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Tips from a Housesitter: Want Results?
Are you a homeowner and pet owner who’s tried housesitting but not has much response? Learn from this article, Tips from a Housesitter, offered by Josie, a seasoned sitter who offers her experience garnered through 16 years as a housesitter. Pay attention and practice her recommendations, she believes she can help you secure better results from your housesitting planning and housesit adverts.
Photo courtesy of Josie Scheider
Homeowners: Please post your house sits at least 2 months in advance
I had a discussion recently with fellow housesitters. The subject? The fact that many house sits begin in the next week, and sometimes, the very next day.
Here are my thoughts on veteran house sitters’ habits and why homeowners—Please!—must post months before they go away.
Tips from a Housesitter with Experience
In 16 years of house sitting around the world, applying to a house-sitting assignment begins months in advance. Somewhere between four and eight months is a comfortable timeframe for me—as well as for many house sitters.
Full time travelers—those folks who have no fixed address to call home—must make their plans months in advance. It’s their security. And planning months in advance means we experienced travelers get better prices and enjoy greater availability of the various transportation options.
Longer Lead Times Draw More Experienced Housesitters
So, when a house sit pops up that is a few months to a year out, we veteran house sitters pounce. I appreciate that homeowner’s level of organization. It tells me good things about them. I bonded with one homeowner over the fact they posted eight months prior to their assignment. (We continue as friends still today and have traveled together.)
Pro Tip – Full time experienced housesitters look for adverts with a long lead time. It indicates a high degree of organization on the part of the homeowner – Tips from a housesitter.
There’s More Time To Plan With Longer Lead Times
Photo courtesy of Josie and Conrad – full time housesitters
Another way to look at it is that a house sit may even determine where in the world I go. All veteran house sitters know a good house sit when they see it. I call them gems. I know a gem quickly because of the way a homeowner describes their home and pets and the quality and content of photos. It’s a vibe, and I know it when I see it.
Experienced Full Time Housesitters Look For New Experiences
Every veteran full time house sitter has their own gems—and the vibe that defines them. I’ll go to a place—whether it’s a country I’ve been to or not—if the listing is a gem. It’s part of what I love about house sitting—and has changed my life—because I’ve gone to places I would otherwise not consider, and end up falling in love.
Pro Tip – Do what you can to present your housesit as a gem. Work on your homeowner profile, because sitters will read it carefully – Tips from a housesitter. Why? Because in 16 years of housesitting, gems have taken me around the world:
- A gem took me to central French farmlands where I took part in the Beaujolais Nouveau festival celebrating the wine harvest.
- A gem took me to Australia’s bushlands, caring for animals on one of the most unique properties I’ve ever seen. The homeowner was a gadget builder, and everything was automated.
- A gem took me to the side of a remote Spanish mountain where I was immersed in the wonders of the natural world. Gems have led me to all these wonderful places.
Word to the Wise for Homeowners
Photo credit – Josie Schneider
Warning – If that housesitting gem starts next week, I have no time to get there and the cost of travel may be prohibitive. Any experienced house sitter is likely already booked for your last minute dates.
Pro Tip – Plan in advance – don’t leave housesitting arrangements to chance – Tips from a Housesitter
At this moment—in the midst of nine months travel, I am booked solid six months out from now. House sitter friends I spoke to recently told me of a great house sit in Turkey, but they couldn’t consider it because they were already committed, and the assignment started the next month. It was that conversation that inspired me to write this article. On social media, I asked other veteran house sitters too, and every single one agreed they apply first to housesits available three months to a year out.
Pro Tip – So perhaps two months lead time is still too short a lead time. Plan well ahead – Tips from a housesitter.
The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men
Cancellations
One exception to my plan well ahead guideline for homeowners, is this: unexpected cancelations.
- If a Homeowner Cancels – House sitters scramble to fill an empty spot in their calendars when a homeowner cancels. In this instance, housesitting assignments that start next week or next month are golden.
- If a Housesitter Cancels – Homeowners whose house sitter cancels must list again—regardless when the housesit assignment starts.
Cancelations are pretty rare, however. For example, in 16 years, it happened to me only once and even then, the assignment was many months away, so I filled the gap easily.
Starting Out in Housesitting
Newbie Housesitters
The other exception—to the practice of posting months in advance—is people who are just starting out as house sitters. Newbies may seek close-to-start date, and close-to-home locations as housesits to gain experience and bulk up their reviews. That’s a win-win for all involved, especially for homeowners who post at the last minute.
First Time Homeowners Wanting Housesitters
You may be coming to housesitting for the first time because someone recommended this way of finding affordable home and pet care and you have a trip coming up soon.
My sense is that there will always be homeowners who post their sits for next week or next month, which can be beneficial to those scrambling because of a cancelation.
Pro Tip – If you’re a homeowner reading this, I hope you’ll consider posting earlier – It will help you and the sitters – Tips from a housesitter.
Photo courtesy of Josie Schneider
If You Post Your Housesit Adverts Months in Advance – The Benefits
- You’re more likely to get a seasoned, experienced house sitter – This is someone who knows the ins and outs of all kinds of pets and homes through experiences, and their experience is visible in their reviews and ratings on housesitting platforms.
- Experienced house sitters understand the responsibilities, protocols in housesitting – They know the nuances of stepping into a homeowner’s routine and caring for a wide variety of animals as well as their many pet personalities and quirks or medical needs.
- Their experience will give you peace of mind while you are away from home – as they care for your pets and property
Pro Tip – Here’s one more reason to post early – Lamia Walker, the founder of HouseSit Match says,
“I can tell you that if the homeowner posts an advert with at least 2 months before the start date they have a 90% chance of securing a sitter because I proactively work the network to ensure that happens. But if the housesit is posted with 1 month or less before the start date the chances are reduced to about 65% fill rate, because the house sitters are already booked up. So, the difference is dramatic.”
All this comes down to one piece of advice I have for homeowners: Please list your need for house sitters early—several months early, in fact as soon as you have planned your holiday or trip dates you should publish a housesit advert online.
Final Word on the Top Tips from a Housesitter
I’ve honed my top tips – the most vital tips for successful house sitting — both from a house sitters’ point of view AND a homeowners’ point of view -Here are my essential top tips from a housesitter:
As a homeowner:
- Post your need for a house sitter 3 – 9 months in advance.
- Draw out the best features of your housesit and location to present the ‘Gem’ that it is.
As a house sitter:
- Don’t dawdle – Be one of the first 5 people to apply for a house-sitting assignment.
- Write a stellar letter of introduction, including personal connections you may have with the homeowner, such as loving their breed of pet or their home décor.
Top Tips From a Housesitter for Both:
- Live up to—or exceed—your promises to each other.
🏠 FAQ: Finding and Attracting the Right Housesitter
1. How far in advance should I post my housesit advert?
Ideally, post your housesit at least 3–9 months before your travel dates. Experienced housesitters often plan their schedules well in advance. The earlier you post, the more likely you are to attract seasoned, trustworthy sitters who can choose from multiple opportunities.
2. What makes a housesit listing stand out to experienced sitters?
High-quality photos, a clear description of your home and pets, and a friendly, detailed homeowner profile make your listing more appealing. Sitters love listings that highlight the comfort, location, and unique features of the home — such as gardens, local walks, or nearby attractions.
3. Can I still find a housesitter if my travel dates are soon?
Yes — while advance planning is ideal, last-minute housesits can still succeed, especially if you’re flexible or your home is in a popular area. You can also mention in your advert that you need a sitter urgently; some experienced sitters look for short-notice opportunities.
4. How do I choose the right housesitter once I get applications?
Review each sitter’s profile, references, and verification badges on HouseSitMatch.com. Arrange a video call to discuss responsibilities and expectations — it helps confirm that both parties are comfortable before confirming the match.
5. Do I need to offer payment to attract good housesitters?
Not necessarily. On HouseSit Match, most sits are based on a mutual exchange — you provide accommodation, and the sitter provides pet and home care. However, if your sit involves extra duties or remote locations, a small stipend or travel contribution can make your listing more attractive.
6. What should I include in my housesit advert?
List your exact dates, location, home features, pet details, and key responsibilities. Be honest about what’s required — clear communication builds trust and helps attract sitters who genuinely fit your needs.
7. What happens if my housesitter cancels?
Cancellations are rare, but if they happen, you can quickly repost your advert on HouseSit Match or contact our support team for help finding a replacement. Having a backup sitter or posting early also reduces the risk of disruption.
8. How do I make sure my pets are happy with a new sitter?
Leave detailed care instructions, keep your pets’ routines consistent, and introduce your sitter via video call before you leave. Most experienced housesitters are animal lovers who adapt easily and prioritise pet wellbeing.
BIO
Josie Schneider is a writer and international house sitter along with her husband Conrad. Her articles have appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Baltimore Sun, Hour Detroit, and many travel publications. She was a staff writer and editor at the Ann Arbor Observer until her retirement. She posts slice-of-life house sitting stories at Housesitting Travel.
Further reading about housesitting
At Housesit Match we like to share useful blogs, such as this one on tips from a housesitter, as well as practical advice about housesitters, housesitting and pet sitting. We hope you find this small selection of our blogs on house sitters useful.
Housesitters keep pets safe at home and save money
What a housesitter does – Top 10 responsibilities
