What is House Sitting and Pet Sitting?
House sitting involves living in someone’s home while they’re away, often in exchange for keeping the house clean, watering plants, and providing security. Pet sitting adds the responsibility of caring for animals—feeding, playing, walking, and offering companionship. For digital nomads, this can be a fantastic opportunity to live like a local and reduce costs, but it does come with its own set of considerations.
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Sits
Before diving into the pros and cons, it’s helpful to understand the difference between long-term and short-term sits:
- Long-term sits (several weeks to months) offer a chance to settle down in one place, giving you time to work and explore at your own pace. They’re ideal for digital nomads looking for a stable, temporary home base.
- Short-term sits (a few days to a couple of weeks) are perfect for quick stays in new cities, helping you save on accommodation while experiencing a new environment. These are often better for digital nomads on the move.
Pros of House Sitting and Pet Sitting
1. Free Accommodation and Utilities
One of the biggest advantages for digital nomads is the free accommodation. Whether you’re looking to explore expensive cities like New York or Tokyo, or slower-paced destinations like Tuscany or Bali, house sitting can save you hundreds of dollars. You also benefit from utilities like Wi-Fi and sometimes even free meals, which makes it ideal for remote workers who need reliable internet access.
2. Living Like a Local
House sitting provides a unique opportunity to live in residential neighborhoods, away from the typical tourist areas. You can shop at local markets, explore off-the-beaten-path gems, and immerse yourself in the local culture—an enriching experience that adds depth to your travels.
3. A Comfortable Workspace
For digital nomads, having a comfortable, quiet workspace is key. Many house sits offer just that, allowing you to work in peace without the distractions found in busy hostels or co-working spaces. Plus, you’ll have a private area to focus, which can help improve productivity while you work on the go.
4. Time with Adorable Pets
If you love animals but can’t own a pet due to your nomadic lifestyle, pet sitting is the perfect solution. You’ll enjoy the companionship of pets, whether it’s a friendly dog, a playful cat, or even smaller animals like rabbits or birds. It’s a wonderful way to feel at home while traveling.
5. Flexibility to Choose Your Destination
House sitting offers great flexibility. You can often choose where and when you want to house sit based on your schedule. Platforms like Trusted Housesitters and Nomador allow you to filter opportunities by destination, length of stay, and types of animals, making it easier to align sits with your travel plans.
Cons of House Sitting and Pet Sitting
1. Limited Freedom to Explore
One of the downsides for digital nomads is the responsibility of caring for the home and pets. You may need to adjust your schedule to take care of pets, and in some cases, you can’t leave the house for long stretches. For example, some dogs can’t be left alone for more than a few hours, which limits your ability to go on long day trips.
2. Challenging Homeowners
Occasionally, you may encounter demanding or difficult homeowners. Some might have very specific instructions or expectations, and dealing with this can add stress to your stay. It’s important to set clear boundaries and expectations before committing to a sit.
3. Mischievous Pets
Not all pets are easy to care for. Some may have behavioral issues or be more work than you anticipated, which can be especially challenging if you’re trying to balance pet care with your remote work schedule. Always ask homeowners about the pets’ behavior in advance to avoid any surprises.
4. Membership Fees
Most house-sitting platforms charge an annual fee, which can range from $50 to $200 depending on the site. While this may seem like an added expense, it’s a small price to pay considering the savings you’ll make on accommodation. However, it’s something to keep in mind, especially if you plan to house sit only occasionally.
5. Loneliness
While house sitting gives you a private space, it can also feel isolating, especially if you’re in a country with language barriers or far from busy city centers. As a digital nomad, this might be a significant downside if you’re used to meeting fellow travelers in hostels or co-working spaces. It’s worth considering whether you’re okay with a more solitary experience.
Is House Sitting Worth It for Digital Nomads?
For digital nomads, house sitting offers a unique combination of free accommodation, quiet workspace, and the chance to live like a local—all major advantages. However, it also comes with responsibilities that can limit your freedom and social interactions. Whether or not house sitting is worth it depends on your travel style and needs.
If you value saving money, enjoying the comforts of home, and spending time with animals, house sitting is a fantastic option for exploring the world as a digital nomad. Just make sure to weigh the pros and cons to see if it aligns with your lifestyle and travel goals!
