe assignments.

2. How much do housesitters earn?

Most seats are unpaid but provide free accommodation. However, some luxury or professional seats may offer compensation.

3. Can I house sit without experience?

Yes! Starting with local or short-term assignments can help build your experience and profile.

4. Are there house-sitting options for families or couples?

Many sits welcome couples, and some even accommodate families, but always check with the homeowner first.

5. Can I house sit with my own pet?

It depends on the homeowner’s policies. Some are open to it, while others are not.

Final Thoughts

The ability to house sit opens up a whole world of travel opportunities for you while providing you with an immersive and unique experience. There is no doubt that house sitting can be a fulfilling option, whether you are looking to save money on accommodations or seeking meaningful connections. Have a great time house sitting!

As part of this guide, we provide a roadmap for anyone who wishes to start their house-sitting journey, emphasizing authentic experiences and helpful hints.

How to Start House Sitting in 2025: 5 Easy Steps