All About... International House-Sitting

The phenomenon of international house-sitting is currently rapidly expanding as more people become aware of it and the benefits it could bring to their lives. If you have read my earlier posts (if you haven't yet - click here to do so!) then you will know that my plans to travel, explore the world and build a writing future are being fulfilled through house-sitting.

International house-sitting

What is house-sitting, I hear you ask!

What is involved?

Who can use a house-sitter and who can offer a house-sitting service?

How does it even work?

Read on and I will tell you all about it so you can decide if international house-sitting could be a good fit for you as either a potential homeowner or a sitter..

What is International House-Sitting?

Over the past few years websites have developed and expanded which match house (and often pet) owners with house-sitters willing to look after their home and furry, scaly or feathered friends.

When the home-owner is away from their property and unable to meet the requirements of their home or pets, a sitter can stay at their home and take on the necessary duties.

The idea behind house-sitting services is that matches made are mutually beneficial to both parties...

How does it work?

Both home owner and sitter are registered with a house-sitting website of which there are many... the ones I use currently are TrustedHousesitters as it is a large and global site and Kiwihousesitters for more specific New Zealand based sits. There are others available too, equally good!

All house-sitters registering with the site will need to provide some form of reference checks and identity documentation.

The home owner will recognise the need for a house-sitter due to upcoming travel plans. They will post an advert seeking a house-sitter on the website and people willing to offer to sit for them will 'apply' for the position. All communications are then between the owner and sitter in terms of dates and other logistics.

When an 'informal' agreement for a house sit is made, the owner can officially 'invite' the sitter to house-sit for them through the website. Once this is confirmed by the sitter, it will provide an 'official' agreement and peace of mind for both parties.

During the house-sit the sitter will stay at the owner's property and provide all the agreed care and attention to home and pets equally!

At the end of the house-sit, the sitter will leave the property in the same state they found it in (maybe better!).

Finally, there is the option following the house-sit for both owner and sitter to provide reviews about one another on the website.

It is a very simple process, that can work exceptionally well.

Who can use a house-sitter?

Anyone, based anywhere in the world!

As a home and pet owner you might need to travel and cannot be at home to care for your pets full time.

You might not like to use kennels or other animal 'hotels', which can be cramped, uncomfortable and expensive!

Calling on family or friends to help may not be an option.

Perhaps you do not have a pet but prefer not to leave your home empty when you are away.

You need a solution!

Anyone can seek a sitter for their home.

For peace of mind that your home is not left empty and that your cherished

pets are being well cared for in their normal environment, using a house-sitter is a perfect solution!

Who can be a house-sitter?

Anyone, based anywhere in the world!

A house-sitter will take good care of pets

A house-sitter is a person, couple or family who are willing to move into the home-owner's home for the agreed time (sometimes days, sometimes months!).

They will provide agreed care for the property and any pets with love and diligence.

Many use house-sitting as a rent-free option to travel and stay in locations and homes they would not usually be able to.

House-sitting as a means to travel can be great for people who prefer a home environment and perhaps the company of pets, as an accommodation solution.

House-sitting opportunities are available around the globe.

They include options for people who are single and travelling solo, for couples or for families with children.

For myself, one of the appealing factors of house-sitting is being able to live like a local when travelling. It can be a means to experience the true culture of a destination.

A house-sitter does need to be responsible however!

Taking on a house-sitting assignment cannot be merely seen as a holiday solution. Through house-sitting you are responsible for the owner's pets and home and need to be aware of the duties that will involve.

House-sitting is not for everyone.

My next post addresses some of the considerations involved in deciding if being a house-sitter is right for you (check it out!).

Costs involved?

The great thing about house-sitting is that there are relatively few costs involved for either party. The idea is that house-sitting is mutually beneficial to both sides and money does not need to change hands.

Few costs are involved

Initially, there are registration costs for the house-sitting website you choose to join. This is an annual fee. The fee is relatively low and when you consider the cost of a hotel or the costs of alternative pet care, the money saved through using the site could pay for the fee several times over!

The payment of a fee does also ensure that only those serious about the commitments involved register.

Otherwise, the house-sitter offers free sitting services and the owner offers free use of their home when they are away.

There might be exceptions to this, which would be agreed between both sides when discussing any sit.

Exceptions might be when the owner has requested the sitter carries out jobs or duties around the home that are more than would usually be expected (farm labour or building work, for example).

Another exception might be a house-sit of 6-12 months were the owner might request a small rent be paid.

Expectations during the House-Sit

Over the period of the house-sit there are some standard expectations and responsibilities on both owner and sitter alike.

Instructions for an emergency

For the owner, it is expected that they will provide information about the home, the needs of the pets, emergency information, contact details and vet information.

The owner should inform the sitter of anything else the sitter needs to know... This might include any no-go areas on the property, any other duties they need to carry out, where the post goes and when the gardener or cleaner might arrive (if they have one!!).

Where there are pets to care for, the owner is responsible for leaving sufficient food and other items for the pet's care or means for the sitter to buy them.

For the sitter, expectations will include taking good care of the property and contents, as well as looking after the pets following the owner's instructions.

The sitter might be asked to water plants or do some light gardening and this can be agreed in advance.

Maintain contact with the home-owner as they wish

Maintaining contact with the owner while they are away should also be pre-agreed. Some owners might like to hear from you daily and see photos of their pets... others might like to put their pet and home worries to one side for the duration of their trip. Agree this in advance and send updates as appropriate!

Generally, the sitter will be expected to care for the home and pets as well as if they were their own so the owner has peace of mind!

Conclusion

International house-sitting can be a wonderful thing!

It can benefit a home-owner and a house-sitter and is free (well almost!) for both sides.

So far, in my experience house-sitting websites work really well and I have heard of very few bad experiences from them.

The role of being a house-sitter can be a great way to travel the world and stay in amazing places and homes for free (other than your travel costs).

However, the responsibilities involved with being a house-sitter mean it is not a solution for everyone.

Do also read my next post about the considerations you need to make in deciding if house-sitting is for you...

In the meantime, what has your experience of house-sitting been?

Are there other things you would like to know about international house-sitting?

**To make my travels possible and affordable I do so through international house-sitting, using both Trusted Housesitters and Kiwi Housesitters**