How to Start and Run a House Sitting Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you love caring for homes, enjoy flexible work, and want a low-cost way to earn money or travel, starting a house sitting business could be perfect for you. House sitting involves looking after someone’s home while they’re away, which may include basic upkeep, pet care, plant watering, and ensuring the property stays safe.
Here’s everything you need to know to launch and successfully run a house sitting business.
Step 1: Understand What House Sitting Involves
House sitting responsibilities can vary depending on the client. Some common tasks include:
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Checking mail
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Watering plants
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Feeding pets and walking dogs
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Taking out the trash
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Keeping the house clean
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Ensuring security (lights on/off, locking doors, etc.)
This service brings peace of mind to homeowners while they travel, and sometimes even includes free accommodations for you in return.
Step 2: Decide on Your Business Model
You can structure your house sitting business in a few different ways:
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Local Services: Focus on clients in your area. This is ideal if you want to stay close to home and build a strong reputation.
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Travel-Based Services: House sit as a way to travel, staying in homes across the country or world.
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Pet-Focused Services: Combine house sitting with pet sitting for higher-paying gigs.
Step 3: Set Up Your Business Legally
Start with the basics:
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Choose a name for your house sitting business.
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Register your business, if required in your state/country.
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Get insurance: Consider liability coverage in case anything happens during a sit.
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Write up a basic contract: Include responsibilities, duration, payment terms, and emergency contacts.
Step 4: Build a Strong Online Presence
Homeowners want someone they can trust. Create professional profiles that build credibility:
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Create a simple website or portfolio.
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Use house sitting platforms like TrustedHousesitters, House Sitters America, MindMyHouse, or Nomador.
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Include references, reviews, and background checks if possible.
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Add photos, a bio, and your service area.
Step 5: Market Yourself
To attract clients, use these marketing tips:
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Word of mouth: Tell friends, family, and neighbors.
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Post on local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and Craigslist.
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Print flyers or business cards and leave them at vet offices, pet stores, coffee shops, and community centers.
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Ask for reviews and referrals from past clients.
Step 6: Set Your Rates
Rates can vary based on location, services, and whether pets are involved. Common options include:
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Flat daily or weekly fee
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Hourly rate (less common)
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Exchange-based (free stay in exchange for services)
Research competitors in your area and consider offering a discount for your first few jobs to build your portfolio.
Step 7: Provide Excellent Service
Deliver reliable, trustworthy, and attentive care. Some tips:
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Do a walkthrough with the homeowner before the stay.
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Take detailed notes on their preferences.
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Provide updates and photos to reassure them.
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Be respectful of their space and leave the house better than you found it.
Step 8: Build a Repeat Client Base
Great house sitters often turn one-time clients into regulars. To do that:
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Follow up with a thank-you message.
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Offer to book future dates early.
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Ask for referrals and reviews.
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Consider a loyalty discount or referral reward.
Bonus Tips for Success
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Be flexible with your schedule and location.
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Maintain a calendar of availability.
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Invest in training if offering pet or home care services.
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Join house sitting communities to network and learn.
Final Thoughts
Starting a house sitting business is a low-cost, high-trust opportunity to earn income, travel, and help people feel secure while they’re away. Whether you do it locally or globally, consistency, communication, and professionalism are key to long-term success.
By following the steps above, you can turn house sitting into a rewarding and profitable venture.
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