Over our previous decade on the street, housesitting has develop into a vital part in our journey lives, one through which we really immerse ourselves in a area and dwell like an area—for lower than $20 a day. Staying in somebody’s house for a few weeks or months, not solely saves on lodging, meals, and transportation, nevertheless it grants unparalleled entry to a brand new place. Householders have welcomed us into their worlds—introducing us to their buddies, lending us their favourite issues, and sharing their secrets and techniques to the realm. Taking our years of expertise from 24 housesits throughout 7 international locations, we’ve compiled our greatest housesitting ideas on this article that can assist you expertise one among our favourite methods to journey and get free lodging world wide.
Be a part of the Prime Housesitting Websites
To gauge the sorts of housesits which are obtainable throughout the assorted membership-sites, begin by checking HousesitSearch.com. This search engine permits you to browse all of the totally different websites with out having to be a member. If you discover just a few housesitting websites you want, join their newsletters—it’s a good way to get accustomed to the group and sustain with the a whole bunch of alternatives launched every day. To use to a housesit it is advisable to be a member of that group; we’d suggest getting memberships at one worldwide and one country-specific web site.
World-Large Websites:
Discover unimaginable alternatives across the globe on these key housesitting web sites.
- TrustedHousesitters.com
- HouseCarers.com
- Nomador.com
That is by far probably the most sturdy houessitting web site, itemizing hundreds of houses in over 100 international locations. It’s additionally probably the most aggressive and most costly annual membership payment at $169 (although effectively value it for those who plan on sitting greater than 2x a 12 months). Professional Tip: Do a seek for your most well-liked international locations and dates, then arrange alerts utilizing their “Saved Search” function to obtain emails when choices develop into obtainable.
That is the OG housesitting web site and is a good way to dabble within the worldwide housesitting scene for only a $50 annual membership.
This France-based web site is especially good for European sits and embodies the spirit of the housesitting group. Join their free e-newsletter to browse sits and for those who see one thing you want, strive their three-month membership for $42.
Nation-Particular Websites:
If in case you have a sure nation in thoughts, test if there’s a devoted web site, like those beneath, to extend your odds of discovering a sit in that place. These smaller housesitting websites are typically much less aggressive, even to the purpose that owners will attain out to sitters with a powerful profile. Annual memberships vary from $20-$99 and a few alternatives even pay sitters.
Make a Compelling Housesitter Profile
Converse to your expertise caring for houses and pets (even when they’re your individual), whereas displaying you’re a reliable, respectful, caring, and accountable particular person. Together with a video introduction (this may really set you aside, belief us!), references, and a police test will make you a extra fascinating candidate.
Utility Course of
When making use of to a house owner’s posting with a customized observe, show why you could be the very best candidate—discover methods to narrate to them and their pets. Present them you’re reliable and can make this sit very simple on them. Shut your message by saying you’d love to satisfy them over Zoom; a video name would be the best for everybody to verify it’s an ideal match (plus, you’ll get a greater take a look at the house and pets.)
Test Frequently and Apply Typically
Housesitting is a quickly rising development in journey, which suggests extra competitors. Keep updated with new listings through the housesitting websites’ newsletters and alert programs, then apply shortly and thoughtfully.
Householders: Get Free Housesitters for Your Pets
Should you’re a pet proprietor and like to journey, don’t put your animals in a kennel or pay a youngster to feed them. The housesitting group is stuffed with true pet-lovers who will look after any animal (canine, cats, horses, goats, llamas, turtles…no matter you bought!) and residential like their very own. Trusted Housesitters has probably the most vetted group of free sitters. Don’t be stunned (or overwhelmed) for those who get a dozen functions, simply comb by way of for probably the most considerate notes and greatest references, then schedule a Zoom along with your favourite three candidates to search out the right match.
HoneyTrek Housesitting Ideas & Experiences
To see what housesitting is de facto like, learn our weblog about our expertise in Mazatlan, Mexico, this difficult however rewarding seashore housesit in Roatan, Honduras or see our Fb albums from housesitting a villa in Croatia or our farmhouse in Portugal. for extra housesitting ideas.
Extra Journey Hacking Ideas & Sources
Journey Expertise 101 web page for extra recommendations on lodging, flights, and immersive journey experiences. And for all our greatest journey hacks, methods to get native, and our favourite locations world wide take a look at our Nationwide Geographic {couples} journey e-book, Final Journeys for Two.
