House-Sitting: The Ultimate Life Hack!
House-sitting has become an increasingly popular choice for those looking to explore new horizons, whether close to home or overseas. One of the aspects of my journey that I love is talking to strangers in the street, and by meeting people from all walks of life and life stages, I’ve realized that house-sitting can mold to many different lifestyles. Here are some off-the-beaten-path reasons to consider trying it:
Staycation or Local Exploration:
House-sitting provides the perfect opportunity for a staycation or to explore your local area without the expense of hotels or rentals. You can immerse yourself in different neighborhoods, discover hidden gems, and enjoy a change of scenery without traveling far or having the cost of flights. Additionally, if you're considering moving, house-sitting is a fun way to explore potential neighborhoods before making a commitment to buy or rent there. This firsthand experience can help you make an informed decision about your future home. I used this approach when I moved from NYC to Portland, Oregon and knew nobody. It allowed me to get the vibe of different neighborhoods, without the stress of having to decide before I moved there.
Travel on a Budget:
Whether you want to venture overseas or stay closer to home, house-sitting allows you to travel on a budget. Accommodation is often the biggest expense when traveling, but house-sitting eliminates this cost, leaving more money for experiences and adventures. (And, cute finds)!
Fulfill Your Love for Pets:
If you can't have pets or are between pets—maybe due to a recent loss—house-sitting can fulfill your need for furry friends. Caring for someone else's pets can help with the grieving process, or allow you to get some kitten or pup love without the full-time commitment, giving a temporary solution until you’re ready to adopt. I lost my own kitty in 2020, and haven’t been ready to adopt, but really missed kitty love. This is a purrfect solution.
Embrace Major Life Changes:
Experiencing a major life change, such as ‘wtf am I doing’ or a personal transition, might be the reason you want to explore unconventional ways of living. House-sitting offers flexibility and can be as adventurous as you dare, allowing you to try out new ways of living. And, it opens up a world of possibilities in many other ways too!
Digital Nomad Lifestyle:
For digital nomads, house-sitting is a great way to shake up accommodation options. Instead of spending a fortune on Airbnb or rentals, caring for someone else’s home and critters is a cost-effective alternative, often in beautiful homes with all the comforts you need to work remotely.
Empty Nesters Ready to Explore:
As an empty nester, house-sitting can be an exciting way to explore new places and redefine your lifestyle. With the freedom to travel, you can discover new passions and hobbies, meet new people, and enjoy the adventure of living in different environments. Kid-free freedom!!
Gap Year After College:
If you've just finished college and are looking to take a gap year, house-sitting can be an ideal way to see the world without breaking the bank. It offers the chance to experience different cultures, learn new skills, and gain a fresh perspective before settling into your career.
And, this one AMAZING possibility:
Saving for a Home of Your Own:
I was introduced to the world of house-sitting by a NYC couple who have been living this lifestyle for many years. They both work full-time remotely, and have been good lil savers and bought a few properties this way. Seriously smart!
House-sitting isn’t just a way to save money; it’s a ticket to a choose-your-own-adventure lifestyle. It’s perfect for travelers, pet lovers, digital nomads, or anyone going through a big life change. Dive into the adventure, check out new places, and soak up all the awesome perks that come with house-sitting.
Want to test it out yourself? Use my code for 25% off membership with the platform I use. I receive 2 free months if you use my code, at no extra cost to you :)