Does saving for a deposit mean putting your travel dreams on hold? Not necessarily! Enter house-sitting – a new way to travel while turbocharging your savings journey.
What if?
Imagine waking up in a Scottish Highlands cottage, an Outback Queensland ranch or a brownstone in Upstate New York – all while paying zero accommodation costs. This isn’t a dream; it’s a reality for thousands of house-sitters around the world who have discovered this clever way to combine travel with practical financial planning.
How House-Sitting Works
Getting started in house-sitting is easier than you think. Here’s your step-by-step guide:
1. Choose Your Platform
Join a reputable house-sitting platform like TrustedHousesitters or MindMyHouse. These platforms connect homeowners with trustworthy house-sitters and provide a secure way to arrange assignments.
2. Create Your Profile
Your profile is your introduction to homeowners. Include:
- Your background and job
- Pet and property care experience
- Personal interests
- Professional and character references
- Relevant skills and qualifications
3. Find Your Match
Browse listings that fit your:
- Locations
- Dates
- Pet care requirements
- Property maintenance needs
4. Start Your Journey
Once matched with a homeowner, you’ll get:
- A full-house manual
- Emergency contact details
- Local area guides and recommendations
- Sometimes, even a car!
House-Sitting Benefits
House-sitting has many benefits beyond the obvious savings:
- Live Like a Local: See destinations like a local, not a tourist
- Animal Companionship: For animal lovers who can’t have pets of their own
- Flexibility: Choose assignments that fit your schedule and preferred locations
- Cultural Immersion: Live different lifestyles and communities
- Big Savings: Eliminate accommodation costs while travelling or stay in your local area to save more
Things to Consider
Before you start house-sitting, consider these:
Responsibilities
- Property maintenance and security
- Pet care and vet emergencies
- Regular communication with homeowners
- Problem-solving when things go wrong
Practicalities
- Assignments vary in length and may not always align
- Popular locations are competitive
- Last-minute changes or cancellations can happen
- Need for backup accommodation between sits
How to Maximise the Savings
House-sitting can supercharge your savings:
Remote Work
If you can work remotely, consider:
- Longer assignments
- Locations with good internet
- Setting up a proper workspace in each location
Local
Staying in your local area has extra benefits:
- Keep your current job
- Stay connected with family and friends
- No travel costs
- Get the most savings
Is House-Sitting for You?
House-sitting could be your ticket if you:
- Are comfortable with pets and basic property maintenance
- Have flexibility in your schedule
- Like to adapt to new surroundings
- Are trustworthy and reliable
- Want to save more while having fun
Get Started
Ready to try house-sitting to boost your home deposit savings? Start by:
- Researching house-sitting platforms
- Creating your profile
- Getting references through local pet-sitting or property care
- First house-sitting assignment
Need a Savings Plan?
Whether house-sitting or looking at other ways to get to your property sooner our financial planners can help you create a plan that suits you.