When we first started looking at campground prices near Minneapolis last summer, I almost fell out of my camp chair. Monthly rates ranged from $1,500 to $2,500 to park our van. That would be a massive chunk of our budget just for the month we wanted to spend with friends and family. There had to be a better way.
That’s when we discovered Trusted Housesitters. After six house sits across three states, caring for everything from chocolate labs to chickens to escape-artist Great Pyrenees, we’ve learned that house sitting isn’t just a money-saving hack. It’s become one of our favorite parts of van life, giving us the chance to slow down, explore cities more deeply, and test out places we might want to settle someday. Here’s exactly how it works and why it might be perfect for your nomadic lifestyle too.
What is Trusted Housesitters, anyway?
Trusted Housesitters is a platform that connects pet owners who need someone to watch their home and animals with travelers looking for free accommodation. Both homeowners and sitters pay an annual subscription, around $129 to $259 per year depending on which level you choose. Everyone gets background checked and creates profiles with reviews. Homeowners post their sits with dates and pet care details, and we apply for the opportunities that work for our schedule.
The beauty of the system is that it’s truly win-win. Pet owners get to keep their animals comfortable at home instead of boarding them, and we get free accommodation in exchange for pet care. No money changes hands beyond the subscription fee. It’s purely a trade of services.
For us as van lifers, it made immediate sense. We could spend $160 for an annual membership versus $1,500 to $2,500 per month for campgrounds. That’s a no-brainer. Plus we’d get to hang out with animals, which is always a plus when you’re dreaming of a future homestead. We’d have the chance to really explore areas instead of just passing through. The platform even offered a money-back guarantee if we didn’t book a sit within the first month.
We signed up in July of last year, not entirely sure what to expect.
Our first sit in Hastings set the bar high
Our first house sitting experience ended up being everything we didn’t know we needed. We landed a four-week sit in Hastings, Minnesota, right on the St. Croix River for the month of August. The property had a big yard where Rooster could run free for the first time since we’d adopted him, a gorgeous house with river access, and enough space to host our families for visits.
We were caring for a cat and a small flock of chickens. The yard maintenance turned out to be more work than the animals, but we wouldn’t have had it any other way. The real magic though was Pam, the homeowner. She became like an aunt to us almost immediately. We arrived two nights before she left so she could walk us through everything. The property, the animals, the plants, all the little details that make a house run smoothly. Her warmth and openness made us feel like trusted friends rather than hired help.
The neighborhood connections surprised us too. I started going on morning walks with Pam’s next-door neighbor Kirsten, and we’d talk about life, van living, her experiences in the area. These weren’t interactions we’d typically have rolling through town in our van, hunting for a place to park for the night. House sitting gave us a temporary rootedness that let real connections form.
This was also Rooster’s first real house experience beyond brief visits to Aunt Molly’s and Aunt Gail’s places. Watching him discover the joy of a fenced yard, the freedom to just exist without being leashed or confined to the van, reminded us why we’d wanted to try this in the first place. We were close enough to Minneapolis to see friends regularly, but far enough out to have space, quiet, and a rhythm that felt healthier than constant movement.
We still keep in touch with Pam. That’s how special that first experience was.
Tucker and the St. Louis Park sit taught us about pet emergencies
Our second Minnesota sit came in early September. We spent two weeks in St. Louis Park caring for Tucker, the sweetest chocolate lab you’ll ever meet. This experience differed from Hastings in scale. Smaller house, city neighborhood instead of river property. But the fenced yard meant Tucker and Rooster could play together all day, which was pure joy to watch.
Tucker was so easygoing that we almost got complacent. Then one afternoon, Ethan and I noticed blood on the patio. Tucker had hurt his paw playing in the yard, and it wouldn’t stop bleeding.
This is where being Type A paid off. I’d put together a pet emergency kit months earlier, one of those decisions that feels slightly paranoid until you need it. We had styptic powder, specifically Miracle Care Kwik Stop which contains benzocaine for pain relief. We also had gauze, bandages, and a detailed allergy list for each pet we were caring for. I called the vet first to assess whether Tucker needed to come in, and they talked me through home treatment.
We applied the styptic powder together and bandaged the paw. The owners were out of town but reachable, so I kept them updated without panicking them. We changed Tucker’s bandages daily and watched for signs of infection. Within 24 hours the bleeding had fully stopped. By the time the owners returned, Tucker was completely healed. They were grateful we’d handled it calmly and thoroughly, and honestly, the experience made us more confident about handling pet emergencies in future sits.
That St. Louis Park sit also put us even closer to friends, which meant more spontaneous hangouts and deeper connections during our Minnesota stay. House sitting was proving to be about so much more than free accommodation.
Nashville gave us a jungle gym house and an escape artist dog
By late September, we were ready to start moving south for the winter. We found a three-week sit in Nashville that sounded almost too good to be true. A property with trails, a house that had a literal jungle gym inside with slides, hiding spots, and climbing structures built right into the design. Plus a small farm’s worth of animals to care for.
We were responsible for over ten chickens, two cats named Perry and Amelia, and two dogs. Indie was a sweet Beauceron girl, and Byron was a young Great Pyrenees with a wandering spirit. Perry cuddled with me constantly while Amelia was so shy we maybe saw her three times total during the entire three weeks.
Byron tested us though. The owners had warned us that he occasionally escaped, and they’d put a GPS tracker on his collar for exactly this reason. Knowing about it in advance didn’t make it any less stressful when he actually took off. We’d wait, watching the tracker dot move around the neighborhood, hoping he’d come back before we had to go chase him down on foot. He always did return eventually, but those thirty minutes of uncertainty each time made my heart race.
The property itself was incredible. Having trails to walk, space for all the animals to roam, and that wonderfully amazing house with playground equipment inside made the whole experience memorable. This was also when we started getting pickier about what sits we’d accept. We’d learned what we valued, like space and interesting properties and animals we connected with, and what we could handle. Young, energetic dogs who needed constant supervision were starting to feel like more work than we wanted on our break from van life.
The flea house in Crawfordville tested our flexibility
Not every sit goes perfectly. In late October, we arrived at a house in Crawfordville, just south of Tallahassee, to care for a ten-month-old puppy named Astro and three cats. Two we barely saw, Ebony and Pancake, and one sweet old lady named Tippy.
I do not recommend ten-month-old puppies, by the way. Astro was sweet but we much prefer older, already trained dogs at this point. Still, we were committed to making it work.
A few days in, I noticed Rooster scratching more than usual. Then I saw them. Fleas. My stomach dropped. Thankfully all our pets were on preventive medication, so the infestation didn’t spread to them badly. But the house was another story. Those full fur rugs everywhere suddenly made sense as the worst possible scenario for a flea problem.
The owners were on a cruise but had cell signal, which was a relief. They had no idea there was a flea issue and were incredibly supportive when I reached out. With their permission, we bought flea collars for all the house cats and treated what we could. But we also had to protect our own animals.
We moved Mav and Goose into the van immediately after confirming they were flea-free. Rooster stayed in a room we’d made sure was completely flea-free, sleeping in his crate until we were certain he was clear too. His flea medication wasn’t working as well as we’d hoped. What a way to find out your preventive care isn’t effective.
It took a few days to fully resolve the situation. The owners reimbursed us for everything we’d bought, and we stuck it out for the full two weeks. This experience taught us that flexibility and problem-solving are just as important as loving animals when it comes to house sitting. Not everything will be perfect, but that’s true of van life too. You adapt, you communicate, and you figure it out.
Ocala brought us our favorite old boys
Our final sit of the year was in Ocala, Florida in late November. Just one week this time, caring for two of the sweetest senior dogs we’ve ever met. Toby was a Pomeranian and Mason was a Shih Tzu, both older gentlemen who just wanted cuddles and easy walks.
After the chaos of the flea house and the energy of younger dogs, spending a week with these two felt like exactly what we needed. The house was nice but nothing extraordinary, which was fine. We’d learned by this point that we didn’t need elaborate properties or exciting animals. Sometimes the best sits are the quiet ones where you can work during the day, care for easy pets, and explore a new area at your own pace.
This was also when we realized we’d gotten pretty good at this whole house sitting thing. We had our systems down. Our packing list of what to bring into the house versus leave in the van. Our communication style with homeowners. Our ability to read pet behavior and anticipate needs. Five sits in less than six months had given us a confidence we didn’t have back in July.
How house sitting actually works for van lifers
Let’s talk logistics, because I know that’s what you’re really wondering. How do you make this work when you’re living in a van?
The biggest question people ask us is where we park Charlotte during sits. The answer is simple. In the driveway of whatever home we’re sitting. We’re completely transparent about having the van when we apply for sits. We travel with three pets and it would be incredibly rude to just show up with them unannounced. Plus, city ordinances about street parking with a van can be pretty strict in big cities, so we make sure we can park in the driveway before accepting any sit.
We also ask if there’s an HOA and whether they allow vans, even if it’s parked in the homeowner’s driveway. We’ve been turned down once or twice because of HOA rules, which is totally fair. Not a big deal when you live in a van and can go wherever.
As for what we bring into the house, we’ve developed a system. We keep a written list of everything we move from the van so we can check items off at the end and make sure we don’t leave anything behind. We learned this the hard way after forgetting things at early sits. We try not to bring too much, but I work inside the house while Ethan usually stays in the van working, so I have more stuff scattered around. Kitchen items they might not have, work equipment, and maybe a hobby like my crocheting supplies. We keep pet food and supplies inside the van so we’re not constantly moving those back and forth.
For mail and packages, we use Escapees Mail Service. It’s incredibly easy to schedule deliveries to arrive at whatever house we’re sitting, which has been a game changer. If the homeowners get any mail or packages while they’re away, we just set it aside wherever they want it when they return.
The transition in and out of sits has gotten smoother with practice. It really depends on the house and the specific situation, but having the van close by at all times makes everything less complicated. We’re not trying to figure out how to fit our entire lives into a suitcase or coordinate transportation. Charlotte is right there whenever we need her.
How to actually get house sitting gigs
Getting your first sit is definitely the hardest part, especially when you don’t have reviews yet. We got lucky with our very first application. I’d done some pet sitting through Rover when we lived in Minneapolis before van life, and one of those clients was willing to write me a review for Trusted Housesitters. That single review made a huge difference in getting Pam to trust us with her home and animals.
If you’re starting from scratch, here’s what we’ve learned works. Focus on local sits first to build your profile. It’s easier to meet homeowners in person when you’re nearby, and that face-to-face connection can overcome the lack of reviews. Be genuine in your profile. We have photos of our pets and the van, and we’re completely honest about our lifestyle. The more authentic you are, the more likely you are to be matched with people who appreciate what you bring to the table.
For applications, we customize every single one. After doing this for six months, they all start sounding similar, but we still make sure each message speaks to the specific sit and homeowners. We mention the pets by name, reference something from their listing, and explain why we’re interested in their area. It’s not complicated, but it shows we’re actually paying attention and not just copy-pasting generic applications.
Set up notifications for the places and timeframes you’re interested in. The app makes this easy, and it means you’re not constantly checking for new listings. We’ve noticed that sits tend to go to people who apply early, especially when you have good reviews. Most of the time we’re applying to jobs that only have zero to one other applications. Speed matters.
As for competition, we honestly haven’t found it to be a huge issue. Homeowners seem to appreciate couples, or at least that’s what we see on Reddit. Having three pets could have been a dealbreaker, but we’ve only been turned down maybe once or twice because of Mav, Goose, and Rooster. People are surprisingly welcoming when you’re upfront and responsible.
Once you have a few sits under your belt, you can get pickier. We’re at that point now where we’re more strategic about what we apply for. Longer sits in areas we really want to explore, properties that feel like a good fit, pets whose needs match our energy and experience level.
The video call is everything
Here’s something we learned early on. If homeowners don’t want to do a video call before the sit, that’s a red flag. For us, anyway. Meeting over video gives both sides a chance to get a feel for each other, ask questions, and make sure expectations align. It’s also when you can be completely transparent about the van, your pets, your work schedule, and anything else that might affect the sit.
We’ve had nothing but positive experiences with these calls. Every homeowner we’ve worked with has been kind, communicative, and genuinely excited to meet us. That conversation before the sit makes everything smoother once we actually arrive.
What to do when things go wrong
Emergencies happen. Tucker’s paw was our first real test, and having a plan made all the difference. Now we always carry a pet emergency kit with styptic powder, bandages, gauze, and allergy information for every animal we’re caring for. It’s one of those small investments that gives you massive peace of mind.
The other key is communication. When Tucker got hurt, I called the vet first to assess the situation. Then I updated the owners without making them panic while they were out of town. When we discovered the fleas in Crawfordville, I reached out to the owners immediately even though they were on a cruise. In both cases, having that open line of communication meant we could solve problems together instead of making decisions in isolation.
Use whatever guides and phone numbers the homeowners leave you before bothering them with every little thing. Most sits come with detailed instructions, and we’ve found that homeowners appreciate when we try to figure things out first. But when something genuinely needs their input, especially if it involves money like a vet visit, we always ask what they want us to do.
The biggest thing is knowing what requires immediate communication and what can wait. Bleeding paw that might need a vet? Call right away. Cat threw up once but seems fine otherwise? Probably okay to monitor and mention later. Fleas discovered throughout the house? Definitely call immediately. You’ll develop this judgment over time.
Why we’ll keep doing this
House sitting has become one of our favorite parts of van life for reasons we didn’t even anticipate. Yes, the money savings are incredible. Spending $160 a year instead of $1,500 to $2,500 per month on campgrounds means we can travel longer and stress less about our budget. But that’s honestly not even the main reason we love it anymore.
Slowing down is the biggest gift house sitting gives us. We usually try to do sits that are two weeks or longer, though we’ve done some one-week stints too. This allows us to really explore areas without rushing through. We’re not constantly looking for the next campground or worrying about where we’ll park for the night. We can work during the week, explore on weekends, and actually get to know a place instead of just seeing it.
The animal time is huge for us too. We’re dreaming of a future homestead, so getting to take care of chickens, multiple cats and dogs, and different types of animals feels like practice for what we eventually want.
Testing out different locations has become unexpectedly valuable. We see ourselves doing van life for the next five to ten years, so being able to spend real time in places before potentially settling there is amazing. We’re not just driving through for a day or two. We’re living in neighborhoods, meeting people, experiencing what daily life actually feels like in that area.
The community connections have surprised us most of all. Meeting Pam and Kirsten in Hastings, getting to know the owners in each location, being welcomed into neighborhoods as temporary residents instead of just passersby. These connections make us feel less isolated and more human, which matters when you’re living a lifestyle that can sometimes feel pretty solitary.
We’ve also learned so much about ourselves through house sitting. What kind of properties we love, what level of responsibility feels good versus overwhelming, how we handle unexpected situations together, what our ideal balance looks like between movement and stillness. Every sit has taught us something.
The real pros and cons
Let’s be honest about what house sitting actually involves, because it’s not all cuddles and free accommodation.
The pros are pretty clear. Free place to stay with access to full kitchens, laundry, space to spread out, and all the comforts of a real house. Animal companionship that we genuinely love. The ability to test different locations and see if we might want to live there someday. Community connections that make us feel rooted even temporarily. And significant money savings that let us travel longer and more comfortably.
But there are real cons too. You have responsibilities and you can’t just leave whenever you want. If friends invite you on a spontaneous road trip during a sit, you have to say no. The application process takes time and energy, especially in the beginning when you’re building reviews. Sits aren’t always available exactly where and when you want them, so you need flexibility in your travel plans. You have to follow house rules, which sometimes means adjusting your routines or lifestyle temporarily.
You also need to genuinely love animals and be willing to put their needs first. If you’re the kind of person who sees pet care as a burden rather than a joy, house sitting probably isn’t for you. And you need to be comfortable with the give and take, the trial and error of figuring out what works in each new situation. No two sits are exactly the same.
Our advice if you’re thinking about trying this
Start locally if you can. Build your profile with sits close to where you currently are, so you can meet homeowners face-to-face and establish those first few reviews. That foundation makes everything easier as you branch out.
Be genuine and honest in your profile and applications. Include photos of your pets and van if that’s your lifestyle. The more transparent you are, the better matches you’ll find with homeowners who appreciate what you bring to the table.
Get that first review however you can. Previous pet sitting experience through Rover or Wag, a friend or family member who can vouch for your animal care skills, anything that shows you’re trustworthy and capable. That first review opens doors.
Don’t book anything you know you can’t follow through on if the sit gets canceled. We’ve had two cancellations, and they didn’t matter much to us because we stick to the US and places we’d be happy to visit anyway. Having that flexibility built into our plans means cancellations are disappointing but not devastating.
Set up notifications for the areas and timeframes you’re interested in. Apply quickly when something good pops up, especially once you have reviews. The early bird really does get the worm with house sitting.
Be flexible and ready to adapt. You need to genuinely love this kind of lifestyle where every sit brings new surprises, new routines, new challenges to navigate. If you need everything to be predictable and controlled, house sitting might stress you out more than it’s worth.
And finally, communicate openly with homeowners. Before the sit, during the sit, and after. That transparency and connection makes everything smoother and often leads to great relationships beyond just the transactional exchange.
House sitting isn’t a magic solution, but it might be perfect for you
Van life isn’t always as simple or glamorous as social media makes it look. Neither is house sitting, honestly. But combining the two has given us a rhythm that feels sustainable and genuinely enjoyable. We get the freedom and adventure of van life with periodic breaks to slow down, connect with animals and communities, and live like regular people for a bit.
If you’re a van lifer or digital nomad looking for ways to stretch your budget, explore areas more deeply, and add some variety to constant movement, house sitting might be exactly what you need. It’s worked beautifully for us, even with the fleas and the escape artist dogs and the learning curves along the way.
We’re always learning new approaches and would love to hear about your experiences if you’ve tried house sitting or are thinking about it. What’s your biggest question or concern about giving it a try? Drop a comment below and let’s help each other figure this out together.
And if you do decide to sign up for Trusted Housesitters, we have a referral code that’ll get you 25% off your membership. We’re not sponsored, we just genuinely love this platform and want to help you save money while you’re saving money. It’s a win-win all around.
Wandering with Charlotte 
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