House Sitting: How to Stay Anywhere in the World for Free

Imagine staying in a three-bedroom house in the English countryside, a seaside apartment in Portugal, a villa in Bali, or a condo in downtown Melbourne -- all for free. No rent. No nightly rate. No catch, except that you water the plants and take care of someone's dog while they are away on their own travels.

This is house sitting, and it is one of the most effective strategies in budget travel. Experienced house sitters travel for months or even years without paying a cent for accommodation, staying in homes that would cost $100-300 per night on Airbnb. It is not a scam, not a gimmick, and not too good to be true. It is a straightforward exchange: homeowners need trustworthy people to watch their property and pets, and travelers need a place to stay. Both sides win.

This guide covers everything you need to know to start house sitting, from choosing a platform and building a profile to landing your first sit and handling the responsibilities that come with living in someone else's home.

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How House Sitting Works

The basic arrangement is simple:

1. A homeowner posts a listing on a house-sitting platform describing their home, their pets (if any), the dates they need a sitter, and the responsibilities involved.
2. House sitters browse listings and apply to sits that match their travel plans.
3. The homeowner reviews applications, conducts video calls with promising candidates, and selects a sitter.
4. The sitter stays in the home for free during the agreed dates, caring for the property and pets.
5. Both parties leave reviews after the sit, building reputation for future sits.

No money changes hands between sitter and homeowner. The sitter gets free accommodation; the homeowner gets free pet and property care. The only cost is the annual membership fee for the platform.

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The Best House-Sitting Platforms

TrustedHousesitters -- $129/year (sitter membership)

TrustedHousesitters is the largest and most established platform, with listings in over 130 countries. It has the highest volume of sits, the most active community, and the most robust review and verification system. If you only join one platform, make it this one.

Strengths:

• Largest selection of sits worldwide
• Built-in video calling for pre-sit meetings
• Comprehensive review system
• Verification badges for background checks, ID verification, and references
• 24/7 veterinary advice hotline for sitters caring for pets
• Mobile app for browsing and applying on the go

Weaknesses:

• Higher price than competitors
• Popular sits receive 20-50+ applications, making competition fierce
• The platform takes a hands-off approach to disputes

Nomador -- $89/year

Nomador is a French-based platform with strong coverage in Europe, particularly France, Spain, Italy, and the UK. It offers a good balance of price and quality, with a smaller but active community.

Strengths:

• Strong European listings, especially France
• More affordable than TrustedHousesitters
• Mutual review system
• Free basic membership available (with limited applications)

Weaknesses:

• Fewer listings outside Europe
• Smaller community means less competition but also fewer options

HouseSitMatch -- $65/year

A growing platform with a focus on quality over quantity. HouseSitMatch provides police check verification and a more curated experience.

Strengths:

• Most affordable premium platform
• Police check verification builds trust
• Good UK and European coverage
• Less competition per listing

Weaknesses:

• Smallest listing inventory of the major platforms
• Limited coverage outside Europe and Australasia

MindMyHouse -- $20/year

The budget option. MindMyHouse has been operating since 2005 and has a loyal community, though the website is dated and the user experience is less polished than newer platforms.

Strengths:

• Extremely affordable
• Long-established community
• Decent global coverage

Weaknesses:

• Dated website and interface
• No app
• Fewer verification features
• Smaller community than TrustedHousesitters

HouseCarers -- $50/year

Another veteran platform with a solid reputation and listings primarily in the US, Australia, and Europe.

Strengths:

• Good North American and Australian coverage
• Established reputation
• Reasonable pricing

Weaknesses:

• Smaller inventory than TrustedHousesitters
• Less modern platform

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Building a Profile That Gets You Accepted

Your profile is your resume, your cover letter, and your first impression rolled into one. On competitive platforms where popular sits receive 30-50 applications, a strong profile is the difference between getting accepted and getting ignored.

Profile Photos

Include at least 5-7 photos:

• A clear headshot showing your face, smiling, approachable
• Photos with animals. If you have ever cared for a dog, cat, or any pet, get a photo with them. Homeowners want to see that you are comfortable with animals.
• Photos in domestic settings. A photo of you gardening, cooking, or relaxing at home signals reliability and domesticity.
• Photos while traveling. Show that you are an experienced traveler who is comfortable in new environments.
• A photo of your own home (if applicable). This subtly communicates that you understand the value of property and will treat their home with respect.

The Written Profile

Your profile text should be 300-500 words and cover:

• Who you are. Name, age range, whether you are solo or a couple, your occupation or background. Couples are often preferred because homeowners feel more secure with two people and there is always someone home.
• Your experience with animals. Be specific. "I grew up with dogs" is fine but "I grew up with two Labrador Retrievers and currently walk my neighbor's Border Collie three times a week" is far better.
• Your experience with homes. Mention if you own property, have gardening skills, are handy with basic home maintenance, or have experience managing rental properties.
• Why you house sit. Your motivation matters. "I love traveling slowly and getting to know neighborhoods rather than tourist areas" resonates more than "I want free accommodation."
• Your reliability. Mention your professional background, especially if it involves responsibility (teacher, nurse, manager, business owner). Link to a LinkedIn profile if you are comfortable doing so.

References

Most platforms allow you to add external references. Before applying for your first sit, gather 2-3 references from:

• A previous landlord or property manager (demonstrates that you take care of homes)
• A pet owner whose animals you have cared for (neighbor, friend, family member)
• A professional or character reference (employer, colleague, or community member)

Write to these people and ask them to provide a brief written reference that you can add to your profile. Specificity matters: "Sarah house-sat for us for two weeks and our cats were healthy and happy when we returned" is more compelling than "Sarah is a great person."

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Landing Your First Sit

The hardest sit to get is your first one, because you have no platform reviews. Here is how to break through:

Start Local

Apply for sits within driving distance of your home. Local sits are less competitive because they do not appeal to international travelers, and homeowners feel more comfortable choosing someone who lives nearby. Even a weekend sit for a neighbor or a one-week sit in the next town builds your review history.

Apply to Less Competitive Sits

Your first sit does not need to be a villa in Tuscany. Look for:

• Sits with shorter durations (1-3 days). These are less popular because they do not justify the travel for most sitters.
• Sits in less glamorous locations. A suburban house in a mid-sized city attracts fewer applicants than a farmhouse in Provence.
• Sits with multiple or demanding pets. Three dogs, a cat, and chickens? Many sitters pass on these, but if you have experience with animals, this is your competitive advantage.
• Last-minute sits. Homeowners who post a sit less than two weeks before the start date are often desperate and more willing to take a chance on a new sitter.

Write Exceptional Applications

Every application should be personalized to the specific sit. Reference:

• Their pets by name. "I would love to take care of Luna and Max" shows you read the listing carefully.
• Specific aspects of their home or location. "Your garden looks beautiful, and I have experience maintaining vegetable plots" or "I have always wanted to explore the Yorkshire Dales area."
• Your relevant experience. If they have a senior dog that needs medication, mention any experience you have administering pet medication.
• Your availability and flexibility. Confirm that you can arrive and depart on their preferred dates, and mention if you are flexible on timing.

The Video Call

Most homeowners will want a video call before confirming you. Treat this like a relaxed job interview:

• Be on time. This demonstrates reliability.
• Show genuine interest in their pets. Ask about their routines, favorite toys, any health issues, and quirks.
• Ask practical questions. Where is the nearest vet? What is the Wi-Fi password? Where are the cleaning supplies? This shows you are thinking about the logistics of actually living in and caring for their home.
• Mention your flexibility. If you can arrive a day early for a handover (meeting the pets, learning the routines), offer to do so.

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What to Expect During a Sit

The Handover

Good sits begin with a thorough handover, ideally in person (though video handovers work for last-minute arrangements). The homeowner should walk you through:

• Pet routines: Feeding times and quantities, walk schedules, medication, vet contact information, behavioral quirks, and emergency procedures.
• House operations: Thermostat, alarm system, water shutoff, garbage collection schedule, recycling rules, and any maintenance tasks (watering plants, mowing lawn).
• Local information: Nearest grocery store, pharmacy, vet, hospital, and any local customs or regulations you should know.
• House rules: Which rooms are off-limits, whether you can have guests, smoking policy, and any other expectations.

Take notes. Write everything down during the handover or ask for a written guide. You will forget details when the homeowner leaves and you are on your own.

Daily Responsibilities

The typical house sit involves:

• Pet care: Feeding, walking, grooming, playtime, and administering any medication. Dogs typically require 2-3 walks per day, with the morning walk being the most important. Cats are generally lower maintenance but may need litter box cleaning daily and interactive play.
• Home maintenance: Keeping the house clean, watering plants (both indoor and outdoor), collecting mail, and handling any minor issues that arise (a dripping faucet, a tripped circuit breaker).
• Security: Being present in the home overnight, securing doors and windows, and monitoring any alarm or security system.
• Communication: Sending the homeowner periodic updates with photos of their pets. Most homeowners appreciate a daily or every-other-day photo message showing their animals happy and healthy.

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong

Emergencies happen. A pet gets sick, a pipe bursts, a window breaks. Here is how to handle them:

• Pet emergencies: Have the vet's number saved and go immediately. TrustedHousesitters provides a 24/7 veterinary advice hotline. Always err on the side of seeking professional help. Contact the homeowner as soon as possible.
• Home emergencies: Contact the homeowner first, then address the immediate issue (turn off water for a burst pipe, call a plumber). Most homeowners leave emergency contact numbers for local tradespeople.
• Personal emergencies: If you need to leave the sit unexpectedly, contact the homeowner immediately and help arrange alternative care. This is extremely rare but having a backup plan is responsible.

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Pet Care Responsibilities: A Deeper Look

Most house sits involve pets -- it is the primary reason homeowners need sitters. Understanding pet care responsibilities is essential.

Dogs

Dogs are the most common house-sitting pet and the most demanding. Expect:

• 2-3 walks per day, totaling 30-90 minutes depending on the breed and energy level
• Two meals per day, usually morning and evening
• Companionship. Dogs are social animals that suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Plan to be home for most of the day, or arrange your outings during the dog's natural rest periods.
• Medication administration for older dogs (common: joint supplements, thyroid medication, eye drops)
• Behavioral management. Every dog has quirks. Some are reactive to other dogs on walks. Some bark at the mailman. Some steal food from counters. The handover should prepare you for these, but be ready to adapt.

Cats

Cats are generally easier than dogs but still require daily attention:

• Litter box cleaning once or twice daily
• Feeding once or twice daily (wet food, dry food, or both)
• Interactive play for at least 15-20 minutes daily
• Indoor/outdoor management. Some cats are indoor-only, some have cat flaps, some are on specific outdoor schedules. Follow the homeowner's rules exactly.
• Medication for older cats (common: kidney supplements, insulin for diabetic cats)

Other Animals

House sits occasionally involve more unusual animals:

• Chickens: Collecting eggs, refilling feed and water, securing the coop at night against predators
• Horses: Experienced equine care only. These sits are rare but offer extended stays in rural properties.
• Fish and reptiles: Usually low maintenance but require specific feeding and tank/vivarium monitoring
• Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Cage cleaning, feeding, and handling

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The Financial Impact of House Sitting

Let me put numbers to this. If you house sit for 20 nights per month while traveling, and the average accommodation cost in your destination would be $30-50/night (a modest estimate for a private room or budget hotel), you are saving $600-1,000 per month on accommodation alone.

Over a year of part-time house sitting (mixing sits with hostels and other accommodation), the savings easily exceed $5,000-8,000. Subtract the $129-200 in annual platform fees, and house sitting delivers the highest return on investment of any travel accommodation strategy.

Additional Financial Benefits

• Kitchen access. Every house sit comes with a fully equipped kitchen, which means cooking for yourself and saving $10-20/day on food compared to eating out.
• Laundry. Free washing machine access saves $5-10 per week compared to laundromats.
• Living like a local. Being in a residential neighborhood naturally keeps you away from tourist-priced restaurants and shops.
• Workspace. For remote workers and digital nomads, a house sit provides a quiet, reliable workspace with stable Wi-Fi.

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Real Examples: What House Sits Look Like

To give you a realistic sense of what is available, here are examples of real sit types (based on listings from recent months):

• 2 weeks in a village house in the Dordogne, France. Caring for 2 cats and a garden. House has a pool and is 10 minutes from a market town. Available October.
• 3 weeks in a Melbourne apartment. Caring for 1 elderly cat that needs daily medication. Close to public transit and cafes. Available January.
• 1 month in a farmhouse in Devon, England. Caring for 2 dogs, 3 cats, and chickens. Car available for sitter use. Available November-December.
• 2 weeks in a condo in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Caring for 1 small dog. Rooftop pool. 5-minute walk to the beach. Available March.
• 3 weeks in a house in Queenstown, New Zealand. Caring for 2 dogs and a cat. Mountain views. Available May-June.

These are not luxury outliers. They are typical of what is available on any given day across the major platforms.

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Tips for Long-Term House Sitting Success

Build Relationships

The best house sitters develop ongoing relationships with homeowners. If you do an excellent job, homeowners will invite you back year after year, and you will have reliable, pre-arranged accommodation in destinations you love. Many experienced sitters have 3-5 regular homeowners who book them annually.

Be Flexible with Dates

The more flexible you are with your travel dates, the more sits you will land. Setting rigid arrival and departure dates limits your options. If you can adjust by a few days in either direction, your pool of available sits expands dramatically.

Maintain Your Profile

After every sit, request a review from the homeowner and write one for them. Update your profile photos periodically. Add new skills or experiences as you gain them. A profile with 10+ positive reviews and recent activity will be selected over a profile with 2 reviews from two years ago.

Use TripGenie to Plan Around Sits

One of the challenges of house sitting is building a travel itinerary around available sit dates and locations. TripGenie's AI planning can help you construct flexible itineraries that accommodate house-sitting windows, filling the gaps between sits with other affordable accommodation options and optimizing your route to minimize unnecessary backtracking.

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Getting Started: Your First 30 Days

1. Week 1: Sign up for TrustedHousesitters (or your chosen platform). Complete your profile with photos, a detailed bio, and 2-3 external references.
2. Week 2: Browse active listings to understand what is available, what homeowners are looking for, and what the competition looks like. Apply to 3-5 local or less competitive sits.
3. Week 3: Follow up on applications, schedule video calls with interested homeowners, and refine your application approach based on responses.
4. Week 4: Confirm your first sit, prepare for the handover, and begin planning your travel around your sit dates.

House sitting requires more planning and flexibility than booking a hotel, but the reward -- free accommodation in real homes, in real neighborhoods, with the companionship of animals -- transforms the travel experience from tourist to temporary local. It is how I have traveled for months at a time without paying for a single night of accommodation, and it is a strategy that anyone with patience, responsibility, and a genuine love of animals can master.