Blog Post Categories
First Time Housesitters: New Adventure
Deb and Simon have been enjoying retirement for a few years and recently took the plunge to become first time housesitters as a way to visit more of the UK. They were delighted with their new adventure just a couple of hours from home, and have now become keen housesitting advocates. Read on to learn more.
Photo credit – Lamia Walker
First Time Housesitters: Deb & Simon’s Journey Into the Unknown 🏡
How two first time housesitters turned a rainy August afternoon into three unforgettable weeks in Buckinghamshire – and why we’re already planning our next sit
Taking the Leap as First Time Housesitters 🌟
House sitting had always been something we had been interested in, but with no experience, we thought it would be really difficult to get involved in. Like many retirees, we’d been searching for meaningful ways to explore new places without breaking the bank. Hotels felt impersonal, and long-term accommodation rentals added up quickly. We wanted authentic experiences, not just tourist attractions. But as first time housesitters, where would we even begin? Could we really get a house sitting job with no experience?
According to Age UK, more and more retirees are seeking alternative travel options that combine affordability with meaningful experiences. House sitting ticks both boxes perfectly.
Fast forward to a rainy day in August. Scrolling on my iPad with a cup of tea in hand, I decided to search housesitting websites and came across HouseSit Match. From the very first click, something felt different. I loved that it didn’t have a corporate feel to it and discovered it’s a small business, which was a huge attraction for us. After years in the corporate world ourselves, we appreciated the personal touch that comes from dealing with real people who genuinely care about their community – especially important for first time housesitters who need that extra support.
Joining a House Sitting Platform: A Welcoming Start for First Time Housesitters ✅
Lamia, the owner, asked me to write a bio about ourselves to go on our profile, she carried out background checks, and approved references. The whole process of joining was done in an efficient and timely manner. What struck us most was how supportive the team was. They understood that first time housesitters might feel nervous and made sure we felt confident and prepared. There was no pressure, just genuine guidance on how to create an appealing profile and what homeowners look for in first time housesitters.
The National House Sitting Code of Conduct emphasizes the importance of clear agreements and proper background checks – something we were pleased to see HouseSit Match took seriously.
Within weeks of completing our profile, we started receiving notifications about house sitting opportunities in our area. We took our time, reading through the listings carefully, looking for the right match. When we saw the posting for a three-week sit in Buckinghamshire caring for a Corgi named Dylan, something clicked. The dates worked perfectly, the location was intriguing, and the homeowners’ description of Dylan made us smile.
After a lovely video call with Dylan’s owners and a meet-and-greet at their home, we were confirmed for our first sit. The homeowners were incredibly understanding about us being first time housesitters and appreciated our enthusiasm and attention to detail. The butterflies in our stomachs were a mix of excitement and nerves – but mostly excitement.
And so our adventure began…
Photo credit – Simon Booth
Three Weeks with Dylan: First Time Housesitters and Pet Sitting 🐕
I’m so happy to say that we have just completed our first housesit, three weeks looking after the most adorable Corgi called Dylan for a lovely couple at their property in Buckinghamshire. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed. The homeowners had prepared a detailed information pack covering everything from Dylan’s routine to local walking routes, vet contact details, and even recommendations for the best Sunday roasts in the area. This level of preparation was invaluable for first time housesitters like us.
Photo Credit – Lamia Walker
We embraced every bit of it, exploring new areas, pubs and cafés (all dog-friendly), meeting new people, becoming part of the community, and embracing country life with endless walks, all with Dylan by our side. Even the weather behaved itself; from mid-September to mid-October, we had two days of rain! ☀️ It felt like the universe was rewarding us for taking this leap as first time housesitters.
The Daily Routine: Pet Sitting Responsibilities 📋
Dylan was an absolute joy to look after; he needed feeding twice a day, had his medication in the morning, and as he was moulting, he was brushed every day too, which he adored and only occasionally tried to eat the brush. His morning routine became our routine: wake up to his gentle snuffling at the bedroom door, feed him breakfast, administer his medication (hidden in a bit of his food, as instructed), and then head out for our first walk of the day.
Photo credit – Deb Booth
The predictability of caring for Dylan was surprisingly comforting. In retirement, it’s easy for days to blur together, but Dylan gave our time structure and purpose. His afternoon walks became opportunities to explore footpaths we’d never have discovered otherwise. His evening cuddles became cherished quiet moments. As first time housesitters, we were discovering that the pet care responsibilities weren’t burdensome – they were actually quite fulfilling.
Research from the PDSA Animal Wellbeing Report shows that pet ownership – or in our case, temporary pet care – provides significant mental and physical health benefits, particularly for older adults. We can certainly vouch for that! 💚
The house was very homely, and we made sure it was kept clean and tidy as we would our own home. We watered the plants, brought in the post, and spent time with Dylan in the garden, and went on a parkrun when the weather was nice. It felt wonderful to contribute and know we were making the homeowners’ holiday stress-free through our home sitting duties.
Falling for a Four-Legged Friend 💕
We fell a little bit in love with Dylan; he might be a little dog, but he has a huge personality and made us laugh so much every day. His obsession with chasing leaves, his dramatic sighs when we stopped to chat with other dog walkers, the way he’d “herd” us if we walked in different directions – every quirk became endearing. Needless to say, we were very sad when it was time to say our goodbyes. Simon may have had something in his eye when we gave Dylan his final belly rub. 😢
Photo credit – Deb Booth
We received a lovely message from Dylan’s owners thanking us for looking after him so beautifully, which meant an awful lot; considering this was our first housesit, I think we did pretty well. They shared photos from their holiday, relaxed and smiling, and told us how much peace of mind it gave them knowing Dylan was happy and well-cared for. Getting positive reviews as first time housesitters was incredibly encouraging. They even mentioned they’d happily recommend us to other homeowners looking for trusted house sitters. They’ve asked us to consider caring for Dylan again in the future – which we absolutely will.
The Practical Side: What First Time Housesitters Should Know About Free Accommodation 💰
Let’s talk numbers, because we know that’s important for many considering becoming first time housesitters. Our costs for travel were minimal and basically consisted of fuel for the car and occasional eating out, which was our choice. In keeping with housesit etiquette, we replaced all groceries used. Compare that to the cost of three weeks’ accommodation in Buckinghamshire, which would have easily run into thousands of pounds, and the financial benefits are clear. House sitting UK opportunities like this one offer incredible value for budget-conscious travelers.
According to Which? Travel, the average UK hotel room costs between £80-150 per night. Over three weeks, that’s £1,680-£3,150 – money we saved through house sitting!
But beyond the money saved, there’s something invaluable about living like a local rather than a tourist. We shopped at the village store, became regulars at the local pub quiz night, and even joined a community litter-picking walk. These are experiences you simply can’t buy – and they’re available to all first time housesitters willing to immerse themselves in the community.
House Sitting Tips: Our Advice for First Time Housesitters 📝
If you’re on the fence about trying housesitting, here’s what we learned as first time housesitters:
Start local. Our first sit was just a few hours from home, which felt manageable and less overwhelming. We could have popped home if there’d been an emergency (though there wasn’t). This is great advice for first time housesitters looking for house sitting UK opportunities.
Communication is everything. We sent regular photo updates to Dylan’s owners and kept a little journal of our daily activities with him, which they loved reading when they returned. Homeowners appreciate proactive communication, especially from first time housesitters. Good communication leads to positive house sitting reviews.
Be yourself in your profile. We were honest about being first time housesitters but emphasized our reliability, love of animals, and respect for people’s homes. Authenticity matters, and many homeowners are happy to work with first time housesitters who show genuine care and commitment. Creating a strong house sitter profile is essential.
Embrace the experience fully. Don’t just see it as free accommodation. Immerse yourself in the community, explore the area, and treat the pets with the love they deserve. This is how first time housesitters become experienced, trusted house sitters.
Don’t be discouraged. Yes, some listings specify they want experienced sitters, but many homeowners are open to first time housesitters who present themselves well and show enthusiasm. There are plenty of house sitting opportunities for beginners.
Understand house sitting etiquette. Leave the home as you found it (or better), respect the homeowners’ belongings, and follow pet care instructions carefully. These fundamentals help first time housesitters build a strong reputation. The Citizens Advice website offers useful guidance on responsibilities when caring for someone else’s property.
Photo credit – Simon Booth
From First Time Housesitters to Enthusiastic Advocates 🌍
The opportunities housesitting gives you are endless; you can make amazing memories, travel both in the UK and abroad whilst visiting new places and saving money on accommodation that would otherwise eat into your retirement budget. We’re already eyeing up sits in Scotland for next spring and possibly the Cotswolds over Christmas. Being first time housesitters has opened up a whole new world of travel possibilities through house sitting assignments.
VisitBritain reports that domestic tourism is thriving, with more Britons exploring their own country than ever before. House sitting provides the perfect way to discover hidden gems across the UK without the hefty accommodation costs.
I’m so pleased I took the leap on that rainy August afternoon, and we became part of the HouseSit Match community. We are looking forward to many more adventures, meeting more wonderful pets, and discovering corners of Britain we’d never have explored otherwise. Our experience proves that being first time housesitters doesn’t have to be intimidating – it can be the start of something wonderful.
House Sitting for Retirees: A Perfect Match 🎯
Retirement doesn’t mean slowing down – it means having the freedom to try something new. For us, housesitting has opened up a whole new way of traveling and living. If you’ve been curious about it, take it from two complete beginners: it’s absolutely worth it. Every experienced housesitter was once a first time housesitter, and with the right platform and support, your first sit can be just as successful as ours.
House sitting offers retirees the perfect combination: meaningful responsibilities, pet companionship, community connection, and the chance to explore new places without expensive hotel bills. It’s travel with purpose, and we couldn’t be happier with our decision to become house sitters.
Why First Time Housesitters Should Choose HouseSit Match ⭐
As first time housesitters, we can’t recommend HouseSit Match highly enough. The personal approach, supportive team, and welcoming community made all the difference. We never felt like just another profile number – we felt valued and supported throughout our journey from curious beginners to confident first time housesitters. This trusted house sitting platform made finding our first house sitting opportunity straightforward and stress-free.
Ready to start your own housesitting adventure? Join HouseSit Match today and discover, like we did as first time housesitters, a whole new way to travel and make memories. Whether you’re looking for house sitting UK opportunities or international assignments, your journey as a house sitter begins here. 🚀
FAQs
House sitting is when a trusted house sitter stays in someone’s home while the owner is away, taking care of the property and pets. It’s a popular way to enjoy travel and pet companionship while saving on accommodation costs.
To become a house sitter, join a reputable platform like HouseSitMatch, create a profile highlighting your pet care experience and reliability, and apply for house sitting jobs that match your location and schedule.
- Free accommodation: Save on travel expenses while living in different locations.
- Pet care experience: Enjoy taking care of pets without a long-term commitment.
- Local living: Experience communities like a local resident.
- Flexible house sitting opportunities: Choose sits based on duration, location, and your interests.
Yes. Reputable housesitting platforms verify both homeowners and sitters. Reviews and references help ensure you are a trusted house sitter, giving peace of mind for both parties.
No prior experience is necessary. New sitters can start with shorter house sitting opportunities to gain experience, build a positive reputation, and attract more pet sitting jobs in the future.
You can find house sitting jobs on platforms like HouseSitMatch. Filter opportunities by location, duration, and type of pet care required, then apply directly to the sits that suit you.
Your profile should include pet care experience, references, and any relevant skills. A friendly photo and clear bio help homeowners trust you as a reliable house sitter.
Always communicate clearly with the homeowner before and during the sit. Reputable housesitting platforms offer support for emergencies or disputes. Make sure you know your responsibilities and have emergency contacts available.
About the Authors: Deb and Simon are recently retired and based in the UK. As first time housesitters, they discovered that housesitting isn’t just about saving money on accommodation – it’s about creating meaningful experiences and connections. When they’re not caring for adorable Corgis, they enjoy exploring country pubs, photography, and planning their next house sitting adventure.
At HouseSit Match we like to share useful blogs and practical advice for example on the experience of new and experienced housesitters. We also have information to help you on housesitters, home and pet care, and pet sitting. We hope you find this small selection of our blogs useful.
Our top tips for new house sitters
Budget travel guide Budapest – Housesitting
London calling – London house sitting
