Dreaming of a career that lets you travel the world, enjoy free stays in various countries, or just earn a little extra? House sitting offers all that and even more. Yet, like any other fantastic opportunity, it takes a bit of patience, effort, and some preparatibeon to get started.
So, how to become a house sitter? In this blog post, we'll explore what house sitting really is, what homeowners expect, and how to gain their trust. You will also learn how this job lets you explore new places and get practical tips from experienced sitters. Ready? Let's start with the basics!
All in all, being a house sitter is all about reliability and responsibility. You don't need hard skills – just the ability to care for a house as if it were yours. Pet sitting may require experience or even certifications, but house sitting is often simpler.
Your primary duties typically involve keeping the home safe, clean, and functioning. Occasionally, the list of things to do while house sitting includes collecting mail or parcels or picking up clothes from the laundry. And sometimes, you'll have to call a professional if something needs fixing.
As you can see, you don't need to have specific expertise to be a good house sitter. But you must be honest and have a good reputation, so that people can trust you with their belongings. If you're dependable and attentive, you can become a house sitter now!
What it all boils down to is: how do you become a house sitter? It all starts with understanding the role and deciding if it's right for you. While it's not complicated, building trust and connections takes a little time. And if you're starting out, you might not have a steady stream of offers immediately – but don't worry, patience pays off!
For starters, decide whether you want to care for pets. Many house sitting gigs involve pet care, so if you're allergic or simply not a pet person, specify it in your profile. If you've already figured that out, here's your 101 guide:
Don't forget to ask for a recommendation after completing your first house sitting gig. A glowing review from a happy homeowner will help you land more opportunities. It can work wonders for your profile, showing future homeowners you’re reliable, caring, and trustworthy. You'll be a pro before you blink!
Starting anything new can be overwhelming. But guess what? Nobody starts as an expert. While many homeowners prefer seasoned sitters, many give newcomers a chance if they come across as reliable and trustworthy. So, how to make a great first impression?
Starting as a house sitter without experience isn't as hard as it sounds. Just a small effort, a few kind words from people who trust you, and a dash of initiative will bring you your first assignment. Why not make today your day?
I'm qualified in another profession – how can I become a house sitter? Easy! This job doesn't require hard skills. You don't need any formal qualifications like degrees or certifications. What matters most are soft skills and personal qualities that homeowners can trust:
Finally, but just as important. How old do you have to be to be a house sitter? Depending on the region, you should be 18 or 21 years old. Being a legal adult ensures you can take full responsibility and secure any necessary insurance for occasional damages.
You already know the answer. Just prove to them that you are a credible person. Building trust is not that hard. All you need to do is to be genuine, professional, and responsible. Here's how you earn confidence:
Pro tip: Your online behavior matters. Posting photos of wild parties, careless activities, or anything that might seem unprofessional on Facebook, Instagram, or other social platforms could raise red flags for potential homeowners. After all, they entrust you with their home and possibly their beloved pets. Keep your online presence aligned with your resume.
How to become an international house sitter? It's similar to taking up gigs locally – you still need to be trustworthy, have references, and maintain insurance. However, going international brings both new challenges and opportunities. At the very least, you must plan everything more carefully and thoroughly. Here are some suggestions for a smooth start:
Please always have a backup strategy. Things sometimes go differently than planned. Have some funds for unexpected situations, like needing a hotel or a last-minute return ticket. Also, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergencies and liabilities abroad.
On Flatrover, you'll find countless offers from homeowners across various states, countries, and continents. Imagine spending a week in vibrant California, a few days in sunny Texas, and then exploring Alaska! Or maybe you're dreaming of an adventure abroad? Just choose a region and browse the listings on Flatrover to:
As an international sitter, you can take on multiple gigs through our platform, allowing you to plan longer stays in different locations. Combine these opportunities with remote work by bringing your laptop. This way, you can enjoy your travels while saving on accommodation costs and earning money to explore attractions.
As mentioned earlier, you must be a person of legal age to house sit. Taking responsibility for someone else's property and obtaining the necessary insurance are crucial for this kind of job. Additionally, to become an international sitter, you must be old enough to travel on your own.
On Flatrover, we only accept profiles from individuals who are over 21. While the age of adulthood varies by country – 18 in some places and 21 in others – we've set a universal age limit for everyone to ensure a consistent process and rules.
Flatrover may be a newer platform, but it's packed with features designed to make your house sitting experience simple and secure. We go beyond connecting homeowners and sitters by implementing top-tier security measures and providing tools that are easy to use. Ready? Here’s a straightforward way to become a sitter:
And the best part? You don’t need a significant investment to start. For an affordable €69 annual fee, you gain full access to all our locations and services, including security checks, settelment of disputes, and 24/7 customer support.
That's all it takes to set your new career in motion. Now, you know what to do when house sitting and how to land your first job. Be genuine and honest, and grab opportunities that come your way!
Create a profile on a trusted platform like Flatrover, highlight your strengths, and add references. Be proactive in contacting homeowners and stay open to opportunities in your area or beyond. Oh, and don’t forget to include a friendly photo of yourself!
Enjoy free accommodations, travel opportunities, and acquaintances with people and pets worldwide. House sitting is also a fantastic way to save money while earning extra income. Plus, caring for a home and pets brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Provide your services to friends or family to get first references. Set up a strong and honest profile highlighting your reliability, and be sure to apply for all suitable listings, even if you lack formal experience. A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and trustworthiness can sometimes be valued more than proficiency.
Learn about the local culture, build your route, and always have a backup plan (like emergency funds or a return ticket). Also, prepare all the necessary documents, visas, and international insurance in advance.
Yes. Being an adult is a must. Depending on the region, it means you have to be over 18. On Flatrover, the minimum age is 21. This ensures you are mature enough to take on the responsibility and arrange any necessary documents, like insurance.
