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House Sitting 101: Score Free Accommodations Around the World

BySherry Arkfeld

Imagine ditching your $2,000-a-month rent for a beachfront villa in Bali, a cozy flat in London, or a cabin in the Colorado Rockies.

Sounds too good to be true? That’s the magic of house sitting. It’s a travel hack that’s gone from under-the-radar to full-on lifestyle for remote workers and budget-conscious travelers alike.

What Is House Sitting, Really?

At its core, house sitting is a win-win situation. You care for someone’s home and usually their pets while they’re away, and in return, you stay there for free.

That’s right. Free accommodation in exchange for some responsibility and a bit of TLC.

But it’s more than just a free place to stay. It’s a way to travel slower, work more comfortably, and experience new places like a local, all while keeping your costs down.

Charming stone cottage with steep gabled roofs, decorative trim, and tall diamond-paned windows, nestled by a narrow country road. Ivy climbs the rustic stone walls, and the house is framed by lush greenery and a low mossy stone fence.

Why House Sitting Works for Digital Nomads and Budget Travelers

Whether you’re running a business from your laptop or just looking to stretch your travel fund, house sitting offers major perks:

  • Free stays mean more money for experiences. You can skip overpriced Airbnbs and hotel rooms. Use the savings for tours, museum passes, or to extend your trip.
  • Flexible timelines. You can take on a weekend sit in the countryside or settle into a three-month stay in Paris. It’s all about what fits your goals.
  • Live like a local. Instead of bouncing between hostels and tourist hotspots, you’ll get to know real neighborhoods, local markets, and the community around you.
  • Work-friendly environments. Having a proper desk and solid WiFi makes a huge difference compared to juggling work in a crowded café or noisy dorm.
  • Comforts of home. A real kitchen, a cozy couch, and a bit of daily routine can help you avoid travel burnout and stay productive.

How It All Works

Most house sits involve basic home upkeep and pet care, like feeding, walking, and playing with the animals. You might also be asked to water plants, bring in the mail, or take out the trash.

Before you start, it’s important to have a conversation with the homeowner. Ask about the pets’ routines, any quirks in the house, and what kind of internet connection they have. The more you know upfront, the smoother the stay will be.

Each sit is unique, so don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions and take notes.

Cozy beach house with a wide front porch, white railings, and wooden steps leading up from a winding sandy path through grassy dunes. The sky is clear, and the house sits peacefully in a sunlit coastal landscape.

Best House Sitting Platforms

  • TrustedHousesitters: One of the largest platforms, with global listings, a strong review system, and solid customer support.
  • Nomador: Especially popular in Europe. It has a friendly community feel and clear, affordable pricing.
  • Housecarers: A straightforward option that covers the basics well, including verified profiles and secure messaging.
  • Workaway: Ideal if you want a mix of house sitting and other types of travel gigs, like volunteering or working on farms.

You can also join Facebook groups like World Wide Housesitting and Pet Sitting Community. These are great places to find last-minute listings and connect with other travelers.

Where the Gigs Are

  • UK and Europe: High cost of living means homeowners often look for help. You’ll find flats in London, countryside homes in France, and charming stays throughout the region.
  • USA: From California beach houses to mountain cabins in Colorado, there’s no shortage of options. Longer sits are more common, which is ideal if you want to put down roots for a while.
  • Australia and New Zealand: House sitting is huge here, and internet access is generally excellent, making these countries a great fit for remote workers.
  • Southeast Asia and Latin America: While listings are fewer, they’re growing quickly. Think beautiful villas in Bali or traditional homes in Mexico City, plus the added bonus of lower living costs.
Ornate European apartment building with cream-colored stone façade, intricate carvings, and wrought-iron balconies decorated with potted plants. The windows are symmetrically aligned, framed by classical columns and decorative sculptural details, exuding Parisian charm and old-world elegance.

Tips for Landing Great Sits

  • Create a standout profile. Use friendly, clear photos (especially ones with animals), and write a bio that reflects your personality, work style, and experience with pets or home care.
  • Collect references. Even if you’re just starting out, you can ask landlords, friends, or pet owners to write a short testimonial for you.
  • Get reviews. After each sit, ask the homeowner to leave feedback. Strong reviews will make it much easier to land future sits.
  • Communicate clearly. Be responsive, ask thoughtful questions, and show genuine care for the home and pets. Taking good notes shows that you’re responsible and detail-oriented.
  • Know your limits. Make sure you’re comfortable with the level of care expected, especially if pets need special attention or medications.

Key Things to Keep in Mind

  • Test the WiFi. Ask homeowners for speed test results or set up a video call to test the connection. This is especially important if your work depends on a reliable internet connection.
  • Check visa requirements. Long-term stays may require different permits. Some countries allow 90-day visits, others have more complex rules. Research before committing.
  • Prioritize safety. Choose platforms that offer sitter insurance and 24/7 support. Look into neighborhood reviews through expat forums and stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Having emergency contacts, backup plans, and support from your platform can make all the difference in a pinch.
Tall, modern high-rise condominiums with rows of balconies frame a central outdoor pool, reflecting the glassy facades and early evening sky. Lounge chairs line the poolside, while the symmetrical architecture and crisp lines create a luxe, urban resort vibe.

Wrap-Up: House Sitting 101

Whether you’re chasing digital nomad dreams or looking for a creative way to stretch your budget, house sitting gives you the freedom to travel without the usual costs.

You’ll gain stability, comfort, and a whole lot of adventure along the way.

If you’re ready to skip the rent, explore new places, and maybe bond with a few pets in the process, house sitting could be your perfect next move.

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Sherry Arkfeld is a digital nomad, travel blogger, and copywriter living her dream of being able to work from anywhere in the world while exploring new places with her little dog, Shelby. Sherry is passionate about sharing her experiences to help other travelers and digital nomads. Sherry and Shelby are currently traveling slowly around Mexico with plans to eventually go (almost) everywhere.