Why you should be a House Sitter
Imagine waking up to the soothing sound of waves crashing on the shore, with the sun gently kissing your face. Or perhaps you prefer the crisp mountain air, surrounded by towering trees and breathtaking views. Now, what if you could experience these idyllic settings without the hefty price tag of accommodation? Well, that’s where house sitting jobs come in. We’ve saved over $7,000 in accommodations and stayed at houses we otherwise couldn’t afford in San Diego, Phoenix, Seattle, New Hampshire, Chicago, Boston, and Sonoma County. So while there are paid plans for platforms like TrustedHousesitters, you get your money back with a single sit.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the captivating world of house sitting and uncover the multitude of opportunities it offers. Whether you’re a digital nomad seeking a temporary home or an adventure enthusiast looking to embark on a unique travel experience, house sitting opens up a world of possibilities.
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How to Get Started in House Sitting
Before diving into the realm of house sitting, it’s crucial to understand the necessary steps to get started. Researching house sitting opportunities is the first task at hand. Online platforms, such as TrustedHousesitters, connect homeowners with potential house sitters. Additionally, exploring local community resources and networks can yield hidden gems and lesser-known opportunities.
Creating an appealing house sitting profile is essential to stand out from the competition. Craft a compelling bio and introduction that showcases your personality and strengths. Make sure to include pictures of you caring for pets and traveling! Highlighting relevant skills and experience, such as pet care or gardening, can increase your chances of securing assignments. Additionally, including positive references and testimonials are essential for building trust and confidence in potential homeowners. When we first started out, we did a couple housesits close by to our home base in Massachusetts to get some reviews, and we got to hang out with some amazing dogs while doing so!
Building trust and credibility as a house sitter is crucial for success in this field. Obtaining police checks and background screenings can provide homeowners with peace of mind. Consider acquiring relevant certifications or qualifications, such as pet first aid or property management courses. Furthermore, developing a solid online presence and portfolio can demonstrate your professionalism and dedication.
Finding and Applying for House Sitting Jobs
Once you’ve laid the groundwork, it’s time to embark on the exciting journey of finding and applying for house sitting jobs. Start by identifying desirable house sitting locations. Popular tourist destinations, desired climates or regions, and specific countries or cities can guide your search. This step allows you to focus your efforts on locations that align with your preferences and aspirations.
Utilizing house sitting platforms effectively is crucial in navigating the vast sea of opportunities. Set up search criteria and notifications to receive tailored alerts for new listings. Customize your applications for each opportunity, demonstrating your genuine interest and suitability for the particular house sit. Standing out among the crowd requires personalization and attention to detail.
In addition to online platforms, networking and word-of-mouth referrals can be potent tools in securing house sitting assignments. Join local house sitting communities or forums to connect with like-minded individuals and gain insights into available opportunities. Networking with friends, family, and acquaintances can also lead to valuable connections and referrals.
Crafting an outstanding house sitting application is the key to capturing homeowners’ attention. Write a persuasive cover letter or email that highlights why you are the perfect fit for their needs. Include relevant references and testimonials to establish credibility. Furthermore, tailor your application to showcase specific skills or experience that directly relate to the job at hand.
Tips and Best Practices for Successful House Sitting
Securing a house sitting assignment is only the beginning of your journey. To ensure a successful experience, it’s essential to adhere to certain tips and best practices. Effective communication and expectation setting with homeowners are paramount. Establish clear guidelines regarding house rules, pet care instructions, and any specific responsibilities. Regularly updating homeowners during the sit can provide reassurance and maintain open lines of communication. We’ve learned through our experience that pet parents typically love a few pictures of their furry friends throughout their trip!
Taking care of the household and pets entrusted to your care is another crucial aspect of house sitting. Maintain cleanliness and organization, treating the home as if it were your own. Follow homeowners’ instructions meticulously when it comes to pet care, ensuring the well-being and happiness of furry companions. You can work the pets into your plans; in Arizona we took the dogs hiking and to a brewery tour:
Handling emergencies and unforeseen situations requires preparedness. Before the sit, familiarize yourself with emergency protocols and contact information for local authorities or emergency services. Should a crisis arise, knowing when and how to contact homeowners or authorities is essential. TrustedHousesitters is great for this because two of the three plans give you virtual access to vets should you need it.
Building positive relationships with homeowners can lead to repeat assignments and glowing recommendations. Be respectful of the homeowners’ property and belongings, ensuring everything is returned in the same condition or better. Providing feedback and testimonials after the house sit can demonstrate your professionalism and gratitude, further solidifying your reputation as a reliable house sitter.
Conclusion
House sitting jobs offer an extraordinary opportunity to explore the world, experience diverse cultures, and create unforgettable memories. By following the steps outlined in this guide and implementing the best practices shared, you can embark on an incredible journey as a house sitter. So, pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and get ready to embark on a unique adventure as a trusted guardian of homes and beloved pets. Let the magic of house sitting unfold before your eyes. Safe travels and happy house sitting!
Our Favorite Travel Resources
Accommodations: We use Booking.com for hotels and HostelWorld for hostels. We also use VRBO or TrustedHousesitters for longer stays.
Flights: We recommend using Skyscanner to find the cheapest and best flights.
Ground Transport: We use 12Go and Omio for buses and private transfers, and rentalcars.com and Discover Cars for rental cars.
Activities: GetYourGuide and Viator are the best websites for booking organized tours.
International Medical Insurance: We highly recommend SafetyWing for Digital Nomads and HeyMondo for those not traveling full-time, or who frequently engage in higher-risk adventure activities.
eSIM: We recommend Airalo or Holafly for getting data internationally.
Check out our Travel Resources Page for more of our favorite travel-related products and services!
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House Sitting FAQs
How do I win house sits?
First, you need to optimize your profile. Think if you were letting a stranger in your home, what would you want to see? You should have a complete profile with fun, inviting pictures, mention if you have a job/are in school, and let owners know you are there to help them! Then you want to set up alerts for new listings and apply as soon as you possibly can. Send a compelling application highlighting who you are, your background, a compliment about their pets, and why you are the best for the job. Reviews are everything!! Get reviews from friends and family you have petsit for and maybe try to win a sit nearby so that you can get a review from an owner who is on the platform you are using.
Do you pay TrustedHousesitters?
It is free to sign up, but if you want a background check and unlimited house sits, you will have to pay for one of the three plans. The Basic Plan gives you just the background check and unlimited house sits, whereas the Standard Plan will also give you free calls and chats with vets should anything go wrong with your animals, alerts for new listings, access to a dedicated support team, and accident and third party liability protection. The Premium Plan gives you access to everything already mentioned, as well as two airport lounge visits a year, a premium badge on your profile, and sit cancellation insurance, which would pay for accommodations should the owners cancel on you. There are also combined plans for those who both housesit and have pets and a home that other people can sit for. You can see the full pricing here.
Do couples both need to each have a TrustedHousesitters account?
Nope! Couples can share a TrustedHousesitters account which splits the cost in half!
