This article is written for retirees looking to get into the house sitting game. A large number of the active sitters on sites like Trusted Housesitters are people over the age of 55, so it is far from a young person’s game.
And it makes sense! With an abundance of free time and a desire to travel why not seek the comforts and purpose that come with caring for lovely homes around the world and the companionship of adorable pets? All the while, barely touching the savings or pension pot.
For now, let’s dive into the top reasons why retirees should consider house sitting as a serious travel option.
What is House Sitting and How Does it Work?
Before we go any further let me explain exactly what house sitting is and what is expected of you once you are accepted on a house sitting assignment.
A Quick Overview of House Sitting
House sitting is a mutually beneficial exchange between a homeowner and a sitter. The homeowner gets the security of a responsible person minding their property and often pets whilst away on vacation. The house sitter gets lots of home comforts and lovely accommodation for free in homes around the world.
Essentially, you will be taking over someone’s home for a pre-agreed length of time and all the usual day-to-day tasks that come with homeownership. This can include pet walking/feeding, and taking out the trash. You may also need to collect the mail, keep things clean, and occasionally even mow the lawn.
Sits can range from overnight stays to months-on-end. Everything is organized through an easy-to-use website and app which details all the current available house sitting opportunities. It’s easy to refine your searches and be specific to the kind of sit you would be happy accepting.
Why It’s Becoming Popular with Older Adults
House sitting offers a unique way to travel affordably on a fixed income. Without the cost of accommodation, house sitters can explore new destinations for extended periods. This makes global travel accessible even for those on a budget.
In addition to cost savings, house sitting provides a meaningful and purposeful way to spend retirement. Caring for pets and maintaining a household can add structure and responsibility, creating a sense of fulfillment. It’s an ideal blend of relaxation, adventure, and companionship.
House sitting lets people immerse themselves in local cultures and communities in ways that traditional travel doesn’t. Staying in real homes offers a more authentic experience whether it’s exploring a quiet town or a big city – all the while building connections and experiencing life from new perspectives.
Key Benefits of House Sitting for Retirees
Now, let’s take a more in-depth look at the main benefits that house sitting presents for retirees.
Travel Without Breaking the Bank
I try not to call it free to travel because there is still a small annual fee involved. Plus, taking care of someone’s home comes with a duty of responsibility which is a cost of sorts.
However, the financial benefits of house sitting can’t be overlooked. A house sitting website subscription costs about as much as a night in an average city center hotel, and that one-off fee gives you the opportunity to take on unlimited house sits over 12 months. Plus the broad spectrum of locations and property types make it an enthralling proposition for anyone seeking to travel further for longer.
See the World at Your Own Pace
I’m 39 years old, but this aspect appeals to me just as much as it might to a retiree. Despite traveling full-time, my wife and I aren’t big fans of the “fly-by-night” approach, with a new city each day. We’ve done plenty of that, but we prefer longer stays that let us settle in and truly experience a place.
Right now, we’re house sitting for a month in Austin, Texas. There’s so much to see here, but with 30 days to explore, we don’t have to cram every sight into a few travel-weary hours. Instead, we can make plans at our own pace, taking the time to discover Austin without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
On weekends or whenever the mood strikes, we can venture out to explore something new, knowing that a cozy suburban home awaits us. Living here means we can enjoy the best of both worlds: a laid-back, everyday lifestyle with all the allure of a big city right on our doorstep.
Find Purpose and Adventure in Retirement
House sitting offers a sense of purpose that traditional travel sometimes lacks. This is especially true for those who find joy in caring for a home and pets. Also, It’s not just about having a place to stay. House sitting positively impacts someone else’s life by giving their pets love and keeping their home safe.
Beyond the practicalities, house sitting brings a touch of adventure to everyday routines – travel becomes a more immersive experience. Staying in a real neighborhood lets you experience life as a local. You’ll enjoy everything from nearby cafes and parks, to friendly neighbors, making every destination feel like a temporary home.
For many, house sitting adds a renewed excitement to travel that goes beyond seeing new sights. Each sit brings unique experiences, whether it’s bonding with a new pet or uncovering great areas within a local community.
Repeat Sits and a Holiday Home?
Hannah’s mum Jen and her husband Kelvin are both retired and signed up for Trusted Housesitters following our rave reviews. After moving away from their home in Norwich to be closer to family in Jen’s native Peterborough, they saw house sitting as an opportunity to return regularly to Norwich.
They weren’t wrong! They quickly landed 2 sits close to where they had previously lived. The latter of these sits is a lovely country house walkable to the beach, taking care of 1 easy little dog. After a successful sit, they have been invited back numerous times and are the default house sitters for that home.
This is not a unique story in the house sitting world. Hannah and I regularly receive invites from former homes we’ve sat for. House sitting is a great way to meet people and discover new places. After 3 years of consistent traveling, we’re looking forward to reconnecting with some of our former hosts.
Enjoy All the Comforts of Home
One of the best things about house sitting is having access to all the comforts of a real home. It’s a luxury you rarely get with hotel stays. For us, it’s the little things like a well-equipped kitchen where we can cook or a cozy sofa perfect for unwinding in the evening.
A garden is another huge perk that we’ve come to enjoy. Whether it’s just sitting outside with a coffee or chilling with a book, outdoor space adds a refreshing change from typical travel accommodations. It’s a treat to enjoy the fresh air and a bit of nature without needing to leave “home”.
These home comforts make it easy to settle into a routine, especially for longer stays. Cooking in a real kitchen, stretching out on a sofa, or relaxing in the garden adds calm to our travels. House sitting lets us live fully while having a world of adventure at our doorstep
Why Retirees Make Great House Sitters
I read house sitting forums regularly and a topic that often comes up is ‘ Do I go for the young sitter or the retiree?‘. The answer is often favored toward the retiree and here’s why;
More Flexible Schedules
Retirees often have a level of scheduling flexibility that makes them ideal candidates for house sitting. Unlike working professionals, they aren’t limited by rigid work hours or the need to plan vacations far in advance. This flexibility allows them to take on longer sits or adapt to a homeowner’s specific timing needs.
Homeowners appreciate knowing their sitters aren’t rushing through the experience or needing to leave at the last minute. This offers peace of mind to both parties.
In addition, retirees’ open schedules allow for a more relaxed, dedicated approach to house sitting. Without the demands of a traditional workday, they can devote ample time to caring for the home, pets, and garden without the stress of balancing a job.
Trustworthy and Reliable
Households place a premium on trust and reliability when choosing a house sitter, and retirees often excel in both areas. With years of life experience, they bring a level of maturity, responsibility, and trustworthiness that homeowners find incredibly reassuring.
Knowing that their sitter is dependable and likely more cautious makes it easier for homeowners to relax while they’re away. They can be confident that their home is in safe hands. Retirees also tend to be very communicative, providing regular updates and quick responses, which further strengthens that trust.
Additionally, retirees often have a natural sense of respect for others’ belongings and a strong commitment to following a homeowner’s instructions. They understand the importance of treating someone’s home with care and maintaining it to the highest standard.
Skills and Experience Matter
Over the years, retirees have built up a wealth of skills and experience that make them highly capable house sitters. Experience in maintenance, gardening, and pet care is invaluable when looking after someone else’s property.
Practical knowledge helps address small issues, like appliance fixes or garden care, often without outside help. Homeowners know that a retiree’s expertise can be invaluable, especially for extended stays.
Retirees also tend to be more experienced pet caretakers, which is a huge plus for house sits involving animals. Did all this sound familiar? Then read on and get signed up!
Getting Started with House Sitting as a Retiree
There are several excellent platforms for house sitting, read my previous article – The Best House Sitting Websites to discover them for yourself. But the one that we exclusively use and that you have already heard me discuss is Trusted Housesitters. It is by far the biggest and best platform on the market.
Sign Up for Trusted Housesitters
A great perk that Trusted Housesitters offers is the opportunity to sign up and look around for free! Click here to sign up with just an email address and start browsing the thousands of listings globally that are currently accepting applicants.
Applying for house sits requires a paid membership to the website. But, as I mentioned earlier this is cheaper than a single night in a hotel room. Annual membership starts at $129/year. There’s nothing more to pay, that’s it!
However, if you plan to travel extensively you might benefit from some of the additional features that are included with a Premium Membership. The top bracket is still only $259/year – read Everything You Need to Know About Trusted Housesitters to read about the advantages of choosing a higher tier.
BONUS – SAVE 25% on any membership when you enter code BEACHES25 at checkout, click here to get started.
How to Create a Stand-Out Profile
One of the most important things to do first is create a profile that showcases all of your qualities as a potential house sitter. Whichever platform you choose will provide you with the facility to create a space where homeowners can learn about who you are and why they should pick you as their sitter.
Be sure to utilize all the features available. Upload lots of photos and complete all the text boxes with appropriate information. Verify your email address and phone number to show you are who you say you are and whilst you wait for your first house sitting review, ask for character references from professional friends.
Applying for Your First Sit
Applying for your first house sit is a fun stage in the process. Having completed the sign-up and created the perfect profile it’s time to reach out to the homes that have caught your eye.
This is a straightforward process that is all done through the website or app of your house sitting platform. With Trusted Housesitters, you select the property and dates you are applying for and send the hosts a message. The homeowner will then be able to review your profile and respond accordingly.
Write a friendly message to your potential hosts and refer to anything they may have mentioned in their listing. It always helps to reference any pet’s names and to demonstrate exactly why you want to be considered for this house sit. Click here for more advice on applying for a house sit.
House Sitting Tips for Retirees
So, you’ve been accepted for your first house sitting assignment. Congrats! It’s the start of an exciting and enriching travel experience. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your first house sitting assignment.
Preparing for Different Types of House Sits
House sitting requires flexibility and a willingness to adapt to each homeowner’s unique needs. Every house sit varies – many involve caring for pets, others may require regular garden maintenance, and some might even include overseeing larger properties.
Retirees can prepare by communicating openly with homeowners about expectations and preferences, which helps them anticipate and prepare for any specific responsibilities. Making a checklist of tasks can be a helpful way to stay organized and ensure nothing is overlooked.
It’s also a good idea to ask questions in advance to understand the quirks of each home, like how certain appliances work or where to find emergency supplies. Many house sits, especially those involving pets, benefit from a daily routine, and a house manual or guide is usually always left for the sitter.
How to Stay Comfortable on Long-Term Sits
Long-term house sits can be incredibly rewarding but may require a few adjustments to feel fully at home. Retirees can bring along personal items that add comfort, such as blankets, pillows, or books, which help create a cozy, familiar space.
Staying comfortable also means setting a routine that balances home responsibilities with personal downtime, so there’s always time to rest and explore the area without feeling overwhelmed by tasks.
Staying in touch with friends and family through video calls or messages creates familiarity on longer sits, especially for those sitting solo. Planning local outings or engaging in activities in the community, like visiting parks or cafes, also makes a long-term stay feel more fulfilling and less isolating.
Safety Tips for Older House Sitters
Safety should always be a top priority, especially for older house sitters who may have different physical needs or concerns. Retirees can start by familiarizing themselves with local emergency contacts and learning about the neighborhood’s safety.
Checking locks and ensuring the home’s security systems (if any) are active can go a long way in preventing any potential issues. It’s also helpful to establish an emergency plan, including knowing where nearby medical facilities are located. Again a house sitter’s manual will usually provide all this information.
Additionally, retirees should avoid taking on tasks that could lead to injury, such as heavy lifting or attempting repairs without proper equipment, know-how, or supervision. If possible, they can ask for help with more demanding tasks or simply inform the homeowner of any limitations when applying.
Common Questions Retirees Have About House Sitting
I hope so far I have answered a lot of the questions retirees may have about house sitting. Here are some more commonly asked questions that I have noticed cropping up on the house sitting forums.
Is House Sitting Safe for Older Adults?
House sitting can be a safe and rewarding experience for older adults, especially when prepared with basic precautions. Many homeowners are happy to accommodate sitters’ specific needs, and most house sitting platforms offer resources for security, including identity verification and reviews.
Staying aware of surroundings, maintaining clear communication with homeowners, and knowing emergency contacts in the area all contribute to a safer, stress-free sit. Older adults can feel comfortable embracing house sitting by choosing reputable listings and staying within their physical comfort zones.
Can I House Sit with a Partner or Friend?
Yes, many homeowners welcome house sitters who prefer to travel with a partner or friend. Trusted Housesitters has the option to state this in your profile. This can be a great way to enjoy the experience together, and having a second person can make handling responsibilities more manageable and enjoyable.
When applying, it’s important to mention that you’ll be bringing a companion if it’s not stated in your profile so homeowners are aware and can give you the okay.
What Happens if I Need to Cancel?
If you need to cancel a house sit, notify the homeowner as soon as possible to allow them time to find a replacement. Emergencies and unexpected events can arise, and most homeowners understand this, especially with open and honest communication.
Trusted Housesitters offers support for cancellations with their Premium Membership. Sitters receive compensation for hosts canceling and vice-versa. So if this is a concern for you, consider opting for the higher-tier option.
Conclusion
House sitting can offer retirees a unique blend of travel, purpose, and the comforts of home. It’s an ideal way to explore new places at a relaxed pace. With flexible schedules, valuable skills, and the chance to enjoy meaningful connections, retirees bring so much to the world of house sitting.
Embracing this lifestyle can open doors to new adventures and a rewarding way to spend time in beautiful destinations – one home at a time.
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Owner’s permission has been given to use all photos in this post.