Our 11 Secret Tips for How to Start House Sitting ASAP!
Are you looking for help with how to start house sitting? You’re in the right place!
If you’ve ever fantasized about waking up in a cozy country cottage in the Cotswolds or watching sunsets from a beachfront villa in Bali—all without the hefty price tag of long-term stays….you’re not alone.
We did, too! And we’ve found that house sitting can turn these dreams into reality, offering accommodations in exchange for looking after the homeowner’s property and pets.
I’ve been house sitting since 2008 and I’ve been doing it practically full time since 2019 when my family became digital nomads.
While creating a standout profile on house-sitting platforms is standard advice, our guide is less traditional. I’ll walk you through some unique strategies for how to start house sitting quickly and easily. Let’s jump in!
Quick Intro to House sitting
For the uninitiated, house sitting involves taking care of someone’s home while they are away, often involving pet care, maintaining the garden, or ensuring overall security.
House sitting is an exchange that benefits both parties.
The homeowner enjoys peace of mind knowing their home is cared for, and the sitter gains free accommodation, making it an attractive option for frequent travelers, digital nomads, pet lovers, and anyone in between.
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How to Start House Sitting Like a Pro
We did these three things when we joined our first platform, Trusted HouseSitters, and had our first house sit invitation within a week.
1. Hit the Ground Running
A fantastic way to gather steam is by applying to “last-minute” sits near your hometown.
These opportunities might not be as competitive, allowing you to secure a house sit more easily and accumulate those all-important positive reviews.
2. Face-to-Face Wins the Race
Whenever possible, offer to meet homeowners personally before they depart for non-last-minute sits.
This tactic proved golden for us. Several homeowners, including our first house sit, appreciated the personal touch so much that it was the deciding factor in choosing us for the job.
3. Leverage Your Circle
Don’t underestimate the power of starting within your network. House-sitting for friends or family can help you gain initial experience and testimonials. It can even be checking in on their pets when they go out of town for an overnight or weekend trip.
Just remember to ask them for those crucial references. Especially if you register on a house sitting platform like Trusted HouseSitters, you can ask them to complete references on that platform, too!
-> If you want 25% off your first-year membership, then click here for our Trusted House Sitters discount code!
Creative Marketing Tactics
How to start house sitting quickly requires you to get a bit creative.
4. Old-School Flyers
It might sound a bit retro, but posting flyers in community hubs can capture the attention of homeowners who prefer a personal touch. Go to your local coffee shops, libraries, and community centers.
Put up flyers with your name and email or phone number on little tear off slips at the bottom. Offer last minute availability depending on dates, so that you can build your references by being available when no one else is.
5. Digital Savvy
Utilize platforms like Facebook groups and the NextDoor app to advertise your services.
This is how we found a six-week house sit in Costa Rica and several one-month house sits in Mexico! There are more than a few country-specific and region-specific house sitting groups on Facebook.
A brief, friendly post about your house-sitting services can open unexpected doors. Use the internet to your advantage.
6. Real Estate Networking
Attending open houses to network with realtors may seem out of left field, but these professionals often know homeowners who need reliable house sitters.
This is especially true for realtors who’ve recently sold a home to someone new to the area with a pet. Going to many open houses can be time-consuming, so you can also consider visiting their offices to offer your services.
Presenting a professional card or brochure could help set you apart.
7. HOA Outreach
Homeowner associations and property management companies sometimes require house sitters to maintain properties between tenants, offering a unique avenue for gigs.
You can also ask the association or company to put up your flyers on their bulletin boards or networking rooms/areas.
Standing Out From the Crowd
Even if you’re just using a membership platform to apply for house sits, there are several ways you can make your profile and application more attractive.
8. Digital Résumé
Creating a digital resume that showcases your experience, skills, and homeowners’ testimonials, along with high-quality photos or even videos, can dramatically increase your credibility.
I always maintain current photos of us with the various pets we’ve cared for recently, so that homeowners can more easily see that we are not only experienced but have current references.
9. Niche Certifications & Specialties
Investing in certifications like pet CPR can make you particularly appealing to pet owners. Skills in pool maintenance or speaking a second language also add to your desirability.
We’ve had several homeowners ask us about our Spanish skills because they had housekeepers, gardeners, etc that only spoke Spanish.
Our ability to converse with them definitely gave us a leg up on our house sitting adventures throughout Latin America!
10. Extra Mile Services
When you offer more than just “house sitting,” you set yourself apart. Mention additional services you can provide like taking care of plants, maintaining the pool, or attending to any specific needs the homeowner may have.
This personalized approach adds value and enhances the overall experience for both you and the homeowner.
11. Safety First
By having liability insurance, you show homeowners that you are committed to your responsibilities and prioritize their protection.
This not only instills confidence in your professionalism but also offers homeowners an additional layer of security and assurance, ensuring a sense of peace and trust in your services.
Final Thoughts on How to Start House Sitting
Following the path less traveled by focusing on these unique house-sitting strategies can set you apart in a sea of applicants.
Remember, every homeowner has different needs and priorities, and by positioning yourself as a versatile, trustworthy, and personable house sitter, you’re more likely to secure those dream sits that others might miss out on.
In my own house-sitting adventures I’ve found that these approaches have not only helped us land incredible sits but have also led to lasting friendships with homeowners around the world.
And remember, each house sit is not just a free stay; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new community, live like a local, and make furry friends along the way.
Happy house sitting!
FAQs for How to Start House Sitting
Do you still have questions about how to start house sitting? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Can house sitters leave the house?
Yes, house sitters can leave the house, but it’s essential to ensure you’re present often enough to properly care for any pets.
Typically, we aim to limit our absences to no more than 4-6 hours a day and not on consecutive days.
Is there an age limit for trusted house sitters?
There is no strict age limit for becoming a trusted house sitter, as members must simply be 21 years of age or older.
However, they are welcome to have travelers with them under that age, allowing for opportunities to house sit as a family unit, just like we do with our school-aged child.
How do I start trusted house sitters?
To start your journey as a trusted house sitter, simply click this link to join the community.
Once you’ve signed up, make sure to complete your profile with care and detail, then feel free to apply to house sits that capture your interest and seem appealing.
How can I make money sitting on the couch?
House sitting offers a unique chance to earn money while caring for pets and homes. It’s a simple way to make an income by looking after pets and also get free lodging for those wanting to explore new places affordably.
We exchange house sitting for free lodging in places we travel, so we aren’t making money but we are saving it!
