About Housesitting

Research. The Internet is an amazing resource. If you are interested in House sitting there are many websites with information. In some countries there are many house sitting opportunities, while in others there are none. But if you can't find out what you want keep researching. Do a Google wit "House sitting .............." with the ......... replaced by the country that you wish to house sit in.

If you are doing it to have a low cost holiday there are other options. House swapping might be suitable for you. Do some research. WWoofing might work for you. WWoofing?

There is an amazing network of organic farms around the world that offer backpackers and other travellers free board and lodging in return for work on the farm. Check WWoof to find out all about it.

Low cost adventures are easy to find.

Check out my new blogsite - Adventures of an English Teacher

My friends know why I enjoy house sitting. I manage to get ME time. Peace and tranquility to pursue my own interests - particularly writing. But there are many reasons to house sit.

I've met people who do it to see more of the country. They'll go from house to house, from state to state, and with free rent it is good exchange for doing a few jobs around the house and keeping the garden waterered and the animals cared for.

Some people have done it between moves, (while waiting for their own home to be available), or to see if they'd enjoy living in a certain part of the country.

Sometimes it is not easy - one has to adjust to living in someone's home, using someones equipment and facilities.

I generally insist on a place with Wireless Internet, though I know hae roaming broadband, so I'm more flexible. I don't care if there is a dishwasher, as soemtimes I don't use it. Just for me there are so few dishes, it is easier and quicker to do them myself.

For me, it has been a great experience, and I long to do more, but I will be living in China for 4 1/2 months, and no need to housesit as I get free accomodation with my job. But I know I can always do it when I need to again.

I have been watching the website www.housecarers.com to see if any house sit opportunity comes up in the UK in July/August when we hope to be there. It would be a miracle to get the right dates - but, it is worth looking at.

The cost of accomodation in the UK during July is high, as it is the "high season" - summer, when many folk choose to go on holiday to the UK. As it turns out we chose July because of our business commitments, but it seems that we may be able to be more flexible, and it may be that we can actually stay longer - so house sitting is a possibility.

Actually I'd like to house sit in France or Italy - but that is for another time.

Here I am in China where I have been since February 2008 and I fly home to Australia on July 7th - to house sit. This will just be a short one, in one of the houses where I am a regular.

Each day though I can dream of other places - I get a daily update of house sit opportunities in Queensland, Australia, UK and Ireland. Some of the Irish ones sound fabulous, but the timing is obviously not right for me right now. Maybe early next year.

There are so many opportunities for folk to travel - one doesn't need a big bank balance to do it. One could Teach English as I am doing in China - where I get accommodation, food, and a small amount of money to live on. Easily.

I also enjoy the house sitting.

One of the things I enjoy is reading about the opportunties and having a bit of a dream. Some of the places sound fabulous!

What a strange relationship we had - the cat and I. Some days it would be very friendly and others it avoided me. However, all up we did get on well enough.

The cat put on weight too - perhaps an indication that it was not too stressed in my care. And sometimes the cat had an allergic condition, but this time there was no sign of it. Good.

And the fish - four tropical fish. They too put on weight. Did I really overfeed them? In any case they were big hungry fish by the time I had finished.

Anyway when the house sit was over, all animals were alive and well. The last night I didn't stay. They owners were due to fly into Brisbane at 6.30 am so I thought I'd get out late the night before. I locked the cat inside the house, but as I switched off the last light and went to exit the front door, the cat attempted to escape. I didn't kick it - I just used my foot to keep it from exiting and it turned on me with the usual cat sound for "I'm angry with you." Not a sweet meow!!

After the previous time when one very special cat disappeared - I was pleased that all animals were present and correct when I left.

I choose to leave my husband at home while I house sit. I love the freedom. Many home owners request couples - especially if there are big animals (cows, horses) or large areas to mow, or other out door activities.

All the homes I have cared for, the owners have been flexible, and there has been no suggestion that I needed a male to share the task with me, although, to be honest there are times when MM has visited and done some "work" for me.

Yesterday I planted some Gerberas in a brick garden bed near the letterbox. It had been empty for a year or so, and anyway the other garden needed some "help". I added garden soil and covered it with sugar cane mulch. I could have done it all on my own, but it was good to have some assistance.

When I was at the house before, the owners had arranged for someone to do something with the garden bed, and to put sugar cane mulch on it, but it never eventuated. I'm hoping they will be impessed when they return!

I'm not party animal - I lead a quiet life, so owners don't have to worry about any bad behaviour on my behalf or my visitors. That is the biggest worry of home owners - that somehow a party will "happen" and things be damaged.

Not likely with me.

I think I am best off when the cat is avoiding me. For reason's that I don't comprehend I'm in favour at the moment. That means the cat will try ever so hard to be with me. No, ON me.

Here I am at the computer and it has climbed up my leg, sat on one side of my lap and buried it's head into my forearm. It makes it hard to do anything. Any movement of the right arm/hand is a challenge. If I try to push her off, I'm met with much resistance.

Last night when she did it, and I did push her off (gently of course) she sat for some time on my computer as if to stop me doing enything on it.

So I worry when I can't find her, and I get annoyed when she wants to get up close and personal! C'est la vie!

This is always a concern for a house sitter. Things break or breakdown from time to time, and all the care in the world often is not enough to prevent this occurance.

I do have somecontact numbers if there are power problems - the electrician lives across the road, and the neighbour next door is apparently very helpfu, but so far, I've not had to call for help.

I've not broken anything at any of my house sits. I try to be very careful. Especially when I am holding something that is breakable. So far, so good.

Today though I realised that the water filter on the fish tank had not been turned on since I last cleaned out the tank. Ooops. I quickly turned it on, and it failed to work. I could hear the motor running, but the water was not shooting out the spout. Mmm. Could I fix it myself?

I turned the pump off at the power point, turned the light on to get a better look, and carefully dismantled the pump. Inside it was full of "gunk" perhaps stuff that had been in the pump before,but no doublt its lack of use over the last day or so didn't help. I carefully took it all apart and washed it, and hold the filter under running tap water. I could see the remnants of the gunk in the sink.

Carefully I put it back and gingerly turned the pump on at the power point. Hey presto! Straight away it worked. Phew!

Owners are intitled to believe with confidence that their things are being cared for, and some will have an agreement with the house sitter on who pays if something is broken. I would have paid for the replacement pump if it had not worked. It was my fault. But it is also a low cost item. I've not been challenged by the breaking of something expensive, and I hope that I do not.

On the program "A Current Affair" tonight was a plea from a lady in Western Victoria for a house sitter to care for her 500 animals. I'm sure some of my friends will be giving me a challenge to take it on! Watch the video of the show - click onto the link and then click on "Help look after 50 animals."

The lady who is from the UK, wants to visit, as she has not seen her daughters for 24 years. She apparently gained a reputation for caring for unwanted animals, and people leave animals tied up at her front gate, and she even found two kittens in her letter box. She is on a pension, but somehow manages to feed them - though she does get a number of donations to help here.

It appears she needs to take a holiday to the UK and visit her children, but desperately needs a house sitter to care for her animals. The cats and dogs are housed all over her property - and the number of cats in the house is phenomenal.

The reporter commented on the odour! I can only imagine! It would need some special house sitter to take on such a task. I wonder if she will find that very special person or persons?

Sorry, it is not for me. I'm challanged with just one or two cats!!! (I've seen THE CAT tonight, but she has refused to come in for her evening meal, and has gone missing again. At least I saw her an hour ago, and I can only hope she gets hungry and returns soon.

but it is not happy. Fleder appeared today around midday. Meow.... what a plaintiff sound it can be. No doubt she is missing her owners. I gently patted her and she continued her pitiful cry.

Perhaps tonight I will find a way to spoil her so that she does not feel so out of sorts. I don't know where she has been. Hopefully she and I will make friends again.

Why? I DO like cats. Last time Jasper went missing after my first three nights. I have just scompleted my first three nights and Fleder is giving me the cold shoulder, and I can't find her.

Last night I shut the doors so that she could not wander the neighbourhood overnight, and I don't know if she escaped somehow, but I couldn't find that cat.

This morning I looked again, but no cat! However, the food has been eaten, so I can only guess she is giving me a hard time. Damn cat!

I must say I have been lucky - I have had one house sit that did not work out well. It wasn't big deal, but I decided I would not go back.

At the moment I house sit in the general location of where I live - because I do it to have "me" time and work without much interruption on my manuscript. One day I will venture further to see more of Australia, but for the moment I'm happy to do local sits.

I like a clean house - with the basic mod cons. I rarely use the dishwasher, so that is not essential.

I like a "secure" house. As a lone female, that is important. The current house is like a fortress - but it works for me.

Flexibility. I can if necessary go away for a night or two. Not that I ever have, but family emergencies might occur.

Internet Access - and I prefer to use my own laptop, so wireless is good too! (I have access to it at this house.) I HATE USING OTHER COMPUTERS!

Good car parking. Currently I have access to the garage - by remote door opening! That's a BONUS!

Pleasant owners. I must "make a connection" with them.

No fee to pay. I'm happy to pay for use of the phone, but I use my own mobile, so don't need to use the phone. If there is no work to do (cat, fish, garden) I would consider paying, but I'd avoid that! I save the owner a lot of money and don't feel I should pay for the priviledge.

Animals - I do cats, fish, and dogs (small ones) - and would consider horses and cows for short periods. I'm happy to walk the dogs.

As I had felt very bad that one cat went missing when I last was at this house, i'm a bit paranoid about the remaining cat.

This time, I am trying to keep the cat IN the house at night. But that is not easy! Last night I arrived home around 7 pm, and Fleder was not to be seen, however arrived soon afterwards. I fed the hungry cat and within minutes the cat was gone! I hunted the house without success and then went to the front calling the cat. She did not arrive.

Eventually though I found her inside the house so I quickly blocked her escape route.

I don't know where she slept, except that this morning she was asleep on the bonnet of my car.

This time, I have my laptop in use and with the right code to get access to the wireless internet, I'm ready to get a lot of work done.

Still have some 2007 work, and all my Christmas shopping to do though!

I worked in the markets yesterday, selling flowers. Hot, dry, and tiring. When I returned home around 2 pm I had to arrange for some salads for a Christmas Party we were attending, so between having a wonderful shower to freshen up, making the salads, checking my email, I had a busy time.

The party was great. Good friends, good food, wonderful evening. At the party I was introduced to another couple who also do house sitting. They generally do it to see more of Australia, and we shared experiences.

They recently looked after a property which had cows - pregnant ones at that. They were told the cow would go up to some trees to have the calf and when she was ready, would bring it down to show off her new offspring. As it turned out, the cow did go up but when she came down, she came down alone. It seems that the poor newborn calf was killed probably by wild dogs. Very sad, and very distressing for the couple who were looking after the property.

After the party, we returned home, and i through a few things into a bag to take over to the house sit. It is only a few kilometers away. I took scan posessions. All that I needed for one night.

When I arrived the cat was no where to be seen. I eventually found it asleep upon the ironing board in the laundry, where it apparently stayed all night.

Now I am just hoping that the cat will stay around for my watch, and glad that I don't have to care for larger animals. Well, I could, and probably would care for a horse or cow or two, but I'm a little reluctant. We'll see.

I'm dismayed at how I have neglected my hubs, but then this is only one thing in a list of activities I have neglected over a busy year. I had a job for a while - unemployed again, and I have been struggling to keep my life in order, and writing on sites such as this has just not been a priority.

But, I'm back.

As it turns out I am due to start another house site on Sunday next. This is one of my popular places - the home of a friend and her husband, their now one cat, and some fish. It is a quiet low set (one level) house in a cul de sac, not far from my own home, so going back and forth is easy.

Last time I was here, several months ago, one of the cats went missing. Something that I felt awful about as it was a three legged beautiful Burmese, that just disappeared one day. The remaining cat is a Devon Rex - and odd ball cat, which became very possessive of me when it became the lone cat of the house.

The owners are going to be travelling around India and Pakistan, so I will be there over Christmas and New Year and well into January.

I'm looking forward to it. As well, I've discovered a friend is living across the road from the house - although she is trying to move out into a city apartment. Perhaps we will get one drink together before she moves.

Meanwhile, I'll have to start packing. I'm determined to lose weight (even with Christmas in the middle) and get fitter for 2008, and being on my own I'll start as soon as I move into the house sit.

It's funny. I'm very aware of the dangers of staying in the home of people that I know very little of, and I am careful to ensure that the doors are locked and so forth.

Today I am sportinga lump on my forehead. I should have known. It was my fault. When I woke in the night - I think the cat going through the cat door woke me - I went to the bathroom. There appeared to be no need to switch on the lights - the light from the street was adequate, but I had not factured in that I would be "confused" after switching on the light in the bathroom. After I switched that light off, I exited, turned left, and smashed into a wall - hitting me hard on the forehead.

Today it hurts. A bruise will appear I have no doubt - at the moment there's just a lump and to touch it is painful.

In future (a) I will not try to find my way in the dark (b) I will use the torch that I carry and generally leave beside the bed and (c) I will be far more careful.

I know I could have lost consciousness last night - and as I was all alone, it could have been very dangerous.

In the night one does "lose one's bearings" even a little. And it can be a hazard!

I find it interesting to discover how other people live. Two of the houses I've stayed in have been very clear of clutter - although they have had heaps of stuff, it has been in a minimalist sort of way. Two of the houses had only a couple living there - no children, although at one there was a box of toys for the children to play in. I noted that I had far more stuff in my linen cupboard and wardrobes that these folk, although both had walk in robes. Much easier and neater too that my small wardrobe and chest of drawers.

Living on a busy suburban corner, I've long complained about the traffic noise. One of myjoys with house sitting is that I sleep well! Each house I have looked after has been chosen because of this (and other factors). Each house has provided me with the most amazing quiet nights. And being alone I can read if I am awake, with my little itty-bitty-lite attached to my book.

It is odd though getting used to the local noises. Birds and insects mainly. They are different to where I live. There's probably just one or two birds, or one or two insects - that sing to a different tune.

I'm going to make a list - a type of checklist - because I've discovered that there are some things I will insist on being part of the equation when I next house sit. I've learned quite a few things about me, and how other people live, and what I am prepared to "endure."

The fellow had gone when I went back the next day. I fed the cat. The cat likes me - funny, as I am indifferent to cats. Well, actually I like them, but at times I have great allergic reaction to them so keep my distance.

Anyway, I went to bed early (there was nothing on television) and read a little of my book. I woke around 1 am to take more painkillers and then later when the cat tried to get in the window that I had closed.

I had my mini breakfast - fruit juice and meal replacement with lo-cal milk. I then went for a walk. It is a very old area of Manly, and right opposite Lota House, which was the original gentleman's home. (Lota House is now an aged care facility - and it really has one of the best views of Manly Harbour and Moreton Bay)

As I have had little exercise for several weeks I took it slowly and just wandered down the street and then did a loop. There are some amazing expensive expansive homes along Oceania, and some daggy ones as well. Right on the crest there are good views out into the bay, but most homes are on the low side. Though it is rather beautiful with lots of tall gum trees around. There are quite a few around Lota House and in a park that goes down to the Esplanade.

I love looking at the homes. Some are quite striking. I fed the cat, tidied up, and then went to my real home. I have a few things to do, so happier there at the moment.

This is an interesting topic to discuss. I've never received anything but gifts (wine, chocolates, jewelry) when my owners return from overseas.

However, with some I do think I probably earned some sort of monetry reward. Especially as I do it FOR THEM and not FOR ME. I note that some owners require bonds and others expect the house sitter to pay for the use of the house.

It depends. There is a possibility of one coming up that I can earn $100 a week. Nice if I can get it.

As a house sitter you are going into a stranger's home and you do need to exercise a little care. My first house sit for 2007 started badly. The home was supposed to be empty. When I arrived, as I had arranged with the owner, the house was wide open. No doors locked or anything. I called out and went inside. There was no one there.

I was a little anxious, but took my things in. Shortly afterwards a car pulled up. The owner's ex, who was living temporarily in a downstairs room was supposed to have gone. His plans had changed and he was staying an extra night.

I certainly was not planning to sleep in a house with a "strange" man - someone I didn't know. So I packed my things and left. Apparently he will be gone tomorrow. I will go over later in the day and check. There's no way I'd put myself in that situation. He may well be OK - but I don't know him. Full stop.

We'll see what tomorrow brings. Meanwhile I'm back home.

I've discovered something wonderful. House Sitting. People who travel and like their pets and their house taken care of, are prepared to invite registered house sitters into their homes while they are away.

House Sitters use the house, just to live in, or to find free accomodation in a town or city of their choosing, in return for caring for the house and feeding the animals, watering the garden or house plants and generally caring for the house.

I know because I do it. This Hub will share ideas and stories about how to find special house sits, and how if you are wanting to go away, how you can find a house sitter.

It has been an amazing adventure for me. You can read more about it at my House Sitter Diary

House sitters are usually retired couples or single people who are reliable and who can commit to caring for the house and pets in accordance with the home owners wishes.

Obviously it is essential that the house sitter be honest, caring, and committed to do the task.

The owner needs to be sure that when they return to the house, it is as it was left. Some owners will leave a detailed list of things to do, and others will be more casual.

Any owner who wants to go away regularly would like to use the services of the house sitter that they know is reliable. Many house sit websites have a detailed contract and guidelines for house sitters and owners, but I've found (even when the house owner was a legal eagle - Queen's Counsel) that they have not asked for a contract to be signed.

My house sit owners have been happy to meet me, and we've had a discussion or two about their needs and have been rather casual about the task. I've been surprised how casual they can be.

There are some folk who house sit as they themselves travel around, even internationally, but for the moment I have restricted my house sitting to places not far from home, but in the next year or two myhusband and I will probably house sit together, leaving a tenant in our own home while we travel around Australia. Australia first, then the world!

One of the things I have done is created a portfolio with details of my house sit experiences, and a few photos. (Mainly of the dogs and the garden), and as I complete a house sit assignment, I ask that if the owners are happy with my term caring for their house, that they write a reference for me.

And I include that in the portfolio. I ask the owners if they are happy to include their contact details. It may be that I need them to speak with a prospective house owner.

My first one I was thrilled with. The owners were very happy. I've not had either a refusal or a non flattering reference.

I haven't had to use my porfolio yet. But at least I have it and I have a good record of my assignments.

I start a new house sit tomorrow. This is not one organised through House Carers but through a friend. She is actually in Pakistan as I write this and tomorrow her husband is joining her there.

He leves late tomorrow, and I move in after attending a Christmas Party. There's not a lot to do in the house, but care for one Devon Rex cat and four tropical fish. I love staying there as it is a low set house, and it is in a quiet cul de sac.

As well, I've discovered a good friend lives across the road. Sounds good to me.

This will be for a long period - almost 5 weeks, but it is only about 2 kms from home so I will be back and forth. It is always good to have someone going in and out of your house when away. Generally good security.

There are a number of ways to research the house sit "industry" if I can call it that. You would be surprised how many people do it - either do the house sit, or use a house sitter, so mentioning it in conversation might source some folk with whom to talk about it.

The other is to do a Google - and search for "house sitter" sites. There are many - which means you have quite a lot of resources. I initially signed on, but did not register and pay, and watched the site to see where the house sit opportunities were. Of course initially I wanted to go not far from home, so I had a number of suburbs that I had identified.

On the first site I watched, there was little in my area. The second site, I saw the first time I looked at it, that there was an opportunity not far from home, so I immediately paid the $AU50.00 registration, and applied. This was the first assignment I did.

I still watch the other sites.

Today's tip - do your research.

I'll take a break from housesitting until 2007. Funny, though, I have had several calls already from acquaintances wanting me to look after their house and animals while they go away. I had no idea there was so much available.

Today I received two offers from folk from my favourite website. At least I can dream about it! One was at Mt Tamborine. A wonderful spot in the hinterland between Brisbane and the Gold Coast of Queensland. It is a fabulous area, but not enough to tempt me to change my plans.

The lady of the house I met at my first house sit. The house is at Manly - really nice spot. There's lots of history in the area. Great new places to walk. Just the cat - so I can stroll off when I wish. I'd like to see around this part of town and walk down to the waterfront.

It starts tomorrow 3/1/07!

It is amazing how many people want their house and pets cared for and who are chasing me to do it! I had another phone call from a contact of one of my first house sits. She wants me for nearly two weeks in January and as I normally do, I'm going to see her in her house just to see for myself if it is a house I'm happy to stay in for a couple of weeks.

She as a cat - not my favourite animal but I'm happy to look after cats. I'm actually allergic to cats, so I have to make sure that the cat doesn't like me TOO MUCH. If it is one that wants to sit on my lap all the time, I just can't do it. But tomorrow I will go and see.

I've found myself with a dose of "Shingles" - arrived with great drama before Christmas and has left me sore and sorry for myself. I'm keen to get well again. I have a house sit commencing on 3rd January. I wondered if I was up to it. I will meet with the owner tomorrow - but all is well. I'll just have a quieter place to rest while I recover.

It is an older house - nice garden, and I'm lookng frward to some peace and tranquility. It is in a nice spot between Manly and Lota. I hope to take my bicycle with me as there are some good riding spots nearby.

Sounds good to me.