Full-time house sitting around New Zealand offers freedom, variety, and the chance to experience new parts of the motu while keeping accommodation and utility costs down to a bare minimum. But along with this comes a particular challenge that is common to every Kiwi house sitter, whether they be newbies or professionals: where do you…
The Ten Commandments Of House Sitting
House sitting is a privileged position of trust. When someone invites you to live in their home to take care of their property, possessions, and pets while they’re away, they’re placing a huge amount of trust in your reliability, respect, and judgment. The last thing you want to do is to let them down. When…
How You Show Up Matters
When it comes to house sitting, first impressions can count — and not just a little. Whether you’re turning up for a house sit interview or arriving to begin the sit itself, how you present yourself to the homeowners will leave a lasting impact with them. You may have glowing references and a thoughtful profile,…
Lawn And Order
When most NZ house sitters think of house sitting, they probably imagine feeding a few pets, collecting the mail, keeping the house clean and tidy, watering a few pot plants, or walking the dog. But there’s another important aspect that sometimes gets forgotten – keeping the lawns mowed and the section tidy. It won’t matter…
Don’t Be… Thunderstruck
When it comes to house sitting jobs in New Zealand thunderstorms can pose a few challenges. Unfortunately however, this aspect of looking after somebody’s home and pets is often overlooked by many Kiwi house sitters, and it can catch them off guard when the climatic chaos arrives to spook the homeowner’s animals and damage (if…
Who Pays For The Power?
When homeowners invite house sitters to live on their properties — whether it be for a few days or even several months — clarity around expectations is key. One of the most common points of confusion that can arise between New Zealand house sitters and homeowners is who should pay for the utilities for the…
Matching Your Experience To Each Sit
House sitting offers unique opportunities to explore new places, interact with a menagerie of pets, and help homeowners enjoy their time away with peace of mind. However, it is advised that New Zealand house sitters only apply for sits that align with their skills and experience. We all know the saying ‘don’t run before you…
Questions To Ask Homeowners
House sitting jobs in New Zealand are a fantastic way to explore new parts of the country, live rent-free, access free utilities, and enjoy the company of a wide range of pets while Kiwi homeowners are away. However, to ensure a smooth experience for both parties, house sitters are encouraged to ask as many questions…
Sleeping Bags Are Ideal For Short Sits
House sitting for just two or three nights (or a weekend) at a property can be a neat way to enjoy a brief change of scenery, and for full-time NZ house sitters (like myself) it can also help to fill in those awkward little gaps that can crop up between longer assignments. However, short stays…
Word Of Mouth Referrals
House sitting around New Zealand offers an exciting opportunity to explore new places, care for beloved pets, and enjoy a temporary change of scenery – and without the expense of renting accommodation. For many house sitters however, securing assignments can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially when they’re just starting out. However, one strategy stands…