How to be a Trusted (and trustworthy) Housesitter
Introduction
So, you're thinking about house sitting because, let's face it, who wouldn't want to escape their own four walls for someone else's, potentially more interesting, four walls? I stumbled upon Trusted Housesitters 18 months ago and it's been a game-changer.
When used in the right way, Trusted Housesitters is a life changing platform.
A common misconception is that house sitting is a free holiday.
Spoiler: It’s not. You’re stepping into someone’s life, taking care of their pets and home. It’s a big deal. But, if you’re up for the challenge, the perks are unmatched. You get to slow travel, embedding yourself into the very fabric of diverse lifestyles, communities, and cultures.
I’ve put together a few tips on how to be the best version of you when it comes to being a ‘Trustworthy’ housesitter with a glowing profile, reviews and frequent requests. The kind that has homeowners saying, “Please, come live in my house and hang out with my dog.”
Creating Your Profile: Not a Dating App, But Almost
First things first, your profile on TrustedHousesitters. Think of it as your dating profile, but instead of swiping potential love interests, you’re trying to convince strangers that you're the Mary Poppins of house sitting.
Photos: Upload ones where you look responsible and not like you’re favourite past time is a Full Moon party and a bucket of rum. You can have a personality and you will have free time to explore but your primary job on a housesit is to being attentive and caring. It’s a respect thing. If you’ve completed housesits or cared for animals, upload the photos! Everyone likes a cute animal and it shows you in your element.
Bio: Talk about your genuine love for animals in a way that doesn’t scream "I prefer them to humans" (even if you do). Mention your skills and experiences, like that time you successfully kept a cactus alive for more than a month. If you don’t like animals and your’re applying for pet-sits, please just book a hotel, it isn’t for you. Talk about your day job, hosts like to understand your other commitments. If your circumstances are ‘travelling the world atm’ then include it! It’s not a job application, it shows you are free spirited, flexible and adaptable.
Some examples of our travels!
What do you want from trusted housesitting?
The first thing to understand is why people might need a housesitter and why you’re on the platform in the first place.
Hosts: You're not just crashing at someone's place for free. You're there because someone needs to keep the ship sailing smoothly while they're away. Whether they're jetting off on holiday or dealing with something as serious as a medical emergency, they need someone reliable. I once ended up in a remote European spot because the owners had to dash back to the UK. For them, it's peace of mind. For me? It was a chance to live like a local, with a workspace that didn't suck. Win-win, right? But it's not always about sipping coffee in scenic spots. You're juggling responsibilities – pets, plants, possibly a pool. So, if you're in it thinking it's a holiday with extra steps, you might want to reconsider.
Housesitting: Adventure, with a purpose. Besides the obvious perk of saving on accommodation, it's about the experience. Immersing yourself in a new community, understanding different ways of life, and hanging out with animals. But remember, it's a two-way street. Flexibility, communication, and a genuine care for the home and pets are key.
I have met some incredible hosts through Trusted Housesitters, been welcomed into homes, tried food I’d never heard of, seen sights that aren’t in any guidebook and made lifelong friends. Not a bad exchange for a few dog walks, is it?
Landing Your First Gig: The Hunger Games Begin
If you made it this far, you're either really into the idea of house sitting, or you just enjoy my charming cynicism. Either way, here’s a tip - the sign up process is easy, and this link and code scores you a discount: sign up now and enter FINDINGHANNA25.
Trusted Housesitters can be a competitive platform because the opportunities can be SO good. So it’s important to have a solid, informative and personable profile to help you stand out.
Call in the Favours: So, you're as trustworthy as they come—now let's convince the internet. The Trusted Housesitters platforms lets you request reviews outside of the platform, to help you build momentum. Got an aunt who trusted you with her prized Shitzu and came back to find it alive? Epic. Turn those personal victories into glowing reviews on your profile. Even if it's just walking the neighbour's dog without causing an international incident, it counts.
Start Local: Kick off your house-sitting career locally. Think of it as the minor leagues—your training ground for the International Cup. Prove you're not a flight risk with a solid track record of local sits. It’s your chance to show off that you’re the punctual, plant-watering, pet-pampering prodigy they’re looking for.
Read the Profile: In a world where ChatGPT could whip up an application in less time than it takes to make toast, resist the urge. Read through listings like they're the last texts from civilization. Remote location? Make sure you’re not going to end up reenacting your own version of Cast Away. Can you juggle a full-time job and a diabetic dog? Know before you commit. Whilst Trusted Housesitters requires ID verification and brilliant security, Hosts have a responsibility to let you know exactly what you’re letting yourself in for. If they have negative reviews, bad vibes or the house isn’t to your taste - don’t apply. Don’t put yourself in a vulnerable position.
Customise your message You wouldn’t let AI handle your dating life (and if you would, we need to talk). When you find a sit that suits you, message the host. Introduce yourself and emphasise key points from your profile. Chat about the location (i.e., I only live an hour away, I’m completely flexible!) and date commitments. Throw in a personalised compliment about their pet—everyone likes to hear their dog is the cutest. Don’t be scared of disclosing why this sit suits you, hosts aren’t daft. If it’s a villa in Spain, with a swimming pool and stunning view - say that you’ve always wanted to try paella and have the luxury of working remotely. Most hosts are proud to open up their homes.
Securing the Sit: Questions Are Your Best Friend
Alright, you've made it past the first hurdle. The platform's a bit like a reality show where only the first five applicants get to the next round, and if they aren’t right it's a free-for-all again. So, if your inbox is quiet, don’t be disheartened.
When the host finally slides into your DMs—usually hinting at a video call to see if you're as sane as you claim—here's some more tips:
Pet Quirks: Ask about them. Yes, you'll get a handbook via the platform that makes War and Peace look like a pamphlet, but it's your job to dig deeper. Is Fido secretly plotting world domination, or does Whiskers have a vendetta against mailmen? This is your chance to get the lowdown on what's not in the guide.
Responsibilities: They say you'll be "maintaining a garden." If your green thumb is more of a thumb you once painted green, get specifics. Will you be wrestling with a lawnmower, or is "watering the plants" code for ensuring the rain does its job? Clarify now to avoid any surprises.
During Your Stay: Not Quite a Holiday
Ah, the actual house sitting. Where dreams of a relaxing getaway meet the reality of a 6am dog walk.
Communication: Keep the owners updated, but no need to turn it into a daily diary. They probably don’t need to know what you had for breakfast, unless their pet decided to join you.
Emergencies: Know who to call, because ‘ask the internet’ isn’t always the best advice when the cat’s stuck in the chimney.
Wrapping Up: Leave No Trace
As your housesit comes to an end, make sure to leave the house better than you found it, or at least not worse.
Clean Up: A clean house is the bare minimum. Go the extra mile; leave a thank you note, or don’t, depending on how the stay went.
Feedback: Be honest but kind. Remember, this isn’t Yelp, and there’s no prize for the snarkiest review.
Conclusion: Ready for Round Two?
House sitting can keep you on your toes but it’s worth it for the stories, the savings, and hanging out with animals in the wildest of places.
So there you have it, a no-nonsense guide to navigating the wild world of TrustedHousesitters. I can hand on heart say, I’ve had nothing short of positive experiences on the app - but it’s better to be prepared. Go into the journey with a positive, dynamic attitude and a respect for the hosts and chances are, that's exactly what you'll get back.
Until next time, happy sitting!
P.s remember you can use the code FINDINGHANNA25 for 25% off TrustedHousesitters.
