House sitting is an exciting way to travel the world. It offers a chance to live like a local, meet new people and explore different cultures. However, there are some potential risks that come with house sitting in someone else’s home. This article will explain how you can avoid common problems and keep yourself safe during this type of experience.
Finding a House Sitting Job
Finding the best house sitting jobs can be as simple as using a website, or it can be as involved as talking to your neighbors. If you’re looking for an easy way to find house sitting jobs, try browsing through a handful of sites that specialize in connecting people with housesitting opportunities. You may also want to consider joining networks that connect homeowners and sitters with common interests such as animals or travel.
Many sites charge membership fees and require applicants to submit detailed information about themselves before they are allowed access to private listings of homeowners seeking caretakers for their properties (and vice versa). The more thorough the vetting process and requirements are for both sides—the homeowner and the sitter—the more likely it is that someone will do a good job and uphold their end of the deal.
Not All House Sitting Jobs Are Created Equal
There is a lot of house sitting jobs out there, and not all of them are created equal. If you’re looking for the best house sitting experience possible, you may want to consider some of the following factors:
- How rewarding is this particular job? Do you feel like your stay will be meaningful? Will it help make a difference in someone’s life? Or will it mostly just allow you to relax and enjoy yourself while earning some extra cash?
- What kinds of animals will I have an opportunity to care for at this home? Is there a nice outdoor space that would be good for dogs or cats? Are there any other types of animals who could benefit from my presence (e.g., horses)?
- How safe do I feel in this location alone at night or on weekends with no one else around except my hosts (if they live nearby)?
Respect the property you’re staying in but also look after yourself.
It’s important to respect the house you are staying in and maintain it as if it was your own property. You should also look after yourself, as you will be living in an unfamiliar place. If you have any concerns about the property or area where you’re staying, don’t stay there if possible.
Identify Your Own Needs and Expectations
Before you embark on a house-sitting job, it is important to identify your own needs and expectations. Once you are clear about what you want, be specific about your needs. As much as possible, be honest with yourself about what you expect from a housesitting job. It’s also important to be realistic about what can be expected from a house-sitting job, especially if this is your first time taking on one.
Conduct Your Own Research on Your Hosts
Conduct your own research on your prospective hosts. Check their profiles, reviews and other details about them. If a prospective host has not listed any information at all, then it may be wise to look elsewhere for a house sitter.
It is also smart to ask friends and family if they have ever used the service before and what they thought of it. This can help you determine whether or not the person is worth hiring in terms of professionalism and reliability.
Make sure that you check whether or not they are licensed by any local authorities as well as their cancellation policy, which should be clearly stated on their site or profile page (if there is one). Finally, visit the website directly where these things should also be listed somewhere publically available—but always remember: do your own research.
Follow Your Intuition About a Host’s Profile or Listing
If you have any doubts about a listing or profile, it’s better to pass on it. If you feel uncomfortable with a host, don’t hesitate to say so—a good house-sitting company will appreciate your honesty.
If you don’t know much about house sitting and are just starting out, consider sticking with experienced hosts who are already members of established websites that screen their members for safety purposes. And if possible, choose hosts that live in areas where house sitters are most needed—that way they’ll be more likely to welcome new people into the community.
Conclusion
House-sitting jobs can be a great way to make some extra cash while also getting to live in your dream home, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into. Make sure you do your research and find a reputable company that will provide you with all the information you need before choosing one.
About the Author
Monica is a passionate writer and content creator. Her interests include outdoor activities, fitness, technology, entrepreneurship and everything in between. Say hi to Monica on Twitter @monical_lee.
