Discover the Joy of House Sitting: A Game Changer for Budget Travelers

Hello, friends! Welcome back to In Reverie, where I dive into my adventures in slow travel and creative living. Today, I’m thrilled to talk about a life-changing discovery for budget travelers—house sitting. If you’re looking to explore new places without burning a hole in your pocket, I feel like this is the golden ticket!

the reality of budget travel

When I first planned my move to the UK, I quickly realized that rental costs were astronomical. The idea of my savings vanishing before I even began my journey was terrifying. I explored every option—staying with friends, couch surfing—but nothing felt right. Then, I stumbled upon Trusted House Sitters, and like you might be, I was skeptical. Could this really be legit?

Spoiler alert: it is, and it’s been a game changer for me. Trusted House Sitters is 100% worth it. I have had a great experience so far and will continue to enjoy the benefits of it. It’s a win-win: homeowners get peace of mind, and sitters like me get free accommodation.

Affordable House Sitting for Budget Travelers
Enjoying the company of pets while house sitting in the UK.

quick tips:

If you’re short on time, here is a list of my best tips!

Getting started wasn’t a walk in the park. I spent hours perfecting our profile on Trusted House Sitters. Here’s how I did it:

  1. Perfect Your Profile: Use clear, friendly photos and detailed descriptions about yourself, your experience, and why you want to house sit. Make sure homeowners feel confident in your ability to care for their home and pets.

  2. Gather References: Even if you’ve never house-sat before, get character references from people who can vouch for you. It helps build trust with potential homeowners.

  3. Craft Thoughtful Applications: When applying for a house sit, I personalised my message to each homeowner. I shared who I am, why I wanted to house sit, and what made me a great fit for their needs. Being honest and setting clear expectations was key.

  4. Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your profile and messages. Homeowners appreciate honesty and reliability.

  5. Fill Out Your Profile Completely: Include plenty of information and photos to make your profile inviting and trustworthy.

  6. Be Clear and Concise: When applying, clearly explain why you’re interested, what you offer, and what you expect in return.

Black Labrador running in wildflower fields UK home during house sit.

my house sitting journey

I was hesitant at first, but I decided to invest in a $199 annual membership. It felt like a lot, especially when I was working long hours and sadly avoiding social events to save as much as possible. But now, as I write this from a cozy home in Halifax, with two adorable dogs napping beside me, I can confidently say it was worth every cent. Not to mention, I’m about to bake a cake in this incredible kitchen—wish me luck, it’s probably going to be a disaster (but hey, we’re all about progress, not perfection, right?).


why house sitting works for me

Initially, house sitting was all about saving money. I quickly realised that even hostels could be pricey (looking at you, Amsterdam). But house sitting offers so much more than just a free place to stay. You get the comfort of a home, the company of pets, and the chance to truly immerse yourself in a local community. It’s a perfect option for long-term travelers who crave a sense of stability and homeliness. It doesn’t feel like I am on the other side of the world to be honest, the feeling of home sickness comes far less than I was expecting.


final thoughts

House sitting has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s allowed me to explore the world without the stress of high accommodation costs, and I’ve made some wonderful connections along the way. If you’re on the fence about house sitting, take the leap. It’s an incredible way to see the world, live like a local, and, of course, snuggle up with some adorable pets.

Thank you for following along on this journey. Until next time.


 

hi, i’m h!

Sharing my stories, tips & tricks so you can spend your time enjoying other things in life rather than scouring the internet for hours.

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Building Routines and Overcoming Struggles While Traveling

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Starting a Conversation About Anxiety: A Personal Journey of Growth and Connection