Finding Your Home Away From Home
Long-term house sitting turns an empty house into a temporary home for a travelling scholar. If you can look after a property (and usually a pet or two) for three weeks or more, you may be able to live affordably and comfortably right where your research takes you.
| Long-Term House Sits | Where to Find Them | Typical Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| 3+/-week stays that swap home care for reduced rent | SabbaticalHomes.com, academic list-servs, university bulletin boards | Pet feeding & walks, plant & garden care, mail collection, basic security |
Since 2000, SabbaticalHomes has matched thousands of academics with long term house sitting opportunities that let them settle into a neighbourhood, establish a writing routine and stretch precious grant money much further than a hotel ever could. Homeowners gain priceless peace of mind; sitters gain a well-equipped, furnished space that already understands the rhythm of scholarly life.
Related: Getting Started with SabbaticalHomes
What Is Long-Term House Sitting?
Long-term house sitting is a simple exchange: you keep a home (and often pets) safe, clean and loved while the owner is away on sabbatical, fieldwork, or a fellowship. In return you may stay for a lower rental rate. Within academia the practice feels almost tailor-made—professors leaving for research need caretakers; visiting scholars needing short-term, furnished housing.
SabbaticalHomes lists house-sitting needs under Home Rental, Home Exchange and Tenant searches. A listing is flagged with “house sitting” whenever one party needs help with pets, gardens, mail or similar duties during the stay.
Keeping pets in their familiar surroundings benefits them as well, with lower stress for animals and owners when a consistent caretaker is present.
How It Differs from Short Stays
Unlike a weekend rental, a months-long sit lets you create routines: morning dog walks, afternoon writing blocks, weekly market runs. The relationship is also deeper—you are a caretaker, not just a guest—and the financial arrangement is usually far gentler on the budget.
Definition in Practice
On SabbaticalHomes, “long term” usually means 3 – 52 weeks. Popular timeframes line up with:
• Summer research blocks (2–3 months)
• Semester exchanges (4 months)
• Full sabbaticals (6–12 months)
A recent user summed it up: “Watering the garden and feeding two cats was a small trade for the six quiet months I needed to finish my manuscript.”
Why Choose Long-Term House Sitting?
For many scholars, housing is the single biggest expense of a research trip. A house sit can cut that cost to a fraction while giving you something priceless: stability.
Benefits for Sitters
• Savings on rent
• A furnished home with a dedicated workspace and reliable Wi-Fi
• Daily structure (care routines, dog walks) that supports productivity
• Genuine immersion in a local community
• Built-in companionship if you enjoy animals
• Networking opportunities with the homeowner’s academic circle
Benefits for Homeowners
• Continuous presence deters break-ins and detects maintenance issues early
• Pets remain comfortable at home
• Gardens, mail and deliveries are handled on schedule
• Peace of mind that a fellow scholar understands and respects their books, studio or lab equipment
Responsibilities & Expectations on a Sit
House sitting is a commitment. Clear expectations at the outset set both parties up for success.
“I never realized how much peace of mind I’d gain knowing my home and beloved cats were in good hands while I conducted my research abroad,” one SabbaticalHomes homeowner told us.
Typical Tasks
• Feed and exercise pets, including basic medication if needed
• Water indoor plants and outdoor gardens
• Collect mail, manage bins and recycling on schedule
• Keep the home tidy and notify the owner of any issues promptly
• Provide periodic updates (many owners like a weekly photo of their pets)
Learn more about house sitting on SabbaticalHomes.
Traits of a Great Sitter
Reliability | clear communication | calm problem-solving | respect for academic workspaces | self-sufficiency. Bring those qualities and you will be invited back again and again.
Finding Long-Term House Sitting Opportunities
SabbaticalHomes makes the search straightforward.
Using SabbaticalHomes Filters
- Select your destination and tick the “house sitting” option.
- Choose the listing types you’re open to—Home Rental, Home Exchange, or Tenant Wanted.
- Filter for dates, furnished status, office space, pet presence and distance to campus.
- Set email alerts so new listings arrive the moment they’re published.
Remember: house sitting on SabbaticalHomes does not always mean free rent. It simply signals that help with pets, gardens or similar tasks is part of the deal.
Related: How SabbaticalHomes Works
Build a Stand-Out Profile
• Warm, professional photo
• Brief academic bio and current institution
• Specific examples of past house or pet care
• At least two references—ideally a previous homeowner and an academic colleague
• Optional verification badge or background check for extra reassurance
Thoughtful profiles rise to the top when homeowners skim applicants.
Applying & Interviewing Like a Pro
A personalised first message often determines whether you reach the interview stage.
Application Tips
• Reference a detail from the listing (“Your study with natural light is perfect for my archival work”).
• State dates clearly and suggest overlap days for hand-over.
• Highlight matching experience (e.g., senior-cat medication, organic garden upkeep).
• Attach or link to references.
End with genuine enthusiasm: “I’d be honoured to care for your home and spaniels while teaching my summer course at the university down the road.”
Interview & Agreement Checklist
During a video call cover:
| Topic | Notes |
|---|---|
| Exact dates & arrival time | Avoid travel-day confusion |
| Pet routines & vet info | Feeding, meds, quirks |
| Household tasks | Plants, bins, cleaners |
| Utilities & costs | Who pays for what; caps if any |
| Emergency protocols | Local contacts; spending limits |
| Communication | Weekly email? Occasional photos? |
Document everything in a short written agreement and create a digital “house manual” the sitter can reference anytime.
Navigating Challenges & Setting Clear Agreements
Unexpected costs or repairs can sour an otherwise perfect sit—unless you plan in advance.
Expenses & Utilities
Discuss:
• Security Deposit & Rental Payments
• Which utilities the sitter covers and typical monthly amounts
• Replacement of household consumables
• Spending authority for minor repairs (e.g., up to $200 without prior approval)
A shared spreadsheet or note app keeps both parties updated.
Risk Management
• Confirm the homeowner’s insurance covers an occupied house.
• Keep an emergency fund or credit card on file for urgent repairs.
• Photograph the property at hand-over to record existing wear.
• List all key contacts—neighbours, preferred plumbers, vet, campus security.
Research on travel risk management shows that clear protocols greatly reduce stress when challenges arise.
Succeeding Long-Term & Going Professional
If you find that house sitting fits your mobile academic life, you can turn it into a reliable side stream of accommodation—or even income.
Steps to build your reputation:
- Collect thoughtful reviews after every sit.
- Leave the home better—a tidy study, fresh flowers, a mown lawn speak volumes.
- Stay in touch. A holiday greeting can lead to the next opportunity.
- Develop a niche (historic homes, complex gardens, multi-pet households).
- Create simple systems—checklists, expense logs, emergency contacts—that show professionalism.
Some complex properties (farms, pools, high-value collections) may offer stipends in addition to free lodging. Negotiate respectfully and always prioritise trust.
Frequently Asked Questions about Long-Term House Sitting
How long do most assignments last?
Academic rhythms dominate:
• Summer blocks 2–3 months
• One semester 3–4 months
• Full sabbatical 6–12 months
Are sits usually paid or rent-free?
On SabbaticalHomes, arrangements are flexible: fully rent-free, reduced rent, or utilities-only depending on responsibilities, location and market demand.
Can I bring my own pets?
Always ask first. Some owners welcome an extra, well-behaved animal; others have pets that prefer being the sole resident. Disclose details about your companion early and plan a gradual introduction if approved.
Conclusion
Long-term house sitting weaves together two complementary academic needs: dependable home care for scholars who travel, and affordable, furnished housing for scholars who arrive. Every successful match strengthens the global community that SabbaticalHomes has fostered since 2000.
Ready to find—or offer—your own long term house sitting opportunities? Explore current listings and join a worldwide network of minds on the move.
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