The alarm buzzed at 7:30 AM, and honestly, neither of us wanted to move. Outside, the Tuscan fog was still clinging to the olive trees, and inside, one of the two Labradors we were watching was already tapping his claws on the hardwood, signaling that his bladder wasn’t interested in our desire to sleep in.
If I were doing this alone, I’d have to drag myself out of the warm duvet, bundle up, and head out into the chill. But I wasn’t alone. Caro mumbled, "I got this one," rolled out of bed, and took the dogs. I rolled over and got another hour of sleep.
This specific moment, the ability to tag-team a chilly morning walk, is exactly why the debate between solo house sitting and traveling as a duo isn't just about company. It’s about logistics, energy, and sanity.
We get asked constantly: Is it better to go it alone or bring a partner? Having done both, Konrad solo in Sydney and now 15+ sits together across Europe, we have a pretty clear verdict.
The Solo Experience: Freedom vs. The Quiet
I started my house sitting journey solo in Sydney. Picture this: I was living in a 3-million-dollar house I didn't own, with a lovely dog that needed walking twice a day. It was undeniably amazing. It gave me the ultimate freedom to live exactly how I wanted. I could eat when I wanted, sleep when I wanted (mostly), and explore the city at my own pace.
If you are looking for pure autonomy, house sitting opportunities for solo travelers are fantastic. You don't have to compromise on dinner plans or Netflix choices.
However, there is a catch.
I wouldn't say it's lonely at first. For short stays, the solitude is actually quite nice; you don't have to rely on anyone but yourself. But after a while? It gets lonesome. Humans, just like the animals we look after, seek community.
When I was the sole person responsible for feeding, walking, playing, and securing the house, the silence in those big empty mansions started to feel a bit heavy.
There’s also the safety aspect. While I never felt unsafe, I’ve read enough on forums to know it’s a concern. Specifically for solo female sitters, safety is a different conversation. We’ve seen discussions where young women experienced unwanted advances from male owners. It’s rare, but it happens.
Actionable Rule for Solos: If you are sitting alone, especially as a female, always request a video chat before accepting the sit to gauge the owner's vibe. If you feel even a hint of flirtation or discomfort, walk away. Prioritize your house sitting safety above a free stay.
The "Duo" Advantage: Why We Switched to Couple Sitting
After 15 sits together, the difference is night and day. It’s just so much more fun to travel with someone you care for. Beyond the romance of exploring the world together, the practical benefits of "two sets of hands" are massive.
1. The "Sleep-In" Protocol
Remember that 7:30 AM Labrador wake-up call? That is our secret weapon. We take turns looking after the dogs in the morning. If we have an early riser, one of us takes the morning shift while the other rests. This prevents burnout. House sitting is a job, and having a coworker makes the shift work manageable.
2. Better Pet Care (The 4-Hand Theory)
Two hands are great for petting, but four is even better. Simple as that. We’ve found that traveling as a duo actually improves the quality of care for the pets because we have different "parenting" styles.
Caro’s Style: She is all about the snuggles. She loves curling up on the couch or floor for quality downtime.
Konrad’s Style: I prefer giving really good pats and engaging in active play.
The result? The pets get the best of both worlds. The dogs will go to Caro for comfort and come to me when they want to wrestle or play.
3. The Sick Day Safety Net
What happens if you get food poisoning while solo sitting a energetic Border Collie? You suffer through the walks. When we travel together, if one partner gets sick, we have a protocol: dose the sick partner with Vitamin C and water, let them sleep, and the other partner takes over 100% of the house and pet duties.
The Financial Reality: Does Two Cost More?
You might think traveling solo is cheaper, but we’ve found the opposite. When you are a couple, you have two incomes (or savings accounts) pooling together.
Double Wages: If you work remotely, that's two salaries.
Split Costs: We split the cost of petrol and food.
Since accommodation is free, and we split the few remaining expenses, we are saving significantly more money than we would solo. If you are wondering is house sitting worth it financially, the answer is a resounding yes, especially as a team.
What Do Homeowners Prefer?
This is the big question for people building their House Sitting Profile. Do owners want the solo traveler or the couple?
Generally, we have found people prefer couples. They see it as double the security and double the attention for their pets. However, there are exceptions. We have come across listings where the animals, often rescue dogs were afraid of men. In those instances, a solo woman or a couple of women would be the only option.
Also, consider the sleeping arrangements. Some city apartments only have a single bed. In those cases, a solo sitter is the only logistical fit.
The Ultimate Relationship Test
If you are a couple thinking about this lifestyle, treat it as a trial run for marriage. Seriously. House sitting in Canadian winters or navigating a foreign kitchen in Italy will test you. A few weeks in a home environment, being around each other 24/7, can bring out irks and pain points you wouldn't know about otherwise. If you can survive a month in a campervan or a high-maintenance house sit together, you can survive anything.
Making the Decision: Your Action Plan
If you are on the fence, here is how to decide your next move:
Go Solo If:
You need a total mental reset and total autonomy.
You are looking at tiny city apartments with limited space.
You want to force yourself to integrate with the community (loneliness can be a good motivator to go out!).
Go as a Couple If:
You want to share the workload (especially with dogs requiring multiple walks).
You want to travel affordably across the US or Europe while splitting gas/food costs.
You value safety and want a backup plan for emergencies or sickness.
Getting Started
Whether you are riding solo or bringing a partner, the first step is getting on the right platforms.
For international adventures, check out Trusted House Sitters.
If you are looking Down Under, Aussie House Sitters is the gold standard.
For those in North America, House Sitters Canada or house sitting america are your go-to spots.
House sitting changed how we see the world. It took us from tourists to temporary locals. Whether you do it alone or with a partner, just make sure you communicate clearly with the owners, keep the house safe, and give those pets some extra love from us.
Caro & Konrad 🐾🚐
DM us @housesittersguide if you have questions — we answer everyone!
Is house sitting alone lonely compared to traveling with a partner?
I wouldn't say it's lonely at first. For short stays, it is actually quite nice not having to rely on anyone but yourself. But after a while, it can get lonesome. People, just like animals, seek community, and if you spend too long on your own, you definitely will find yourself feeling lonely.
Do homeowners generally prefer couples or solo house sitters?
It depends on the house sit. Generally, we have found people prefer couples, but in some instances, you may have pets that are scared of males, or the house only has a single bed. They are rarer but still come up often on house sitting websites.
How does house sitting as a duo improve pet care quality?
2 hands are great for petting... but 4 is even better. Simple as that. Two people can look after pets better than a single person, offering different styles of play and affection.
Can splitting responsibilities like morning walks make house sitting less exhausting?
100%. We sometimes take turns staying in bed a little longer while the other goes to walk the pets or starts the morning routines. It prevents burnout
What happens if one partner gets sick during a house sit?
We usually just let the other rest up. We dose the sick partner with vitamin C, plenty of water, and rest, while the other partner looks after the pets and home.
