Would You House-sit For A Living?


Massive houses, expansive gardens, occasionally a fridge full of food, and all of it free. A couple have managed to dodge the cost-of-living crisis and the rent or mortgage hikes that are ravaging many people’s lives and savings in the UK. Taking care of properties and pets for nothing while owners are away is not new. But since the pandemic, the trend has boomed. Confronted with an unstable housing market, inflation at a 40-year high and soaring food and energy costs, increasing numbers of people of all ages and walks of life are turning to housesitting to keep a roof over their heads. What are your thoughts LiveTribers? Would you house-sit for a living?

Posted by on 14 Dec 2022

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  • [0] [0]
    Gabi87

    I am not sure if this could be done full time, I had done for friends before

    Posted by Gabi87 on 10 Feb 2023
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    Kimberley

    I would love to do something like this occasionally probably not permanently though.

    Posted by Kimberley on 30 Jan 2023
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    Marymary

    House sitting is good if you are paid to do it. it also only works for people who can live in situations where there is clutter or mess. Me i would need to tidy it all up before i felt comfortable.

    Posted by Marymary on 26 Jan 2023
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    Annie

    I’d do it for sure, why tent when u can house sit all the time

    Posted by Annie on 22 Jan 2023
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    cazzle

    No, I prefer to stay in my home where I feel comfortable. Also, I would be worried if I was looking after pets and something happened to them out of my control.

    Posted by cazzle on 16 Jan 2023
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    Carolyn

    I would love to - but I have my own pets to look after. It is something I may do in the future

    Posted by Carolyn on 11 Jan 2023
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    bianks21

    I think it would be good for a short period of time, it would help to be able to save money (if you were able to work at the same time as well) but ultimately I'd like a place of my own one day not just to be a wandering nomad - especially when kids come into the picture

    Posted by bianks21 on 11 Jan 2023
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    Lucy

    I have house sat before for extended periods, but you always feel slightly on edge, often in terms of looking after pets that aren’t yours, or causing damage. Plus it’s very difficult to line up dates, so that housesitting becomes completely continuous.

    Posted by Lucy on 11 Jan 2023
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    TonyLT

    If the pay is reasonable, then why not. I definitely would. Given that I also work remotely from home using laptop with internet connection, I could see myself doing both at the same time (ie: working remotely from another person's house) to increase the income

    Posted by TonyLT on 11 Jan 2023
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    BriBri60

    It sounds really too good to be true. I would want to return to my own home so could not really rely on this as a full time option. I love the idea of house sitting overseas and getting to become part of the community for a time.

    Posted by BriBri60 on 11 Jan 2023
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    Bent

    Isn't it food and lodging how do you make money? Unless you steal from them.

    Posted by Bent on 11 Jan 2023
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    Jenni

    I would love this.. sounds like the perfect job to me!

    Posted by Jenni on 11 Jan 2023
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    S0ph

    Absolutely! Think of all the possibilities and opportunities

    Posted by S0ph on 11 Jan 2023
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    Busy Bee

    I wouldn't do it for a living but is willing to house sit for people that I know well, especially if they have a lovable dog to care for during my stay.

    Posted by Busy Bee on 11 Jan 2023
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    Michelle

    Might be a opportunity to visit new places

    Posted by Michelle on 11 Jan 2023
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    Gabi87

    I do not think this could be for living, but definately for a period of time, holidays period or weekends

    Posted by Gabi87 on 06 Jan 2023
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    Churnside

    Not for a living but for short periods each year as a way of living in different locality and having a different experience as opposed to being a tourist.

    Posted by Churnside on 06 Jan 2023
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    Paul

    it seems risky to housesit as you never know what you will find in the house.

    Posted by Paul on 06 Jan 2023
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    Jibberman

    Sounds fascinating. Live the life of someone else for a short time - why not.

    Posted by Jibberman on 06 Jan 2023
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    Purplefire16

    I would definitely house sit but unfortunately I am Carer for my adult son with ASD and staying in other peoples houses would be not good for him as he would have to come with me, I don't think he would like the Gypsy life.

    Posted by Purplefire16 on 01 Jan 2023
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    sandra

    It sounds like it would be a great experience and a chance to live for a short time in a different community. As long as they don't mind me bringing my dog :) She's only small!

    Posted by sandra on 01 Jan 2023
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    Christine

    Yes, i have done house-sitting in the past when i was younger. What a great way to get away from the family and enjoy your freedom.

    Posted by Christine on 01 Jan 2023
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    Peter

    Absolutely, we have done so in the past and are looking forward to doing more in retirement.

    Posted by Peter on 01 Jan 2023
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    Flossys

    probably not now i am 60 and disabled but did do a few times when i was younger, was fun, look after their animals and have a break from homelife

    Posted by Flossys on 01 Jan 2023
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    vlee

    I wouldn't want the responsibility of looking after somebody's home.

    Posted by vlee on 01 Jan 2023
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  • [0] [0]
    merryl

    House sitting is a great idea, but I'm not sure that I would do it.

    Posted by merryl on 01 Jan 2023
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    VasMar

    Definitely, is like a job but full of fun.

    Posted by VasMar on 23 Dec 2022
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    fion

    yes definitely. it saves my rent and helps others to look after their home

    Posted by fion on 23 Dec 2022
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    Lee1

    Staying in beautiful homes would be nice, especially if they have a swimming pool. On the other hand, it's kind of like being a live-in housekeeper, and as I don't like housework at the best times, I would say most certainly that I would not do house-sitting for a living.

    Posted by Lee1 on 23 Dec 2022
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    Paoulo

    I'm not sure. I feel suspicious about working for food and lodging which is essentially the same as slavery. It is work unless you're allowed to leave in the day to work somewhere. Good for those who can work from their house sit though.

    Posted by Paoulo on 23 Dec 2022
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    Kittykato

    It's not for me. But I have people do it for me when I go away.

    Posted by Kittykato on 23 Dec 2022
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    Seshachalapathi

    I think it is a great idea if you have no ties and could really save some money. I think I would miss my own things being around though.

    Posted by Seshachalapathi on 23 Dec 2022
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    theplayer1303

    Yes definitely it is a good idea to save cost especially when travelling

    Posted by theplayer1303 on 23 Dec 2022
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    Swampy

    Yes not a problem at all doing thus as ya helping out someone who needs an escape away for what ever reason

    Posted by Swampy on 23 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Rainbow Flamingo

    I think House Sitting would be an awesome career choice. Imagine the many places you'd get to visit and the experiences you'd have. I think it sounds like a dream job.

    Posted by Rainbow Flamingo on 20 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Woodness

    Yes, if I was young and single, it sounds great to me.

    Posted by Woodness on 20 Dec 2022
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    Jay

    Yes, I would do it every now and then to gain new experiences.

    Posted by Jay on 20 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    Charmaine

    As a 50+ female solo traveller, house-sitting offers a chance to rest, relax and often spend time with furry friends. I also feel a sense of usefulness - people trust me to care for their home, gardens, pets and valued possessions, and that's a good feeling!

    Posted by Charmaine on 20 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Doug

    I have heard of people who do this, they seem to like it, saves having a mortgage, as long as you line up the next job to start the day after you leave the current one, so you’ve always got a roof over your head

    Posted by Doug on 20 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    shanu

    I have for 3 year and it was great living like nomad from house to house

    Posted by shanu on 20 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    ayuicyi

    yes I will. provided they are safe and trustworthy people.

    Posted by ayuicyi on 20 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Paula

    No I couldn't stand it. I like to be surrounded by my own things and I have cats. What about the sitters clothes and possessions? Do they keep them in a plastic bag or storage unit?

    Posted by Paula on 17 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    coaster

    Safety issues would have to be considered, monetary and inclusions in the job, if pets are involved and how safe they are i.e. I would not sit large Pit Bull type dogs etc. how long the job was available and also once the job was over where to from there. It seems to be a very sketchy type existence to me.

    Posted by coaster on 17 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    CILLY0

    I would love to do this - however, tjhere is no guarantee that when you leave the first house you are baby-sitting, that there would be another house ready and waiting for you to baby-sit. So what do you do in the meantime - if you don't have a rental then you would probably have to live in your car, and that doesn't soud ideal to me at all.

    Posted by CILLY0 on 17 Dec 2022
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    kendallx3

    Sounds like a great idea, but I'd need to know that I would have the security of a place to live at all times

    Posted by kendallx3 on 15 Dec 2022
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    Michelle

    Not as a living though. Not stable enough. But part time ? Most def

    Posted by Michelle on 15 Dec 2022
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    Mikayla

    Yep, internet and fridge access included, i'll go anywhere.

    Posted by Mikayla on 15 Dec 2022
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    Tara Rata

    Never. I would be too scared of breaking something that wasn't my own

    Posted by Tara Rata on 15 Dec 2022
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    Jigsaw

    No way!! So uncomfortable

    Posted by Jigsaw on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    sexyAngie

    If it was just myself, yes, I would definitely consider it but I have too many commitments with family at the moment.

    Posted by sexyAngie on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Chook5

    I would consider it, but I think it would take a lot of planning to make sure you always had a roof over your head , making sure you always had another place to go when one job finishes. It would teach you to live very minimalistic

    Posted by Chook5 on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Michelle

    if it was last resort but i dont do well being out of the routine. not to mention i cannot house sit pets due to my allergies

    Posted by Michelle on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    ashna9

    I would love to housesit but I don't think I could make a living out of it.

    Posted by ashna9 on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Hazy

    I would definitely consider it depending upon my personal circumstances and what I would be expected to do. Looking after pets would be great.

    Posted by Hazy on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    paletendril

    I'd definitely consider it. It would depend on what I was expected to do in return.

    Posted by paletendril on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    Claire

    It would depend on what was entailed. Keeping the place clean and taking care of some pets, no problem. But I wouldn’t expect to deal with animals that require more care (large dogs etc.) or mow lawns without some compensation

    Posted by Claire on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    Janette

    Really love the idea just don't know what I would do if there was a gap between houses

    Posted by Janette on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Tedskeeeeez

    For sure, sounds like an easy way to make a few dollars, and also have a holiday. I'm in!!!!!

    Posted by Tedskeeeeez on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Carol

    I would love to do house sitting especially in a rural area Exciting

    Posted by Carol on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    algemyone

    If I could take my dog and cat and wheelchair.......no. Not even then! Only for family for free.

    Posted by algemyone on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    minxie

    Absolutely if I was younger. I love looking at other peoples homes but i dont expect it would all be expensive houses and pools!

    Posted by minxie on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Ally42

    I think that it's a great way to make extra money but not likely something you could rely on long term.

    Posted by Ally42 on 15 Dec 2022
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    wombatwagon

    If i had the chance i probably would but not on a regular basis. I like to come home where i feel more comfortable.

    Posted by wombatwagon on 15 Dec 2022
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    RedRock

    I don't think it would suit me, I would always want my own home to come home to, I like that stability. I would only look into it if I was forced to. I think it's great for those that enjoy it.

    Posted by RedRock on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Stella del Mattino

    I agree with many of the other panelists: yes, it's a good experience, flexible and interesting, but no, it's not a long term solution. You still need a reliable source of income and some degree of stability in your living arrangements. If you are a young family, with school aged children, it's not really going to be a realistic option. You also need a residential address as well, for all the civil obligations, if you are lucky, you'll have friends and family covering that, but some of us cannot count on that. And you might need a storage unit, unless all of your lifetime possessions fit in the boot.

    Posted by Stella del Mattino on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Briana

    If I was younger and didnt have a child and a dog then I would definitely do it. I have done it in the past and it is a great way to save money. It can almost feel like a mini holiday because you are in a new place and you have new places to explore.

    Posted by Briana on 15 Dec 2022
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    SimplyPaper

    If I were young definitely. No different to a working holiday really as long as you have somewhere to leave your belongings.

    Posted by SimplyPaper on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    wrestling collector

    if I was younger,without too many commitments it sounds ideal

    Posted by wrestling collector on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Brian

    Great way to travel the world and experience living in local environments..particularly when your retired…

    Posted by Brian on 15 Dec 2022
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    admired_gurly

    It sounds fun and maybe when I was younger but no way these days! I love my home comforts and stability. Also pretty impossible with young kids and pets.

    Posted by admired_gurly on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Purplefire16

    I would love to do this but can't as I am a carer for my Adult son. I think a small wage would also be warranted as you are expected to take complete responsibility of other peoples belongings to keep them safe and also if they have pets to take care of as well as showing that someone lives there whilst owners are away for whatever reason. It also depends on the size of the house.

    Posted by Purplefire16 on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    pambren5

    It's a great option for some people who are not tied to places and possessions. A lot of trust required! I'm too attached to my home and and sense of belonging to do it myself but I would consider having someone care fro my home if I was going on a long holiday.

    Posted by pambren5 on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Kittykato

    Definitely not for me. I like my routine too much!

    Posted by Kittykato on 15 Dec 2022
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    Deb

    no i dont think it would suit me

    Posted by Deb on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    Minh-Hai Henry

    I have done this several times for friends and family homes in the past. It is fun and great for some who is introverted from time to time. Personally, I would not do it full time as you do somewhat become isolated from society as you will spend so much time alone. You will need to be prepared to be busy for the duration of the house sit without be mentally strained

    Posted by Minh-Hai Henry on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    tassiegirl

    It is a very good idea for some people. They can save $300 per week or more (in rent alone). They can also save on the costs of bills (water, electricity and gas). Yes, the extra money you save can help you save up for a house deposit or for something you want to buy eg car. The total you save per week would be as much as $600 or $700 per week (from not paying rent and not paying gas, electricity and water). Yes, I do think it makes a lot of financial sense for people to do this and to help them save more. I don't think you need to be paid extra for house sitting, as you are saving yourself $600 or $700 per week.

    Posted by tassiegirl on 15 Dec 2022
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    vlee

    Definitely not something I'd do. I wouldn't want the responsibility of looking after another person's property or possessions. Besides that my partner and I just like being at home in our house. It just wouldn't fit our lifestyle.

    Posted by vlee on 15 Dec 2022
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    Eileen

    i know several people who do this but it is not for me, even if I were younger. I love my own home where I have a sense of belonging, my family feel connected and it is full of my treasures and the things important to me. I like to be able to move things, rearrange and change the decor if I feel like it. Caring for someone else's home would be too big a responsibility.

    Posted by Eileen on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    PeterM

    This is definately an option, probably more suited if you're younger and have not much responsibilities. Not sure if I would do it for nothing though, probably would be a daily fee because what about times when there will be no houses to house sit. What do you do in the meantime, you would need that income to see you through until the next house becomes available.

    Posted by PeterM on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Hispania

    I would have done this when I was younger if I had known about it and didn’t have my own pet and partner and family living nearby and my own house to worry about. I am not sure I would have done it for a living though. I can’t imagine there would be much money involved - certainly not enough to save for the house you might want yourself one day.

    Posted by Hispania on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    Joy

    I have house sat but not sure that I could make a living out of it. It’s a great way to have a break in routine or a holiday.

    Posted by Joy on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    cazzle

    I wouldn't as I need stability in my life and don't want to be worrying about other people's properties.

    Posted by cazzle on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    Sue

    I have 2 friends who did this for several years and they loved it. Got very good at it, too, by being very organised. I actually met both of them when they house sat for me. I remain friends with them still.

    Posted by Sue on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Alex!20

    Those who enjoy the constant change and disruption may have found some kind of Nirvana.

    Posted by Alex!20 on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    Ronald

    great way to see Australia travelling in a caravan but housesitting also ,did for 4 years and met most amazing experiances

    Posted by Ronald on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    Ben

    House sitting is only temporary. It’s better to have a tent with your own stuff than pretend to be living beyond your means

    Posted by Ben on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Paul

    Yes but i dont think the income is sustainable in the long run.

    Posted by Paul on 15 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    mact

    If your past history of honesty and other bonafides are established then why not. Mind you just another way the poor are getting poorer and class difference may be magnified as those who do this may have few other choices! Those who enjoy the constant change and disruption may have found some kind of Nirvana.

    Posted by mact on 14 Dec 2022
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