How Long Have You Been House Sitting?
I began house sitting in 2005. I did it on a casual, part-time basis from 2005 to 2016, mainly during weekends, public holidays, or my annual leave. Since 2016, I’ve been doing it full-time, apart from two interruptions in 2020 and again in 2021, due to Covid lockdowns when virtually nobody was going away or needing house sitters.
Why Do You House Sit?
I love the lifestyle. I get to see different parts of the country, get a regular change of scenery, and work with a variety of animals. I also get a lot of genuine satisfaction in knowing that I’m providing a valuable service to the community, because the homeowners get to go away reassured that their pets are living relaxed and safe in their own homes instead of dodgy kennels and catteries, and also that their houses are being watched over and safeguarded from the villains.
Do You Charge To House Sit?
I don’t charge anything to look after houses, pets, or lifestyle blocks. I never have and I doubt I ever will. For me house sitting is all about the lifestyle. My ‘payment’ comes in the form of rent-free accommodation, free electricity, and free access to the vegetable garden and fruit trees. As a full-time house sitter I’m saving an easy $25,000 each year. I cannot justify charging fees on top of all that.
There are only two situations where I would invoice the home owners.
(1) If I’m looking after a commercial business of theirs, such as a Bed & Breakfast, orchard, or working farm.
(2) If the homeowners have asked me to consider undertaking some ‘improvement jobs’ around their property, in addition to the standard chores. These improvements may be painting a wooden fence, chainsawing a fallen tree into firewood, or clearing up a large garden overgrown with weeds.But apart from that, I don’t actively charge for my services.
So What Do You Do For Income?
I relief milk and I also do freelance computer work, putting websites together, editing content, proofreading etc.
What Areas Do You Cover?
I cover the length and breadth of New Zealand.
Who Covers The Utilities When You House Sit?
I cover my own gas, groceries, and personal toll calls. The home owners continue to cover the utilities, which is a fair exchange for having somebody actively living in their house to keep it secure, and it allows their pets to remain in their own home instead of roughing it at boarding kennels and catteries. Having a house sitter can also be considerably cheaper than using animal motels. In the extremely unlikely chance I use more electricity than is normally consumed, I’m happy to cover the excess.
Are You Insured?
Yes. Under my contents insurance I’m covered for legal liability in case of any accidental damage. In all my years of house sitting, I have never had to use that insurance. Nevertheless it’s there – for peace of mind for everybody involved.
Do You Take On Short House Sits Of 1-2 Days?
Yes, I do. I actually find these shorter house sits ideal for filling in small gaps between longer assignments. However shorter house sits will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, in order to determine much travelling will be involved in reaching these properties and then moving on to the next place.
Where Do You Stay Between House Sits?
I have friends and family scattered around the country where I can stay for a few days if needed. But I very rarely have gaps between house sits. Nine times out of ten, as soon as one house sit has been completed I’m booked to go straight onto the next property.
Do You Have Experience With Horses?
Yes, I have done multiple house sits involving horses, where my chores have included organising their dietary needs, cleaning out their stables, changing their covers, or cleaning/treating their hooves etc.
Do You Farm Sit Drystock Properties?
Yes, I do. I’m primarily from a dairy background but I have worked with sheep and drystock cattle and I’m more than happy to look after drystock properties.
Are You Happy To Mow The Lawns?
Yes, I always do the lawns. I know some house sitters aren’t prepared to mow lawns, but for me it’s a standard part of any house sit, just like running the vacuum around the house.
Do You Smoke?
No. I tried smoking when I was about 9 or 10. I hated it and never took it up.
Do You Vape?
No. I never have and I never will. It doesn’t interest me in the least.
Do You Drink?
I might have a couple ciders at Christmas, but that’s the extent of my alcohol intake each year.
Do You Do Drugs?
Nope. I’ve never touched them and I never will.
Do You Have Referees I Can Contact?
I have a myriad of references available for viewing, and I’m more than happy to provide contact details so you can touch base with referees.