House Sitting 101: How to Travel the World for (Almost) Free
Over the past twelve years, I have stayed in homes from cliffside villas in Greece to quiet farmhouses in New Zealand, all while caring for the owners’ pets and properties.
House sitting has allowed me to travel slowly and affordably, turning short trips into extended stays without the constant drain of hotel or Airbnb costs.
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It is not completely free travel; membership fees for the top platforms range from $29 to $130 annually, plus you cover your own flights or transport, and you are responsible for daily duties.
Yet the exchange, free accommodation in often beautiful locations, makes it one of the most practical ways to experience the world like a local.
What House Sitting Really Involves
At its heart, house sitting means looking after someone’s home and usually their pets while they are away. Most assignments center on pet care, dogs needing walks, cats requiring feeding and play, or sometimes more unusual companions like chickens, turtles, or alpacas.
Owners seek sitters to avoid boarding costs, keep the house occupied against break-ins, and maintain routines like watering plants or checking the pool.
In my experience, the best sits blend responsibility with genuine comfort. You live in real homes, use stocked kitchens, sleep in actual bedrooms, and explore neighborhoods on foot.
I have cooked with ingredients from local markets in France, read from bookshelves in Scottish cottages, and watched sunsets from balconies in Australia. The nuance is that you are a guest who acts like a temporary resident, never a tenant with full rights.
Choosing the Right Platforms
The landscape has evolved, but a few sites remain reliable for global opportunities. TrustedHousesitters continues to lead with the largest number of listings, strong safety features like background checks, and a community feel through reviews.
The annual fee hovers around $129 to $135, though discounts often bring it lower for new members. It excels for international travel, especially in Europe, North America, Australia, and growing areas like Southeast Asia.
For budget-conscious beginners, MindMyHouse offers great value at about $29 a year, with solid options particularly in the US, Europe, and Australia. Nomador offers a free discovery tier before paid plans, which is appealing if you want to test the waters.
HouseCarers keeps things simple and affordable, while Workaway includes house sitting alongside other volunteer exchanges, often with more flexible or rural listings.
I primarily use TrustedHousesitters now because the volume and quality of sits, combined with trustworthy reviews, reduce mismatches. Start with one or two platforms rather than spreading thin across many.
Building a Standout Profile
Your profile is your first impression, more like a job resume than a casual bio. Use clear photos of you with animals, perhaps from shelter volunteering or friends’ pets if you lack sits.
Write honestly about your experience, reliability, and enthusiasm. I always mention specifics, like sending daily photo updates of the pets or sourcing special food during a shortage. These details build trust.
References are crucial. If you are new, gather them from pet-owning friends, neighbors whose animals you have minded, or past employers who can speak to your responsibility. I started locally, sitting for acquaintances to earn those first glowing reviews, which opened international doors.
Crafting Winning Applications
Generic copy-paste messages rarely work. Read each listing closely and respond personally. Reference the pets’ names, any mentioned quirks like a dog’s anxiety during thunderstorms, or garden care details.
Apply quickly, especially for popular destinations or peak seasons like European summers or holiday periods. Set up real-time alerts on your platform to beat the rush.
Flexibility has landed me incredible opportunities, from last-minute sits in less-touristy areas to extended stays. One of my favorites was a month in rural Portugal after I offered to adjust dates. Tailored, enthusiastic applications stand out.
Preparing for a Smooth Handover
Arrive a day early if logistics allow for a thorough walkthrough. Note alarm codes, light locations, pet routines, emergency vet numbers, and neighbor contacts. Take photos of instructions and keep a notebook.
On my first long sit in Australia, I misread the feeding chart and briefly overfed the dog. He was fine, but the lesson stuck: confirm everything in writing or on a shared call.
Ask about preferences too, like favorite toys or walking routes. Good owners leave detailed guides, but proactive questions prevent surprises.
Daily Life and Common Pitfalls
Routine blends care with freedom. Walk dogs twice daily, feed on schedule, play, and clean litter boxes or scoop yards. Check the house for issues, such as leaks or security concerns. Live locally, shop at corner stores, chat with regulars at cafes.
Boundaries are non-negotiable. Treat the home respectfully, leave it spotless, often cleaner than found. Never host large gatherings or invite unknowns without permission. Early on, a friend dropped by unannounced during a sit, was caught on camera, and caused awkwardness, even though the owners were kind. Now I clear visitors in advance.
Mistakes teach the most. I once left a window open during a rainstorm in Portugal, which damaged the floors. Another time, a cat escaped for hours, heart-stopping panic until she returned. Communicate obsessively: daily updates, immediate flags for concerns. Owners value honesty over flawless execution.
Leaving on a High Note
Before departure, wash bedding and towels if appropriate, vacuum or mop, and clean the kitchen and bathroom.
Restock basics if you used them. Leave a note with highlights, any issues resolved, and pet anecdotes. Many owners ask me back because I treat their home as if it were my own.
The Deeper Rewards
Beyond savings, house sitting fosters connections. I still exchange messages with families whose homes I have cared for. It slows travel, letting you absorb places deeply rather than rushing through. You notice seasonal changes, local rhythms, quiet joys of borrowed life.
If you are dependable, patient with animals, and treat others’ spaces with care, house sitting can reshape how you explore the world.
Begin modestly, perhaps locally, build credibility, select platforms thoughtfully, and apply with intention. One trusted key can unlock months of meaningful travel.
