This isn't just an extended holiday; it's our life now. In the last few years, we’ve strung together over 15 housesits, effectively erasing our holiday accommodation costs.
We’ve watched the sunrise from a log cabin in the Swiss Alps, cared for two energetic Labradors in Italy with a direct train line to the city, and spent a month writing from a quiet home in the French Alps.
Our biggest monthly expense is no longer rent; it’s groceries and gas.
So when we get the question—and we get it a lot—"Can I really use housesitting to travel affordably across the US?", our answer isn't just a simple yes.
It's an emphatic, life-changing, we-wish-we'd-done-this-sooner, absolutely-do-it Yes.
It's not just about saving money; it’s about trading a rent payment for the freedom to explore the world not just the US one neighborhood, one pet, one front porch at a time.
What is Housesitting, Really?
Housesitting is exactly what it sounds like: you look after someone's home while they're away. But it's so much more than that.
Most of the time, you're caring for beloved pets, but sometimes it's just about keeping a home lived-in and watering the garden.
Platforms like Trusted Housesitters connect homeowners with sitters like us from around the globe.
For us, it's become the ultimate travel hack.
We line up one sit after another, extending our travels indefinitely because our biggest expense, accommodation, is completely gone.
It’s less about a transaction and more about a trust-based exchange that lets you live like a local, shop at the neighborhood market, and discover trails most tourists will never see.
The Financial Side: More Than Just Free Rent
The biggest benefit is obvious: no hotel bills or Airbnb fees.
But the scale of the savings is hard to grasp until you experience it.
We once stayed in a Swiss chalet for 10 days that would have cost over €650 a night. That’s a €6,500 saving on one trip alone.
Multiply that by a year of travel, and the numbers are staggering.
While some platforms and countries (especially the US) have opportunities for paid sits, the primary model in Europe and Australia is a direct exchange.
For a small yearly platform fee, which often includes insurance, you get access to thousands of homes.
To understand the different models, it's worth reading up on What’s the Average Pay for a House Sitter.
For us, the freedom from rent is the real payment.
A Day in the Life: It’s Not All Couch-Surfing
Your daily routine is dictated by the sit, especially the pets.
The core of your responsibility is ensuring the animals are happy, healthy, and safe.
For an in-depth look, you can check out our post on What Do House Sitters Usually Do.
Pet Care is Priority #1
- Cats: Often the easiest. A morning feed, a few snuggles, cleaning the litter box, and an evening routine leaves you with huge chunks of the day to explore.
- Dogs: More hands-on. Expect morning and evening walks, feeding times, and at least one midday break. This still leaves hours of free time, but you need to plan your excursions around their needs. Always clarify with the owner how long their dog can be left alone.
Home Responsibilities
Beyond pets, you’re a custodian of the home.
This means watering plants, collecting mail, and keeping the place tidy.
We always leave a house cleaner than we found it—a simple vacuum, mopping the floors we used, cleaning the kitchen and toilets, and stripping the bed.
This simple respect is why we get invited back again and again.
Getting Started, Even with Zero Experience
You don't need a professional resume to start. We began with a clean profile. The key is to build trust.
1. Complete Your Profile: Fill out every section. Add lots of clear photos of you (and you with animals, if you have them!).
2. Get References: Ask friends, family, or landlords for character references to start.
3. Start Local: Find a short, nearby sit to get your first positive review. This builds credibility.
4. Communicate Brilliantly: From your first message, be warm, professional, and detailed.
We always schedule a video call to meet the owners and pets virtually. It's crucial to ensure you're a good fit and to avoid any potential issues by knowing What Are Red Flags in a Pet Sitter?.
Potential Challenges and How to Handle Them
Housesitting isn't a free-for-all vacation. Your flexibility is tied to your responsibilities.
You can't just decide to take an impromptu overnight trip. Cancellations can happen (from both sides), which is why using a platform with protection policies is vital.
For emergencies, communication is everything.
Before the sit starts, get the vet's contact info, emergency contacts, and clear instructions.
If a pet seems unwell or an appliance breaks, contact the owner immediately. They'll appreciate your proactivity far more than your silence.
When it comes to logistics, having our VW T4 is a game-changer, giving us total freedom for travel between sits.
If you don't have your own vehicle, always check public transport access before confirming a sit in a remote area.
Conclusion: Your Adventure Awaits
So, can I use housesitting as a way to travel affordably across the US?
Without a doubt. It’s a reliable, deeply rewarding way to see the country, or the world, on a budget that seems almost impossible.
You trade a little responsibility for an authentic experience that hotels can never offer. You become part of a community, a neighborhood, and a pet's life.
It was the best decision of our lives, swapping possessions for experiences. If you're ready to see the world differently, the keys to your next adventure might just be waiting for you.
Good luck with your house sits!
Caro & Konrad 🐾🚐
FAQ's
1. Do I need prior experience to become a housesitter?
None at all. We started with a brand-new profile. The key is to build trust through a complete profile, personal references, and by starting with smaller, local sits to earn your first great review.
2. Can I housesit with a partner or family?
Absolutely. Caro and I exclusively sit as a couple. Many homeowners prefer a pair for extra security and pet care. Just be upfront in your profile and applications, as some sits are only suitable for a single person.
3. How long do housesitting assignments typically last?
They vary wildly. Most are between 5-14 days, but we've seen everything from a single night to a 7-month stay. With flexibility, you can easily chain sits together for long-term travel.
4. Is it possible to get paid for housesitting?
It depends on the platform and country. In the US, paid housesitting is more common. In Europe and Australia, it's primarily an exchange for free accommodation. We prefer the exchange model for its simplicity and community feel.
5. How should I handle an emergency, like a sick pet?
The first step is always to contact the homeowner immediately. Before they leave, ensure you have the local vet's number, an emergency contact, and clear instructions for potential issues. Proactive communication is essential.
