Why House Sitters Shouldn’t Be Too Selective

House sitting is a unique and fulfilling opportunity, whether it’s a short getaway, a chance to travel, or a way to explore living in different places. However, for Kiwi house sitters who hope to make this a more consistent or even full-time endeavour, it’s essential not to be overly picky about assignments. While selectiveness is understandable, being too particular may ultimately limit your options and could leave you with very few bookings, potentially none at all. Here’s why adopting a flexible mindset is the key to a successful and steady house sitting journey.

1. Opportunities Don’t Always Come Perfectly Packaged

The ‘ideal’ house sit might look different depending on what you envision: perhaps a modern home in a well-connected city, with minimal pet care, and few rules. But these golden opportunities are rare, and when they appear, they are often very competitive. Expanding your criteria — whether it’s being open to pets or considering rural homes — makes it more likely that you’ll stay booked and broaden your experience.

2. Flexibility Helps Build Your Reputation

If you’re new to house sitting in New Zealand, your reputation is essential to booking future assignments, simply due to the country’s smallish population, meaning that reputations (good or bad) can quickly spread along the proverbial grapevine. Taking on a variety of sits, even those that may not check all your boxes, demonstrates your willingness to adapt. Homeowners are more likely to leave positive reviews if they see you were willing to go above and beyond to meet their needs. Good reviews open doors to a broader selection of opportunities in the future, including the high-demand ones.

3. New Experiences Can Lead To New Skills

Many NZ house sitters worry about handling certain pets or taking on specific responsibilities, but often these worries stem from a lack of experience. Taking on different kinds of assignments, whether it’s looking after an energetic dog, caring for a large garden, or navigating life in a rural setting, can help house sitters in New Zealand to build new skills. Over time, this variety will increase your confidence and improve your profile as an experienced sitter.

4. Avoid Gaps In Your Calendar

House sitters in NZ aiming to rely on assignments full-time often face the risk of unplanned gaps. Turning down a sit that is slightly less ideal may mean waiting weeks or months for the next opportunity. While you can use this time creatively, it can still be stressful, particularly if you rely on house sitting jobs in NZ as your main living arrangements. By being flexible, you can maintain a steady calendar of assignments and ensure you have places lined up without unnecessary breaks in between.

5. Unexpected Joys In Less-Than-Perfect House Sits

The most rewarding experiences can sometimes come from the assignments you almost turned down. Whether it’s falling in love with the charm of a rural cottage, befriending a quirky pet, or discovering new hobbies like gardening, there’s a lot to gain from embracing the unexpected. New Zealand house sitters who adopt a more open-minded approach often find that each assignment, no matter how initially daunting, brings something unique and enriching.

Tips For Staying Flexible Without Overcommitting

Identify Your Must-Haves:

It’s fine to have a few non-negotiable preferences. For example, you might feel more comfortable only taking sits with cats rather than dogs or may avoid places that require extensive home maintenance. However, consider keeping this list small.

Adjust Expectations:

Not every home will be picture-perfect or set in an idyllic location. Be prepared for imperfections, and instead focus on the positives each sit can offer.

Take Shorter Assignments To Test Boundaries:

If you’re unsure about a particular type of sit, consider taking shorter assignments to ease into it. This gives you a taste of the experience without a long-term commitment.

In summary, being too particular about house sits can lead to missed opportunities, unfilled schedules, and limited experience. By expanding your criteria and embracing flexibility, you’ll open doors to a more fulfilling and steady house sitting lifestyle, enriching your life in ways you might never have anticipated.