A retired couple, Barbara and Lawrence Blackwood, aged 72 and 75, have shared their experience of earning money and exploring different parts of the UK through home-sitting. They embarked on this journey in 2017 to stay active during their retirement years.
Home-sitting entails taking care of someone’s residence while they are away, including looking after their pets if needed. Barbara, a retired administrative secretary, and Lawrence, a former police officer, now engage in approximately one home sit each month, spending nearly half of the year away from their own home.
Expressing their motivation, Barbara mentioned, “After retiring, we didn’t want to be idle, and home-sitting seemed like the perfect fit for us.” They receive a minimum payment of £333.06 for a two-week assignment without pets. However, looking after two dogs and a cat increases the payment to £367.92 for the same duration.
The responsibilities of home-sitting involve about one hour and 45 minutes of daily duties, along with a provided daily food allowance. Moreover, travel expenses are covered, including costs for the initial meeting and transportation to and from assignments.
In addition to financial benefits, home-sitting has also helped the couple save on utility bills, especially during the cold winter months in Scotland, where they reside. Barbara estimated that they save around £47 per month during a winter assignment lasting approximately three to four weeks. From September to April, their average monthly savings amount to £31.
Despite lesser savings in the summer and the necessity to maintain heating during Scottish winters, the couple finds additional perks in the form of covered travel expenses, daily food allowance, and some payment for the assignments, which they often save for holiday expenses.
They also noted that their expenses tend to decrease while on assignment, mainly due to limited outings, with their primary focus being on caring for the pets. The couple has used home-sitting opportunities to explore various locations in Scotland that they might not have visited otherwise.
Lawrence emphasized the enjoyment and fulfillment they derive from the diverse experiences of looking after different animals and locations. He described home-sitting as a rewarding and satisfying responsibility that provides a sense of contribution to pet owners’ peace of mind during their vacations.
Barbara highlighted their commitment to ensuring the well-being and comfort of the animals under their care, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a secure and familiar routine for the pets. Over nearly a decade of home-sitting, they have developed recurring assignments with families who appreciate their services, leading to a lifestyle that they cherish.
Reflecting on their journey, Barbara expressed, “We have never regretted our choice. Home-sitting has given us a lifestyle that truly resonates with us.”