Rules for Successful House Sitting Overseas

House sitting is a great way to find accommodation while traveling overseas essentially for free. In return for taking care of someone’s home, you’ll be given a place to sleep, cook and store your valuables while exploring a new town. To make your house-sitting gig successful, follow these simple rules.

Study the Area

Make sure you know the area well before you agree to house sit. That’s because you could easily end up in a shady part of town and free room and board isn’t worth risking your safety.

Know Your Obligations

Sometimes house sitting entails more than lounging around a person’s home while they’re away. You might also be expected to take care of animals, engage with neighbors or do some cleaning. Hash this out before you go.

Don’t Party

Staying in someone’s home is not an excuse to throw a party. Respect the homeowner’s property and don’t invite guests over while you’re there. Use the home as a place to sleep and eat, not throw a rave.

Know the Law

Is it legal for you to be staying there? Some countries have pretty strict rules about what folks are allowed to do with their own home. You wouldn’t want the neighbors to call the police on you because they think something fishy is going on while the owners are away.

Meet the Owners

Before settling in make sure you have a chance to meet with the owners. Sometimes all you need to do is Skype, but sit down with them in person if you can. That way you can get a feel for them and their expectations of you and know you’re not being scammed.