How to Secure Free Accommodation Through House-Sitting: (Part 13)

When I landed my first house-sitting gig in a charming cottage in the English countryside, I couldn't believe my luck. Three weeks of free accommodation, a friendly golden retriever named Max, and enough savings to extend my European adventure by another month. That experience transformed how I traveled, and it can do the same for you.

House-sitting isn't just about cutting costs—it's about experiencing destinations authentically, living like a local, and building meaningful connections around the world. If accommodation is draining your travel budget (and let's be honest, it usually is), this guide will show you exactly how to unlock free stays in beautiful homes across the globe.

What Is House-Sitting and Why Should You Care?

House-sitting is a simple exchange: homeowners let you stay in their property for free while they're away, and you care for their home and often their pets. No rent, no utility bills, just the responsibilities of keeping the home secure and the pets happy.

Think about this for a moment. Accommodation typically eats up 50-70% of a traveler's budget. Eliminate that expense, and suddenly destinations like Switzerland, Norway, or New Zealand—places that might have seemed financially out of reach—become entirely feasible. You could travel twice as long on the same budget, or upgrade your travel experience in other ways.

But the benefits go beyond money. House-sitting offers:

A Real Home Base: Unlike hostels or hotels, you get a full kitchen (hello, budget-friendly cooking), a washing machine, comfortable living spaces, and the privacy to work productively if you're a digital nomad.

Authentic Local Experience: You're living in residential neighborhoods, shopping at local markets, and experiencing daily life rather than tourist bubbles.

Animal Companionship: For pet lovers traveling long-term, house-sitting fills that void of not having your own furry friend on the road.

Slower, More Meaningful Travel: House-sits encourage you to stay longer in one place, reducing travel fatigue and allowing deeper cultural immersion.

The Top Platforms for Finding House-Sits

Several platforms connect house-sitters with homeowners. Here's my breakdown of the best options:

TrustedHousesitters

This is the heavyweight champion of house-sitting platforms. With tens of thousands of listings worldwide, you'll find opportunities everywhere from urban apartments in Tokyo to vineyard estates in France.

Cost: Around $130 annually for sitters

Pros: Largest selection, identity verification, 24/7 support, includes veterinary coverage

Best For: Serious house-sitters willing to invest in the best opportunities

I've used TrustedHousesitters for three years, and the membership has paid for itself dozens of times over. The sheer volume of listings means you're more likely to find sits that perfectly match your travel plans.

House Carers

A solid alternative with strong coverage in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

Cost: Around $70 annually

Pros: Lower membership fee, straightforward interface, good review system

Best For: Budget-conscious sitters or those focusing on Oceania

Mind My House

Popular in the UK and Europe, this platform offers the most affordable entry point.

Cost: Around $20 annually

Pros: Very low cost, quality listings in certain regions

Cons: Smaller selection compared to TrustedHousesitters

Best For: First-timers wanting to test the waters without major investment

Nomador

A growing platform with an interesting pricing model.

Cost: Free to join, small fee when you secure a sit

Pros: No upfront cost, expanding rapidly in Europe and North America

Best For: Hesitant newcomers who want to explore without committing to membership fees

My Recommendation: Start with TrustedHousesitters if you're serious about house-sitting. Once you've built up reviews and experience, consider adding a second platform to maximize opportunities in specific regions.

Creating a Profile That Homeowners Can't Resist

Your profile is your first impression, and in the competitive world of house-sitting, it needs to inspire immediate trust. Homeowners are entrusting you with their most valuable possessions—their home and their beloved pets. Here's how to show you're worthy of that trust.

The Perfect Profile Photo

Use a clear, recent photo of yourself smiling warmly. Natural lighting works best. If you're applying as a couple, include a photo together showing both faces clearly. Avoid sunglasses, hats, or anything that obscures your face. You want to project approachability, warmth, and responsibility.

Writing Your Bio

This is where you tell your story. Write conversationally and authentically. Share:

• Who you are and what you do

• Why you're passionate about house-sitting

• Relevant experience with pets or homes

• Your travel style and values

  
  

Even without house-sitting experience, you likely have transferable skills. Did you grow up with pets? Have you been a responsible tenant or homeowner? Do you have a job that requires reliability and attention to detail?

Here's an example bio:

"Hi! I'm Marcus, a freelance software developer who's been working remotely for four years. After growing up on a small farm in Oregon with three dogs, two cats, and an ever-changing cast of foster animals, I deeply miss having pets around. House-sitting allows me to combine my love of travel with animal care, which feels like coming home. I'm meticulous about following routines, respectful of people's spaces, and treat every home I enter with the same care I'd want for my own. When I'm not coding, you'll find me hiking, cooking elaborate meals, or learning phrases in the local language."

The Power of References

References are gold, especially when you're starting out. If you don't have house-sitting references yet, request character references from:

• Current or former employers

• Landlords who can vouch for how you maintained your rental

• Friends who know your reliability and character

• Anyone you've pet-sat for, even informally

  
  

Reach out before creating your profile and ask if they'd be comfortable writing a brief testimonial. Most people are happy to help.

Complete Every Section

Don't leave anything blank. Fill out details about:

• Your work and schedule flexibility

• Previous pet care experience

• Languages you speak

• Your interests and hobbies

• Countries you've traveled to

  
  

A complete profile signals professionalism and commitment. Half-finished profiles get passed over.

Strategies for Landing Your First House-Sit

Competition can be fierce, especially in popular destinations during peak seasons. Homeowners often receive 30-50 applications within the first 24 hours of posting. Here's how to stand out and secure sits consistently.

Set Up Alerts and Apply Early

Enable notifications for new listings in your target destinations. Being among the first applicants dramatically increases your chances. Many homeowners make decisions quickly when they find the right fit.

Personalize Every Application

Generic copy-paste applications are obvious and instantly rejected. Take time to craft personalized messages that show you've actually read the listing.

Mention specifics: Reference their pet's name, a unique detail from their listing, or something about the location that excites you.

Address their concerns: If they mention their dog has anxiety, explain your experience with nervous dogs. If they worry about their garden, highlight your plant care skills.

Ask thoughtful questions: This demonstrates genuine interest and engagement.

Here's a template structure:

1. Warm greeting using their names

2. Brief introduction of who you are

3. Why this specific sit appeals to you

4. Relevant experience that matches their needs

5. One or two genuine questions

6. Friendly closing

   
   

Example:

"Hi Sarah and Tom, I'd be honored to care for Luna and your beautiful home in Lisbon. I noticed Luna is a senior cat with specific dietary needs—I cared for my grandmother's diabetic cat for two years and understand the importance of consistent medication schedules. Your rooftop garden looks stunning. I'd love to maintain it while enjoying morning coffees watching the sunrise. How does Luna typically react to new people, and is there a favorite spot in the house where she feels most comfortable? I'm available for your full date range and would be happy to arrange a video call at your convenience. Warm regards, Marcus"

Be Flexible with Dates

When you're building your reputation, flexibility is your superpower. If you can adjust your travel plans by a few days to match a homeowner's schedule, mention it in your application. This willingness often tips the scales in your favor.

Consider Less Popular Destinations

Everyone wants Barcelona, Paris, and Bali. But some of my most memorable sits have been in places I'd never heard of—a farmhouse in rural Portugal, a cabin in the Scottish Highlands, a beach house in a small Croatian village. These locations face less competition and offer incredible authentic experiences.

Build Local Reviews First

If you're struggling to land international sits without reviews, start local. Offer to house-sit in your home city or region, even just for weekends. These shorter sits help you build credibility. You can even ask friends or family if you can officially sit for them through the platform to generate initial reviews.

Acing the Video Interview

When a homeowner is interested in your application, they'll likely request a video call. This is your interview—treat it professionally while keeping the tone warm and personable.

Preparation

• Test your internet connection and equipment beforehand

• Choose a quiet, well-lit location with a neutral background

• Have a notebook ready for taking notes

• Research the area so you can ask informed questions

• Review the listing one more time

  
  

During the Call

Let them lead initially. Homeowners want to assess whether they can trust you. Allow them to explain their situation, describe their pets, and outline expectations.

Ask detailed questions about:

• Pet routines, quirks, and health needs

• House systems (security, heating, wifi)

• Emergency contacts (vet, plumber, trusted neighbor)

• House rules and boundaries

• Arrival and departure logistics

  
  

Take visible notes. This shows you're organized and take their instructions seriously.

Be genuinely enthusiastic about their pets and home, but keep it authentic. False enthusiasm is easy to detect.

Be honest about your experience level. If you've never administered pet medication, say so and express your willingness to learn. Homeowners appreciate honesty over overconfidence.

After the Call

Send a follow-up message within 24 hours thanking them for their time and reiterating your interest. Mention something specific from the conversation to personalize it. This simple gesture demonstrates professionalism and keeps you top of mind.

Making Your House-Sit a Five-Star Experience

You've secured the sit—congratulations! Now let's ensure it's exceptional for everyone involved, leading to glowing reviews that unlock future opportunities.

Arrival and Handover

Arrive on time or even slightly early if logistics allow. Bring a small thank-you gift—local treats, wine, flowers, or something thoughtful from your travels. This warm gesture sets a positive tone.

During the handover, ask questions about everything. Where are the circuit breakers? How does the heating work? What's the wifi password? Where do they keep pet supplies? Who waters which plants? Take detailed notes or photos for reference.

Get emergency contacts for the veterinarian, a trusted neighbor, and any relevant service providers. Save these in your phone immediately.

Respect the Home Like It's Your Own (Or Better)

This sounds obvious, but it's worth emphasizing. Keep the home as clean or cleaner than you found it. Follow house rules precisely. Don't rearrange furniture or use rooms that are off-limits. If something breaks accidentally, communicate immediately and offer to repair or replace it.

Small touches matter. Make the bed daily, keep the kitchen spotless, take your shoes off if that's the norm. These details create trust.

Pet Care Excellence

Stick religiously to established routines. Same feeding times, same portion sizes, same walk routes, same play schedule. Animals thrive on consistency, and deviating from their routine can cause stress.

Learn their unique personalities. Some dogs need long walks, others prefer short frequent trips. Some cats are cuddly, others are independent. Pay attention and adapt your approach to each animal's needs.

If a pet seems unwell, contact the homeowner immediately and don't hesitate to contact the vet if it's serious. Homeowners would rather hear about a false alarm than discover you delayed necessary care.

Communication is Everything

Send regular updates with photos. Homeowners love seeing their pets are happy and their home is secure. A simple message every 2-3 days works well: "Bella had a great walk this morning and is now snoozing in her favorite sunny spot. Garden is doing well—I've been watering as instructed. All good here!"

For longer sits, perhaps share a funny story or cute moment. This builds connection and reassures them that their pets are thriving.

The Perfect Departure

Before you leave, deep clean the house. We're talking beyond normal tidy—vacuum thoroughly, mop floors, clean bathrooms completely, do all laundry and put it away, and empty all trash. Leave the home noticeably cleaner than you found it.

Restock anything you used. If you finished their coffee, replace it. Same with toilet paper, dish soap, or pantry staples.

Leave a thank-you note sharing highlights of your stay and anything notable about the pets or home. Fresh flowers on the table are a lovely final touch.

Complete your side of the review promptly and honestly. Positive reviews help homeowners too and demonstrate you're a thoughtful, professional sitter.

Overcoming Common House-Sitting Challenges

Let's address obstacles you're likely to encounter and how to navigate them successfully.

The "No Reviews" Problem

Everyone starts somewhere, but homeowners understandably prefer experienced sitters. Here's how to break into the market:

Start local: Offer to sit in your home city, even for just a weekend. Local homeowners may be more willing to take a chance on someone without reviews since they can meet you in person.

Leverage your network: Ask friends, family, or colleagues if they need a sitter. Do it officially through the platform so you receive a review.

Offer more: For your first few sits, be extra flexible with dates, offer additional services like garden maintenance, or target sits that have been listed for a while without applicants.

Highlight transferable experience: Even without house-sitting reviews, emphasize relevant experience in your profile and applications.

Dealing with Competition

Popular destinations during peak seasons can receive hundreds of applications per listing. To compete:

Apply immediately: Be among the first applicants by setting up alerts.

Target off-peak times: Consider shoulder seasons when there's less competition.

Look beyond tourist hotspots: Amazing opportunities exist in smaller towns and less obvious destinations.

Offer longer availability: If you can commit to a six-week sit while others offer only two weeks, you become more attractive.

Handling Unexpected Issues

Things go wrong—pets get sick, pipes leak, storms damage roofs. When problems arise:

Stay calm: Panicking helps no one.

Document everything: Take photos, keep receipts, maintain a timeline of events.

Communicate immediately: Contact the homeowner as soon as an issue appears, regardless of time zones.

Solve problems proactively: Use the emergency contacts provided, call the vet or plumber, and take necessary action while keeping the homeowner informed.

Be honest: If something was your fault, own it immediately and offer to make it right.

Managing Loneliness

Long sits in remote locations can feel isolating, especially if you're traveling solo. Combat this by:

Maintaining routines: Keep your normal work schedule, exercise routine, and social rituals.

Exploring locally: Even small towns have cafes, markets, and community events.

Joining online communities: Digital nomad forums, expat groups, and house-sitting communities offer connection.

Video calls with loved ones: Schedule regular check-ins with friends and family back home.

Planning nearby excursions: Use your free accommodation as a base for day trips and weekend adventures.

Is House-Sitting Right for You?

House-sitting isn't for everyone, and that's okay. It works best if you:

• Genuinely enjoy animals and feel comfortable caring for them

• Value slower travel and staying put for extended periods

• Are responsible, reliable, and detail-oriented

• Can adapt to different living situations and routines

• Don't mind being tied to specific dates and locations

• Are comfortable with the level of responsibility involved

  
  

If this sounds like you, house-sitting could revolutionize your travel lifestyle. If not, there are plenty of other budget accommodation strategies to explore.

Your Action Plan: Getting Started Today

Ready to dive in? Here's your step-by-step action plan:

Today:

1. Choose your primary platform (I recommend TrustedHousesitters)

2. Take quality profile photos

3. Draft your bio using the guidelines above

   
   

This Week:

1. Complete your entire profile

2. Request references from 3-5 people

3. Set up search alerts for your target destinations

4. Join house-sitting Facebook groups for tips and community

   
   

This Month:

1. Apply to 10-15 sits, personalizing each application

2. Consider local sits to build reviews

3. Prepare interview questions and practice video calls

4. Research pet care basics if you're rusty

   
   

Ongoing:

1. Check alerts daily and apply promptly

2. Refine your applications based on what works

3. Maintain communication with homeowners

4. Build your reputation through excellent sits

   
   

The Bottom Line

House-sitting transformed my ability to travel long-term on a budget. What once seemed financially impossible—spending months in expensive countries, extending trips indefinitely, maintaining a comfortable lifestyle while exploring the world—became entirely achievable.

But beyond the financial benefits, house-sitting enriched my travels in unexpected ways. I've formed lasting friendships with homeowners, fallen in love with towns I'd never heard of, and experienced genuine local life instead of tourist surfaces. The animals have been wonderful companions, filling the void of being away from my own pets back home.

Is it always easy? No. There's responsibility involved, and not every sit is perfect. But the rewards—both financial and experiential—far outweigh the challenges.

So create that profile, polish your application skills, and start applying. Your first house-sit is out there waiting. And who knows? It might just change how you travel forever.

Have questions about house-sitting? Drop them in the comments below. Already an experienced house-sitter? Share your best tips with the community—we'd love to hear your stories and advice!