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Best House Sitting Experience: Sit & Save
Can house sitting really save you thousands in rent? IT professional Hamza shares his real house sitting experience showing exactly how he saved £55,000 over 4 years as a housesitter by caring for pets and properties across the UK instead of paying rent. From dealing with rejections to securing his first house sit with no experience, discover the practical tips that transformed him from a rental tenant to a full-time professional housesitter. Read on to learn how you could start your own money-saving house sitting journey today.
Photo credit – Hamza
My House Sitting Experience: From Rental Tenant to Sitter
Want the freedom to travel without paying expensive hotel costs or living in run down hostels? Why don’t you give house sitting a try? 🏡✈️
My Personal Journey: I Stumbled Across House Sitting
It was a chaotic time during the early Covid years, I had intended on travelling after a long year. I set my heart on traversing the globe but due to the uncertainty of the pandemic, I decided I’d love to see more of the UK. I was initially looking to stay in vacant holiday homes, where rich owners would prefer someone vetted to stay at their empty residence instead of squatters breaking in and that’s when I stumbled upon house sitting.
Initially I wasn’t convinced house sitting was a real prospect but the more I researched into house/pet sitting I realised there was a whole community of house sitters worldwide. With the reassurance that this was no scam, I signed up to a couple of house-sitting websites. 🔍
Working on my House Sitter Profile
I secured references from people who knew me, people I had worked with professionally and could vouch for me. I offered photos of myself and information about my background to give homeowners an understanding of my responsibility and good communications, to show them they could rely on me. After improving my profile with multiple iterations, many rejected applications later I finally received confirmation of my first house sitting experience within a few weeks of signing up.
The Start of My House Sitting Experience
Then I managed to secure my second house sit before my first had even begun, I realised this could be a way out of expensive short-term renting. I decided to take a leap by ending my rental tenancy and start house sitting full time!
At the start of my house sitting experience I stayed in homes usually to care for the house owner’s pets whilst they’re away. Less common are the housesits where it is just a property you need to look after. According to the RSPCA, pets thrive best in familiar environments with consistent care routines – something house sitting provides perfectly. I had contingencies in place, staying with friends and family if a house sit fell through. I could build both my profile and my house sitting experience as I continued my housesitting journey. 🐾
💡 Pro Tip: Joining a reputable network like HouseSit Match gives you access to trusted homeowners and verified listings, making it easier to build your reputation as a reliable long-term housesitter and start your house sitting experience today.
Dealing with Rejections 😊
You’ll meet different personalities during your house sitting experience and the best way to navigate your way through is to always remain positive and professional. You’ll meet house owners who are dipping their toes into the world of house-sitting and still questioning whether to let someone they’ve never met before, care for their homes or their beloved pets.
So, appreciate the process, give house owners time to make their decision, a few days is better than a rushed decision of a few hours which they may come to regret. Do remember that house owners can be spoilt for choice with multiple applications, as a result their rejection to your application can be blunt.
With the house-sitting community growing exponentially worldwide in the past few years you may face more rejections than you’d have anticipated and must understand the selection process isn’t personal, especially when you’re starting your house-sitting journey. Your response to a rejection could be an invitation for future house sits from the same owner.
Respond with a polite yet memorable response: “Thank you for getting back to me, I’m really pleased you’ve managed to find someone suitable. If you’re looking for a sitter in the future, I’d be happy to help”. 💬
How Can I Secure a House Sit with No Prior Experience? 🎯
This is the question all newbies face, but don’t fret! Initially you may be looking for those holiday destinations or luxurious properties within your selected country, why not it’s the obvious choice. However, without any experience, references or any assurances to provide the house owner – common sense should prevail and tell you that it isn’t going to work out.
How could you secure your first housesit?
💡 Pro Tip: Double check your profile against what the homeowner is looking for
Before you apply for a housesit double check that your profile as it reads has all the information about you to make your appealing to the home and pet owner. You may need to refresh elements of your profile or some of the photos.
💡 Pro Tip: Look for Last Minute Housesitting Opportunities
Therefore, I’d suggest to look for last minute cancellations. That’s your golden ticket, your way into the wonderful world of house sitting. You’d be surprised at how many cancellations occur in the house-sitting community. Some house owners like to book a house sitter a year in advance and with the unexpected twists and turns of life the house sitter may not be able to keep the commitment.
Thankfully I’ve never cancelled a house sit before, but I’ve been contacted many times by house owners in the unfortunate event when someone does.
💡 Pro Tip: Build Your House Sitting Experience Fast Book a Few Short Housesits
My second tip would be to acquire as many short-term house sits, be it for a single day or two and in doing so you’ll increase the reviews/references on your profile.
So, within a month you may receive between 7 or 8 reviews in contrast to a long term sit which lasted for one month and you’ll only receive 1 review. Initially I would save the long-term house sits when you’ve racked up double figures of reviews. This provides your profile with substance and a selling point in all your applications. ⭐
Selecting/Applying for House Sits 📝
1) Transparency: Read the house-sitting advert thoroughly and write down any questions/concerns you may have.
2) Be clear on which animals you’re comfortable taking care of and don’t throw yourself in the deep end as at times things could go sideways. If you’re only used to caring for cats but find yourself applying for a housesit caring for horses and you’ve never come within 10 feet of a horse before, it’s probably not a good idea. The Blue Cross offers excellent guidance on different pet care requirements if you’re expanding your experience. 🐴🐱
3) Set realistic expectations: If you’re not comfortable with what’s requested in the house sit, for example keeping the garden maintained, then ask the house owner if alternative arrangements can be made for the garden to be taken care of. If not, then do not continue with your application as house owners have expectations that should be met.
4) Schedule a meet-up when possible: Ideally if you can, schedule a visit prior to your house sit. I would say this applies more to a long-term house sit. If the duration of your housesit is for a couple of days or weeks, then it’s always good to request a video call with the homeowners. 📱
Photo credit – Hamza
Capitalise on the Opportunity 🗺️
You may end up in the middle of nowhere during a rural housesit. Take the time prior to your housesit to research the local surroundings, so you can capitalise and enjoy your time visiting local places you wouldn’t be inclined to visit otherwise. Learn and broaden your horizons.
Check out VisitBritain or National Trust locations to discover hidden gems near your house sit. Housesitting can also work as a spiritual therapeutic retreat. If you’re a strategic planner, you can find house sits in the places you’ve always wanted to visit. Be it the lovely British countryside or a national park zone.
If you’d like something a stone’s throw away from the beach, so you can enjoy your morning coffee listening to the sound of the waves – it’s possible with house sitting. Housesitting has given me some of the most unexpected yet life changing moments that I’ll keep with me for a lifetime. 🌅☕
Caring for the Owner’s Home 🏠
The owner’s agreement for you to house/pet sit is a trust placed on your shoulders, be professional about your role no matter how casual it may seem. Everyone lives differently but I find it’s best to keep the home generally clean throughout your stay so there’s less to do when you leave.
Allowing you more time to enjoy the house sit, feeling reassured in the untimely event of a maintenance repair person coming into the home due to an unexpected problem you won’t have to manically clean and tidy the place. Always remember to be respectful of the homeowners’ belongings and privacy. 🧹✨
Travel Bag Essentials Most Don’t Consider 🎒
Photo credit – Petto 123
Essential Items Every Housesitter Should Pack
1. Wipeable tablecloth over a handheld electric sander
Don’t be fooled by the pleasantries of house owners, always remember the house owners expect to return to their homes in the same state as it was when they left. If you’re a messy eater or for the first time just experienced a cat jump into your lap whilst enjoying your dinner on an unvarnished 70-year-old farmhouse dining table that’s been passed down from generation to generation, it’s best if you don’t stain it with your spaghetti bolognese.
Why take the risk? Simply buy a cheap wipeable tablecloth from any store and use it for all your housesits where the owner prefers rustic appeal over practicality. If there’s a mess simply wipe clean. Keeping the table clean means you’re minimising stress and improving your house sitting experience with peace of mind. 🍝
2. Portable Blackout Blinds
In the unfortunate event where you’ve been allocated a room and the curtains are as thin as a 2-ply toilet paper sheet, suffice to say you won’t be getting a restful night’s sleep. Here’s a guaranteed way to improve your house sitting experience. Travel with one or multiple portable blackout blinds with suction cups. I’ve found the Gro company to be the best followed by Tommee Tippee.
As a professional who works while I housesit I need to sleep. Every day is a new professional challenge and I have to be fresh. So a good night’s sleep really helps me be a good housesitter and to run my work.
The Sleep Foundation confirms that darkness is essential for quality sleep and maintaining healthy circadian rhythms. When it’s time to leave your house sit, simply wipe the glass pane with a damp cloth. 😴🌙
💡 Pro Tip: Joining a reputable network like HouseSit Match gives you access to trusted homeowners and verified listings, making it easier to build your reputation as a reliable long-term housesitter. Join as a housesitter and find your own house sitting experience today.
My House Sitting Experience and Rewards
How much could you save house sitting?
Looking back over the four years of almost not stop house sitting I have really enjoyed my time, meeting new people, playing with pets, discovering new parts of the UK. I am originally from the Midlands so it was a fabulous opportunity to move around all over the North and South of the UK.
£ 55,000 Saved in Rent by House Sitting Full-Time
💰 **The Real Cost Savings of House Sitting:**
- Monthly rent saved: £1,200
- Annual savings: ~£14,000
- 4-year total: £55,000
- Average UK rent (2025): £1,200-1,500/month
Ready to Housesit with HouseSit Match? 🏡
Experience the charm and fun of housesitting, exploring new towns and regions like a local, while taking care of a lovely home (and maybe a few pets!) while working from your new location.
Sign Up & Apply Now 🇫🇷Most importantly I have been able to save on paying rent for four years. Rent in the UK takes a huge chunk of anyone’s earnings. In my case I saved approximately £ 1200 per month. Over four years, with a few gaps when I stayed with friends and relatives, I save about £ 55,000 by house sitting and pet sitting for other people.
That’s enough for a deposit on my own home, a significant investment portfolio, or years of worry-free travel. The financial freedom from my house sitting experience has completely transformed my future possibilities.
How much could you save on rent by looking for that house sitting experience?
Final Thoughts on My House Sitting Experience 💭
Looking back at the four wonderful years I spent as a full-time house sitter, I’ve met so many wonderful individuals working in different occupations that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. I’ve learnt many valuable life lessons and have a more mature outlook on life. Overall it’s been a great way to travel and experience house sitting.
However, if I could go back in time then there’s one thing that I would change. I would’ve started my house sitting experience a lot earlier! Whether you’re looking for a complete lifestyle change or just want to try a few house sits while exploring new places, the house sitting community welcomes everyone. Take that first step – your adventure awaits! 🌟🗝️
To Register as a Housesitter – Follow this link
FURTHER READING FOR HOUSESITTERS & HOMEOWNERS
At Housesitmatch.com we like to share useful blogs and practical advice about how housesitters help, housesitting and pet sitting and the benefits in the house sitting experience for sitters themselves. We hope you find this small selection of our blogs informative and useful.
Housesitters help keep pets safe and save money
What a housesitter does – Top 10 responsibilities
