Become a Housesitter and Live in Luxury for Free

A housesitter - or house sitter, as they say in Britain - is someone who cares for someone's house (and pets and garden and pool) while they're away.

Believe me, to a long-term traveler, finding someone trustworthy to mind your home while you're on the road is priceless, so if you're mature (at least in mind if not in age) and want to sit tight in one place for weeks or even months, this could be your option.

What you can expect as a housesitter

The roof over your head is free
That's right. As a housesitter you don't pay rent - although, and it's only fair, you do pay for your expenses. You'll have to pay for all your phone calls, and depending on the housesitting agreement and the length of your stay, you may have to pay for some utilities as well. It'll still cost less than a nightly room, and you can't begin to compare the surroundings.

You'll be living in a real home
There's a lot to be said for living in an actual home. Backpacking women on their own may get homesick, just like any other long-term traveler. Caring for someone's pets and garden for a time can help shed that feeling of displacement.

Housesits are flexible
If you only have a few weeks, you'll be able to find housesitting opportunities that are relatively short-term. But if you need a place for several months, for example to study a language abroad, you could still be a student - without the lifestyle.

They give your travel some structure
You may want to break up a long trip into chunks. Much as we may like open-ended travel, it could be reassuring to have a few firm housesits along the way, something to aim for while you're on the road.

A few things to keep in mind

As a housesitter, you'll have to provide references. No one will put their precious home into your hands unless they have some kind of indication that you won't go on the rampage while you're in it. Make sure you think ahead and line up a few references who can vouch for you while you're on the road.

Another thing you may be asked to provide is some kind of deposit against breakage or property damage. You'll have to negotiate this directly with the owner, and as long as the house is in the same shape it was when you moved it, you'll get your deposit back at the end of your stay. The deposit will usually be made at a bank or other institution so neither you nor the owner can access it.

If you think housesitting is a good way to see the world, start well in advance. You'll get a better pick of houses and dates because much of the housesitting world is on a first-come first-served basis.

As a housesitter, you're not expected to leave the house unattended, especially if pets are involved. From the homeowner's point of view, the whole point of getting a housesitter is to make sure the house looks occupied and that pets are fed. Planning to be away every night would defeat the purpose and constitute a breach of trust. Much of this will probably be covered in a contract between you and the homeowner. Watch this closely - some housesits are quite strict about how much time you can leave the house.

Clarify your expectations and that of the homeowner. Some have specific requirements that you may not find suitable, like the amount of time you are expected to spend at the house.

Make sure you also have a contract. This will protect both parties and clarify roles and responsibilities. You don't want to have false expectations, nor do the owners want to come back to dead plants because you weren't sure you had to water them!

Most housesitting services are free or charge a small amount for a yearly membership. The membership gives you access to lists of houseowners looking for housesitters, along with plenty of tips, sample contracts and more.

This may not be the answer for your entire trip, but it would be nice to have a plush home in which to stay every few months.

Housesitter Resources

A number of organizations work to match housitters and homeowners. House Carers has listings around the world, and explains more in their YouTube video.