Paid house sitting jobs are a great way to boost your income as well as helping you to save money on utility bills and sometimes even food. Here's what you need to know about making money from house sitting.
How to start paid house sitting jobs
The first step in becoming a house sitter is to decide whether or not this job is right for you. House sitting typically involves staying in someone else's home while they're away, taking care of their property, plants, and often their pets. It requires a great deal of trust, reliability, and a fair bit of adaptability.
If you believe you've got what it takes, then the first thing you'll need to do is build up a credible profile. Start with family and friends; offer to house sit for them in exchange for references and testimonials. This experience is vital not only to understand the work involved but also to build a reputation.
If you are serious about turning this into a source of income, consider getting DBS checked. Although it's not a requirement, having a clean DBS check can offer an extra level of assurance to homeowners.
How much you can earn from paid house sitting jobs
The amount you can earn from house sitting in the UK can vary greatly depending on a few factors such as location, length of the house sit, responsibilities (like pet care), and your own experience and reputation. As a general rule, expect to earn anywhere between £15 to £50 per day. Long-term house sitting jobs, those that last for several weeks or months, may pay a lump sum that can range from a few hundred to over a thousand pounds.
Remember, you're also saving on utility bills and rent while house sitting which is another financial advantage.
How to find paid house sitting jobs
To start finding clients beyond your immediate network, consider joining a house sitting platform like TrustedHouseSitters, MindMyHouse, or HouseSitMatch. These sites connect house sitters with homeowners and can be an excellent way to find opportunities.
Social media is another great avenue to find clients. There are many house sitting groups on Facebook, for example, where people post house sitting opportunities.
Don't underestimate the power of word-of-mouth, either. Let your local community, work colleagues, and extended friend network know that you're available for house sitting. Referrals can often lead to the most profitable gigs.
The advantages of house sitting
Paid house sitting jobs come with a host of advantages, not least of which is the potential to earn money without the overheads of rent or utilities.
But it's not just about the financials. House sitting allows you the freedom to travel and live in different places, often in lovely homes that would be beyond the reach of most rental budgets. It's a wonderful opportunity to experience new neighbourhoods, cities, or even countries.
For animal lovers, house sitting often comes with the added joy of pet care, and the companionship that comes with it.
See also: make money as a dog walker.
Lastly, house sitting can also provide a peaceful, solitary environment that can be perfect for those who work remotely or have a creative pursuit that requires a quiet space.
So there you have it, a comprehensive guide to paid house sitting jobs. With a little bit of effort and a good dose of reliability, this side hustle could just become your next full-time gig. Happy house sitting!
