How I Traveled to All 50 States Without Paying for Accommodations: The House Sitting Secret
Imagine waking up in a cozy mountain cabin in Colorado, spending the afternoon in a historic brownstone in Boston, and ending the week watching the sunset from a beachfront villa in California—all without paying a dime for accommodations. Sounds too good to be true? Well, that’s exactly how I traveled to all 50 states, thanks to house sitting.
Yes, you read that right. I spent a year exploring the U.S. while staying in stunning homes, taking care of adorable pets, and never once shelling out for a hotel or Airbnb. Here’s how you can do it too.
What is House Sitting, and How Does it Work?
House sitting is a simple exchange: homeowners leave town and need someone to take care of their house (and often their pets), and in return, you get free accommodations. Sometimes it’s just for a weekend, and other times, it can be for months.
Why Homeowners Need House Sitters
They want to keep their pets comfortable at home.
They don’t want their house to look vacant.
They need someone to water plants, bring in mail, and handle minor maintenance.
In short, it’s a win-win. They get peace of mind, and you get a free place to stay in exchange for basic responsibilities.
How I Got Started in House Sitting
1. Choosing the Right House Sitting Platform
There are several house sitting websites, but these are the ones that helped me land gigs across all 50 states:
TrustedHousesitters (Best for international and U.S. sits)
House Sitters America (Best for U.S.-specific stays)
Nomador (Great for long-term stays)
MindMyHouse (Budget-friendly option for beginners)
2. Creating a Winning Profile
Your profile is your resume. To stand out, I made sure to:
Use a friendly and professional photo.
Highlight my experience with pets (even if it was just growing up with a dog!).
Include references from past house sits or personal character references.
Write a warm, detailed bio emphasizing my reliability, love for animals, and cleanliness.
3. Applying for My First Sit
I started small—a weekend house sit in Austin, Texas, for a couple with a friendly Labrador. After my first glowing review, landing future sits became so much easier.
House Sitting Across America: My Favorite Experiences
1. A Ranch in Montana
One of my most memorable sits was on a 400-acre ranch in Montana. My duties? Feeding a few chickens, playing fetch with an energetic border collie, and making sure the house didn’t burn down. In return, I had access to a breathtaking landscape, with wild horses running through the fields at sunrise.
2. A Chic New York City Apartment
Ever dreamed of living in NYC but couldn’t stomach the rent prices? That was me—until I landed a month-long sit in a high-rise Manhattan apartment. The best part? The owners left me Broadway tickets as a thank-you.
3. A Beach House in Hawaii
This one was a dream come true. I spent six weeks house sitting on Oahu, taking care of two affectionate cats while enjoying beach walks every morning. If I had paid for that stay? It would have cost thousands.
Tips for Landing the Best House Sits
1. Start Small & Build Reviews
If you’re new to house sitting, start with short-term gigs or less competitive locations to build up reviews.
2. Be Quick to Apply
Many desirable house sits get dozens of applications within hours. Set up alerts and apply quickly.
3. Be Friendly & Professional
In messages, emphasize your reliability, love for pets, and past experience. Video calls with homeowners help build trust.
4. Treat Each House Like Your Own
Leave every house cleaner than you found it. This leads to repeat invites and referrals.
5. Consider Long-Term Sits
I once stayed three months in Portland during the rainy season. Longer sits mean less moving around and deeper exploration.
Who is House Sitting Perfect For?
Digital Nomads: Work remotely while living rent-free.
Retirees: Travel the world without paying for hotels.
Gap Year Travelers: See new places while keeping costs down.
Pet Lovers: Enjoy furry companionship without the long-term commitment.
Final Thoughts: You Can Do This Too!
House sitting changed my life. I saw all 50 states, made amazing friends (both human and four-legged), and saved tens of thousands of dollars on accommodations. If you love travel, pets, and experiencing new places without breaking the bank, this could be your golden ticket.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for a house sitting site, craft a stellar profile, and start exploring the world—one free stay at a time.
Have you tried house sitting? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below! And if this guide helped you, pass it on to fellow travelers looking for budget-friendly adventures!
