THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO HOUSE SITTING FOR DIGITAL NOMADS
House sitting is a fantastic opportunity for digital nomads looking for a unique way to travel and live in different places. It offers a chance to stay in comfortable homes, often in exciting locations, without the usual costs of accommodation. In this complete guide, we’ll explore what house sitting is, how to find house sitting jobs, the best house sitting apps, and tips for a successful house sitting experience, especially if pets are involved.
Pros of House Sitting for Digital Nomads
House sitting offers numerous benefits for digital nomads. Here are some of the top reasons to consider house sitting as part of your travel lifestyle:
1. Free Accommodation
One of the biggest advantages of house sitting is free accommodation. By taking care of someone’s home and pets, you can save a significant amount of money on lodging, allowing you to travel longer and more affordably.
2. Live Like a Local
House sitting gives you the opportunity to experience life as a local in various destinations. You can explore neighborhoods, visit local markets, and enjoy the authentic feel of the place, which is often missed when staying in hotels or hostels.
3. Comfortable Living
Unlike typical travel accommodations, house sitting often means staying in a fully equipped home. You’ll have access to a kitchen, laundry facilities, and other amenities, making your stay more comfortable and convenient.
4. Pet Companionship
For animal lovers, house sitting can be particularly rewarding. Caring for pets provides companionship and a sense of routine, which can be comforting when you’re far from home.
5. Diverse Locations
House sitting opportunities are available worldwide, from bustling cities to serene countryside retreats. This diversity allows you to explore a wide range of locations without breaking the bank.
6. Flexible Travel
House sitting offers flexibility in your travel plans. You can choose sits that fit your schedule and preferences, whether you’re looking for short-term stays or longer commitments.
How to Find House Sitting Jobs
Getting started with house sitting is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps to begin your house sitting journey:
1. Create a Profile
Sign up on popular house sitting websites and apps, such as TrustedHousesitters, House Sitters America, and MindMyHouse. Create a detailed profile that highlights your experience, skills, and why you would make a great house sitter. Include photos and references if possible.
2. Search for Opportunities
Browse listings to find house sitting jobs that match your preferences. You can filter by location, duration, and whether or not pets are involved. Look for opportunities that align with your travel plans and interests.
3. Apply for Jobs
Write personalized applications for the house sitting jobs you are interested in. Highlight your relevant experience and explain why you are the perfect fit for the assignment. Be enthusiastic and professional in your approach.
4. Communicate with Homeowners
Once you start getting responses, communicate clearly with homeowners. Ask any questions you have about the responsibilities and expectations. Set up video calls if possible to build trust and ensure a good match.
5. Prepare for the Sit
Before you start house sitting, make sure you understand all the tasks and expectations. Prepare any necessary supplies, and plan your travel to arrive on time. Familiarize yourself with the area and any local amenities.
6. Enjoy the Experience
During your house sitting assignment, take good care of the home and pets, follow all instructions, and keep in touch with the homeowner. Enjoy exploring the new location and living like a local!
Where to Find House Sits
Finding house sits is easier than ever with numerous websites and platforms available. While there are many options, one stands out for having the most listings and the best user experience Here’s a rundown of the top house sitting platforms.
1. TrustedHousesitters.com
If you’re only going to sign up for one platform, make it TrustedHousesitters. They have more house sits than all other platforms combined. Plus, they offer great customer service, insurance options, and an easy-to-use website.
2. Mind a Home
MindAHome has two main sites: MindAHome.co.uk for UK sits and MindAHome.com.au for Australian sits. Both charge $59 annually and have plenty of listings in their respective locations.
3. HouseCarers.com
HouseCarers is another excellent option with a wide range of house sitting opportunities. They provide good customer service and have a user-friendly website.
4. Nomador
Nomador is gaining popularity globally. With a yearly fee of €79 for the basic account, it offers a good balance of price and available house sits. The website is well-designed and easy to navigate.
5. House Sitters Canada
House Sitters Canada is part of the same network as House Sitters America, UK, New Zealand, and Australia. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for sits specifically in Canada.
6. House Sitters UK
For those wanting to house sit in the UK, House Sitters UK is a solid option. Although TrustedHousesitters may have more listings, this platform is still worth considering.
7. HouseSitMexico.com
HouseSitMexico features over 1,500 house sits across Mexico. While the website isn’t as user-friendly, it offers a good number of opportunities for $79 per year.
8. Aussie House Sitters
Aussie House Sitters has the most listings in Australia. It’s part of the same network as Kiwi House Sitters and offers an affordable yearly membership fee.
9. Kiwi House Sitters
Kiwi House Sitters offers numerous house sitting jobs in New Zealand. The site allows you to narrow your search by location, such as beach, city, or mountains, making it easier to find the perfect sit.
10. House Sitters America
House Sitters America is one of the original house sitting sites. While it’s not as extensive as TrustedHousesitters or Nomador, it’s a great option for those looking for house sits in the USA. Membership costs under $50 per year.
How Much Do House Sitters Get Paid?
Most house sitting jobs on the major platforms are unpaid, offering free accommodation in exchange for your services. However, there are paid opportunities. Payment can vary widely:
- Unpaid: Most house sits provide free accommodation, which is a significant savings in itself.
- Paid: Some house sitters earn a few hundred dollars per month, while others can make over $1,000 per month, especially for longer or more demanding sits.
To increase your chances of landing paid jobs, do an excellent job on your first sit. Impress the homeowner so they want to hire you again and recommend you to others.
What Do House Sits Include?
House sitting often comes with various perks:
- Free Accommodation: Stay in a comfortable home without paying rent.
- Use of a Car: Many house sits include the use of the homeowner’s car.
- Food: Some homeowners leave food in the fridge for you.
- Travel Expenses: Occasionally, flights to and from the destination are covered.
Conclusion
House sitting is a game-changer for digital nomads. It provides free accommodation, allowing you to stretch your travel budget further while enjoying the comforts of a home. By house sitting, you can experience living like a local, explore new places, and often have the company of pets. With various platforms offering house sitting opportunities worldwide, it’s easy to find sits that match your lifestyle and schedule. Embrace house sitting as a digital nomad and enjoy a unique, cost-effective way to travel and work from anywhere in the world.
