Housesitting: A Guide to Rent-Free Accommodation Around the World

Whether you're looking for a free vacation or rent-free accommodation, housesitting is the answer you've been searching for. I'll tell you where to find great assignments, how to make a stand-out profile, tips and tricks for being an amazing sitter, and more.

Housesitting - A Guide to Rent-Free Accommodation Around the World

Whether you're looking for a free vacation or rent-free accommodation, housesitting is the answer you've been searching for. I'll tell you where to find great assignments, how to make a stand-out profile, what tips and tricks you should know, and more.

What is Housesitting?

What does housesitting mean, exactly?

Where to Find Housesitting Jobs

To find available housesitting opportunities, these are the websites you need to check out. The membership costs vary, but it is money well spent. Once you snag your first assignment, a few nights of free accommodation will more than compensate for your fees. Keep in mind these links also work for people who need housesitters, too!

  • Trustedhousesitters.com: Pricy yet Reliable

    My site of choice! Easy to use with loads of opportunities around the globe. While it's the most expensive of the options available ($120 for an annual membership fee), you quickly get your value back with just one housesit. Example: I got a 3 week housesit in Bath, England through this site. That would cost hundreds of dollars even at the cheapest hostel in town! Keep an eye out for discounts...they often offer 25% deals at various times throughout the year!

  • Housecarers.com: A Happy Medium

    If $120 sounds steep and you're just getting started, cost-wise, this is your middle of the road option. With opportunities in Australia, USA, Canada, Europe, NZ, UK and worldwide, Housecarers.com has a $50 annual membership fee and a user-friendly platform for searching!

  • MindMyHouse.com: The Lowest Fee in Town

    The website is a bit archaic and difficult to use, but I did land my first housesitting gig here. $20 annual membership fee.

Your Duties as a Housesitter

Here we go, Housesitting 101! The assignments and duties can vary, but if you read up on the following home care, pet care, and plant and lawn care tips, you will greatly improve your changes of landing a housesit.

Home Care

Leaving a home in someone else's hands is no small matter. As a sitter, make sure you are familiar with owner's expectations of their housesitters.

  • Helpful Hints And Tips For Housesitting

    Living in someone else’s home may sound easy, but quality housesitting requires true commitment. Read on for the do's and don'ts to ensure a smooth experience for both parties.

Pet Care

Leaving beloved pets with strangers can be an extremely difficult thing for homeowners. Ease their minds and let them know that their fur babies are in good hands with the following tips.

Plant & Lawn Care

When housesitting, it is very possible that the owners will ask you to do some light yard work. From mowing the lawn, to weeding, to caring for indoor and outdoor plants, make sure you've got the basics down before accepting an assignment.

Making the Perfect Profile

People are starting to catch on to the secret- which means housesitting assignments are getting increasingly more competitive. Here are some tips to help you curate the perfect profile and start scoring gigs.

From the Mouths of Housesitters

Housesitting is a fantastic option for digital nomads, retirees, and budget vacationers. Read on for some firsthand advice and anecdotes from experienced housesitters themselves.

About the Author

My name is Lauren and I'm an American digital nomad and the blogger behind Girlgoneabroad.com. Currently living and working around the world, I've visited 50 countries and counting. When I'm not out exploring, you can find me writing, editing photos, and planning my next trip.

  • Girl Gone Abroad

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