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A Digital Nomad Toolkit for House Sitters
If like many house sitters you work wherever you housesit you’ll need a digital nomad toolkit. Here is Your go-to setup for working remotely while house sitting – without overpacking or stressing out.
Whether you’re watching over dogs in Devon or doing Zoom calls from a rooftop in Lisbon, the right remote work setup can make or break your sit. A decent digital nomad toolkit helps you travel lighter, work smarter and stay focused, wherever you are in the world. Here’s your no-nonsense guide to setting up for success.

Photo by Samson Katt
🧱 1. Build a Rock-Solid Setup
Dodgy Wi-Fi ruins more than your mood.
Here’s what makes our non-negotiables list for digital nomads who house sit:
- A reliable laptop or tablet-keyboard combo
- A portable mouse (trust us – game-changer for comfort)
- Noise-cancelling headphones (barking dogs? Sorted)
- Universal charger adapter and a decent power bank
- Multiport plug or travel extension lead
If you’re filming or taking meetings, consider a clip-on ring light or phone tripod. They’re small but make a huge difference to how professional you look on screen. This is a vital part of your digital nomad toolkit.
🌍 2. Internet First, Everything Else Later
Remote work doesn’t happen without a connection.
Before you say yes to any sit, check:
- Is the Wi-Fi reliable?
- Do you get decent mobile signal indoors?
Can you tether from your phone in a pinch?
Tools like Speedtest.net and nPerf are great for testing internet speeds. If you’re sitting abroad, consider a global eSIM plan or a local prepaid SIM.
Pro tip: Add a Wi-Fi range extender to your kit. They’re light and can be a lifesaver in big houses with patchy signal.
🛠️ 3. Make the Day Work for You
Remote doesn’t mean random. Set the rhythm that works for you.
Being a house sitter means blending responsibility with remote work. To make it seamless:
- Set a daily flow that works around the pets, not against them
- Use tools like Notion, Trello, or Figma to stay on top of both work and sit duties
- Set clear boundaries for deep work – use the puppy nap times wiseley.
- Try time-blocking or Pomodoro if focus is a challenge.
And if your work depends on client meetings or calls, factor in time zones before accepting a sit.
📸 4. Content Creator’s Kit
Tell your story!
Many digital nomads (especially in the house sitting world) want to share their journey online. Whether it’s a personal blog, a TikTok series, or just sending photos to the homeowners (or us for our socials!), this mini kit helps:

Photo by Ron Lach
- Smartphone with good camera (no need for DSLR bulk)
- Phone gimbal or tripod for smoother shots
- Cloud storage (like Google Drive or iCloud) to keep your files backed up
- Photo editing apps like Lightroom Mobile, Snapseed, or VSCO
- Content scheduling tools if you’re managing social media (e.g. Buffer, Later)
Bonus idea: Start a sit diary or travel log. It’s a great way to build a personal brand, document sits, and maybe even turn it into a portfolio. And doubtless once it becomes a routine it is a key part of your digital nomad’s toolkit.
👣 The Takeaway
Remote house sitting is one of the most rewarding ways to work and travel — but the magic only happens when you’re well prepared. Hence the need for a digital nomad toolkit. A streamlined setup, a few clever tools, and the right mindset turn your sit into a productive, peaceful basecamp for the work-from-anywhere lifestyle.

Written by Mark Thelwall, brand strategist, remote work advocate, and founder of 1UP BRAND.






This is such a useful checklist for packing! What’s the best way to send you stuff to use on social media? Would love to be featured!