House Sitting. How to Live Abroad for Free
Want to change your surroundings, live for free in a new place, and meet interesting people? Try house sitting.
House sitting has been tried and tested by Nikita and Nastya, who embarked on a round-the-world trip in September 2013. These guys have plenty of experience, and they gladly share it with their readers. In their blog, they describe their adventures in detail, and today they will tell us what house sitting is all about. Where to start, how to see not only the pros but also the cons (because they do exist), and where to find hosts (homeowners).
So, over to the experts!
For the second case — unofficial house sitting — you should only agree if you know the people inviting you well enough. Remember, looking after a house is work. Especially in a foreign country (it's easier in some countries, harder in others). If the house is populated by numerous animals, and also has a garden, for example, if your day is scheduled by the hour — it's not the best way to think only about friendship (acquaintance); you need to realistically assess the risks, labor costs, and agree on all conditions in advance, setting aside personal affection for the owners. It was my first experience (not successful, but, let's say, useful) that made me skeptical and fearful of Nikita's idea to use such an opportunity on our trip.
Now I am grateful to Nikita for pushing past my fears, and we plunged into what is called "official house sitting." Our collaborative experience turned out to be more than positive.
The couple we found on one of the websites was looking for sitters to live on the island part of the Bocas del Toro province in Panama. We must say, we are quite the adventurers! The description of a house on an island with three dogs, accessible only by boat, excited us. Only one fact caused a bit of concern — shortly before our arrival, we were informed that another couple from Spain would be with us for the first two weeks. We were notified that if we didn't get along during the trial week, the other couple would move on.
We still don't know what the right thing to do was. On the one hand, the house is large, the island is remote, and, of course, living as four is logically safer. On the other hand, everyone understands the concept of "house-sitting" differently, and these differences can quickly become tiring, especially if there's nowhere to go for a walk. But, be that as it may, we consciously decided to stay with the guys. And only after the experience did we realize that we could have managed perfectly well without them. Although getting to know the guys from Valencia was interesting!
We are registered on several services, and when looking for options, we maximize our search to choose the most interesting place.
If you have ever applied for a job and written a resume, follow the same rules (as for a dream job). Write about yourself as honestly as possible, without omitting any virtues :) Lively text attracts good things! Don't hide your hobbies and skills, such as surfing, drawing, love for animals, hiking and mountains, building or gardening. Most importantly, while maintaining honesty (don't take on what you can't actually do), be open and friendly. Most often, house-sitting is required because of animals living in the house. If you haven't experienced this before, you need to learn to love animals.
It's worth agreeing in advance on a trial week if the location has specific features. For example, we arrived a week before the owners left to receive full instructions on living in the mangroves (somewhere in the middle of nowhere), as well as using a motorboat. A trial week is especially good if you need to look after animals.
It's best to ask as many questions as possible before the owners leave, and don't hesitate to write down the answers :)
Don't be afraid of difficulties!
In principle, once you get involved in this, act as your heart tells you and as the situation dictates. Maintain integrity so that this wonderful idea doesn't falter and continues to develop, but also remember to take on only the amount of tasks you are capable of handling. House sitting is also work. But for this work, you will receive something more than money.
All photos: Nastya and Nikita
Nikita and Nastya
What is House Sitting
It probably won't be difficult for anyone to guess the essence of the phenomenon from its name. House sitting is a deal where one party needs a caretaker for their home (with animals or a garden, for example). The other party gets conditionally free accommodation in a particular location. House sitting can be official or unofficial. In the first case, it's called "House Sitting" - people find each other more often through the internet, using specialized websites (you'll find a list below), rather than through recommendations, and they don't know each other in person. In this case, both parties are interested in at least neutral relations. Rules and conditions are agreed upon immediately. Both house sitters and homeowners (hosts) are interested in positive reviews, so it's easier to conduct business as there's more diplomacy in such relationships. In the second case, it's all the same, but no one uses the term. And this, strangely enough, abolishes some useful rules. People who need house-sitting simply ask friends and acquaintances. There are rules, but they are vague (both sides think, "how can I refuse friends (friends of friends)?"). Personal attitudes and evaluations appear, often subjective. A matter involving many emotions risks ending in mutual resentment. And a good outcome is likely only if both parties are decent or if there's love (if the friendship is genuine).
For the second case — unofficial house sitting — you should only agree if you know the people inviting you well enough. Remember, looking after a house is work. Especially in a foreign country (it's easier in some countries, harder in others). If the house is populated by numerous animals, and also has a garden, for example, if your day is scheduled by the hour — it's not the best way to think only about friendship (acquaintance); you need to realistically assess the risks, labor costs, and agree on all conditions in advance, setting aside personal affection for the owners. It was my first experience (not successful, but, let's say, useful) that made me skeptical and fearful of Nikita's idea to use such an opportunity on our trip.
Now I am grateful to Nikita for pushing past my fears, and we plunged into what is called "official house sitting." Our collaborative experience turned out to be more than positive.
The couple we found on one of the websites was looking for sitters to live on the island part of the Bocas del Toro province in Panama. We must say, we are quite the adventurers! The description of a house on an island with three dogs, accessible only by boat, excited us. Only one fact caused a bit of concern — shortly before our arrival, we were informed that another couple from Spain would be with us for the first two weeks. We were notified that if we didn't get along during the trial week, the other couple would move on.
We still don't know what the right thing to do was. On the one hand, the house is large, the island is remote, and, of course, living as four is logically safer. On the other hand, everyone understands the concept of "house-sitting" differently, and these differences can quickly become tiring, especially if there's nowhere to go for a walk. But, be that as it may, we consciously decided to stay with the guys. And only after the experience did we realize that we could have managed perfectly well without them. Although getting to know the guys from Valencia was interesting!
Step 1. Registration on House Sitting Websites
So, the very beginning of any "official" volunteering is a profile on specialized websites. Registration and filling out a profile are usually paid. It might be worth familiarizing yourself with the specifics of each site before paying for registration. 1. housecarers.com — the oldest of the house sitting websites. Operating since 2000. Many interesting offers. Many people know about it and use it. A subscription costs $50. 2. Workaway.info — a newer site than HelpX. Many interesting offers, but also many people looking for work, so you'll have to compete for a spot. The service is becoming more and more popular. Registration for a couple (if you travel and work together) is 38 USD, for singles 29 USD. Payment is also via Paypal. 3. workingtraveller.com — a relatively new site. Registration and use are free. You can immediately see on the map if there are hosts in the desired region. The only downside is the small number of offers in specific regions like Central or South America.
We are registered on several services, and when looking for options, we maximize our search to choose the most interesting place.
If you have ever applied for a job and written a resume, follow the same rules (as for a dream job). Write about yourself as honestly as possible, without omitting any virtues :) Lively text attracts good things! Don't hide your hobbies and skills, such as surfing, drawing, love for animals, hiking and mountains, building or gardening. Most importantly, while maintaining honesty (don't take on what you can't actually do), be open and friendly. Most often, house-sitting is required because of animals living in the house. If you haven't experienced this before, you need to learn to love animals.
Step 2. Sending Requests
And so, you've found a vacancy that seems suitable. This is just the very beginning of the journey. Quite often, after "satisfying" the need for a volunteer, the status of the offer is simply forgotten to be changed. Therefore, you shouldn't send just one request and wait for weeks for a reply. You need to find (depending on how much you need it) as many offers as possible and write to everyone. The procedure should be repeated at least once a day. Good offers go very quickly!Step 3. Choosing an Option
You have several positive responses, and you're racking your brain trying to choose. Keep in mind that in seventy percent of cases, there are overlaps, "discrepancies," and "misunderstandings." Unfortunately, our experience, and not just ours, shows that an unexpected refusal or the activation of a "negotiation freeze" mode is common practice. On the other end, just like you, they are interested in the best option, and unfortunately, everything is decided without sentiment (and sometimes simply impolitely — with silence). At this stage, it is most important to identify the most reliable vacancies, especially if the direction of your journey depends on them (tickets, border crossings, etc.). Of course, you should look at the circumstances, remember that there are also people there whom you should not abandon or let down. You need to find a balance and stay in touch with as many applicants as possible for as long as possible. If it's impossible to be completely sure about the chosen option, it's better to have a couple more open vacancies. It's worth discussing living conditions, care conditions, and rules during correspondence. Clarify all important questions for you as much as possible. For example, from some houses, you cannot leave for 24 hours, or other volunteers will also be looking after the house besides you.
Step 4. Personal Meeting
During a personal meeting, you can rely on intuition and common sense. If you feel that the other party has a difficult character, a peculiar perception of the world, or something else, and you definitely want to stay — don't hesitate to clarify everything completely. Don't hesitate or refuse to draw up a contract (if offered, or if it makes you feel more at ease). As a rule, for homeowners, leaving their beloved animals with strangers is also a big adventure. Those who agree to it, just like you, are interested in fairness, confidence, and peace of mind. It's worth remembering that animals and a home left in your care are a great responsibility. The phenomenon of house sitting itself thrives only thanks to the awareness of this responsibility; it fosters trust.
It's worth agreeing in advance on a trial week if the location has specific features. For example, we arrived a week before the owners left to receive full instructions on living in the mangroves (somewhere in the middle of nowhere), as well as using a motorboat. A trial week is especially good if you need to look after animals.
It's best to ask as many questions as possible before the owners leave, and don't hesitate to write down the answers :)
Don't be afraid of difficulties!
In principle, once you get involved in this, act as your heart tells you and as the situation dictates. Maintain integrity so that this wonderful idea doesn't falter and continues to develop, but also remember to take on only the amount of tasks you are capable of handling. House sitting is also work. But for this work, you will receive something more than money.
All photos: Nastya and Nikita
