Retirement used to mean downsizing to a smaller apartment and perhaps a yearly package holiday if the budget allowed. But for a growing number of adventurous seniors, it has become an upgrade to mansions, villas, and seaside cottages that they could never afford to rent.
We often joke that we live a millionaire's lifestyle on a backpacker's budget, but the reality is even better. Over the past three years, Caro and I have spent a total of roughly 400 euro on accommodation. In exchange, we have stayed in Swiss mountains, the French Alps, Australian mansions, and Italian monasteries.
While we started this journey in our twenties and thirties, we quickly realized that the "gold standard" demographic for homeowners isn't digital nomads like us, it’s retirees. If you have time, a love for animals, and a sense of adventure, house sitting might just be the retirement plan you never knew you needed.
Why Retirees are the "Unicorns" of House Sitting
When homeowners look at applications, they are often looking for two things: time and reliability. This is where retirees have a massive advantage over younger travelers.
From speaking with many homeowners, house sitting for retirees is a dream setup. It offers a slower pace of travel that appeals to those who are done with the "10 countries in 10 days" rush. You have all the amenities of a comfortable home, a full kitchen, a garden, and usually a very comfortable bed.
If you are traveling in an RV or campervan, as many retirees do, securing a house sit is the perfect way to relax. It allows you to catch up on washing, binge-watch series on a big TV, and sit in front of a fire with a pet snuggled at your feet.
The Financial Freedom of Sitting
We have easily clocked over 100 days of accommodation in different countries with different pets, paying barely anything for it. That isn't just value; that is almost unseen in today's travel economy.
For retirees on a fixed income, this is game-changing. By eliminating accommodation costs, your pension stretches significantly further. You might find yourself searching for house sitting opportunities in regions you previously thought were too expensive to visit, like London or New York.
The Reality Check: Choosing the Right Sit
However, it is not all sunsets and wine on the terrace. We have to be honest about capabilities, and this is the most critical piece of advice we give to seniors entering this world.
We once heard a story from a homeowner on the Belgium Coast that stuck with us. They had hired a retired couple who had a flawless profile and multiple 5-star reviews. On paper, they were perfect. But when the homeowners went outside to greet them, the husband could barely stand up.
This would have been fine if they were watching a goldfish or a sleepy cat. In this instance, however, they were there to look after a highly energetic Labrador near the beach. The owner had to be honest in her review, noting that the sitters physically couldn't handle the dog.
Be honest about your abilities.
Caro is a 60kg lady. If she went to house sit a 40kg Great Dane, she would struggle to hold it on the leash, especially if it decided to sprint after a squirrel. Luckily, I am more than willing to take the big dogs for walks, which is why we can pick most sits.
But if you are solo or have mobility issues, look for house sitting for cats or smaller dogs. Don't set yourself up for failure by taking on a husky that needs 10km runs daily.
The Holy Grail: Long-Term House Sits
While weekend getaways are fun, the real magic happens with long-term house sitting.
Caro and I just secured a house sit for this coming May that lasts for six months, and we already can't wait to start it. This is the sweet spot for retirees. You get to stay in one place long enough to have routines, hit fitness goals, and become a "local" at the nearby bakery.
It’s like living in a home, but better, because it is often a property we could not afford to buy at the moment. You get to figure out your favorite restaurants, create an incredible bond with the pet, and meet neighbors.
If you are looking for these longer stays, platforms like Trusted House Sitters are fantastic because they have a high volume of global listings.
Creating a Safety Routine
One of the reasons homeowners love house sitting seniors is the security aspect. Retirees tend to spend more time in the house than young tourists who are out partying until 2 AM.
Simply being there keeps the house safe. In many sits, your main job is just to make the house look lived in. We take in the mail, open and close shutters, and turn lights on at night.
However, security also applies to the pets. Break-ins are rare, but pets running away happens more often than you think. I once had a dog slip out the front door for a two-hour run around the forest with me in hot pursuit. I’ve never sprinted so much in my life.
Always ensure pets are secure before opening doors. It sounds simple, but it is the number one rule we follow to ensure house sitting safety.
How to Get Started
If you are sitting there thinking, "We could do this," you are probably right. But you need a good profile.
Get Verified: Use reputable platforms. If you are in the US, check out house sitting america. For those down under, Aussie House Sitters is the industry standard.
Start Local: Before flying to Europe, try a local sit. It’s a great way to build your house sitting profile with local reviews.
The "Grandparent" Factor: Emphasize your experience. If you’ve owned homes and raised pets for 40 years, mention that! It sets you apart from the 20-year-old student who has never mowed a lawn.
Combining with Campervan Travel
For those of you with RVs, house sitting complements van life perfectly. You can travel from one sit to the next without needing them to overlap perfectly. The gaps in between allow you to visit all the tourist spots you want to see.
We use these gaps to travel, and then when we crave a hot shower and unlimited WiFi, we book a sit. It’s the perfect balance.
Is It Worth It?
If someone had told us three years ago that we’d be living in mansions rent-free, we would have laughed. Yet here we are.
House sitting is not just house sitting jobs; it is a lifestyle exchange. You give your time and care, and you receive a slice of someone else's paradise. Whether you want to explore House Sitting Australia or try House Sitting in New Zealand, the opportunities are endless.
Just remember to check the size of the dog before you say yes!
Good luck with your adventures, and if you're interested in joining the community, make sure to grab a discount code for Trusted House Sitters to get started for less.
Caro & Konrad 🐾🚐
What are the main benefits of long-term house sitting for retirees?
You get to stay in one place for a longer period, allowing you to establish a routine, bond with pets, and truly live like a local. It eliminates the exhaustion of constant travel and saves a significant amount of money on accommodation.
Is house sitting physically demanding for seniors?
It depends entirely on the pet. While looking after cats is generally low-impact, dogs can require vigorous daily exercise. It is crucial to match your physical abilities to the sit; for example, avoiding large, energetic dogs if you have mobility issues.
How much does it cost to start house sitting?
The cost is very low. Caro and I have spent only about 400 euro over three years on platform membership fees. In exchange, we have received over 100 days of free accommodation in luxury homes across multiple countries.
Do house sitters have to pay for utilities?
Generally, no. The homeowner covers utilities like electricity, water, and internet. You are providing a service (pet care and security) in exchange for free accommodation. However, for extremely long sits (6+ months), this should be discussed beforehand.
How do I choose the right house sitting platform?
It depends on your destination. Trusted House Sitters is great for global travel, while specific regional sites like Aussie House Sitters or Kiwi House Sitting are better if you are focusing on Australia or New Zealand respectively.
