House sitting can be a terrific way to live for free (or cheap) in a travel destination but it’s not something that you can just pick up and do without any know-how. After all, who wants you to stay in their home while they’re away if they’ve never even met you? Here are five tips for becoming the kind of house sitter who is off to new destinations every few months, soaking up the culture of a vacation destination like an insider while staying in nice homes free of charge.

1. Get house sitting experience. No matter how you end up getting future house sitting jobs, you need to have some experience to get them. The best way to do this is to volunteer to be the house sitter for everyone that you know. If big sis lives in another state and you get a vacation out of it to watch her home, great. But even if it’s local, the experience and references are important. Try to get them from non-relatives since you’ll be more credible.

2. Get related experience. House sitters are always expected to keep clean homes and sometimes are asked to care for pets. Pick up a part-time job as a house cleaner, dog walker or even at a pet store to get some of this bonus experience. You’ll also get some extra cash for enjoying your travels.

3. Sign up with a house sitting service. They’re available online, but you should check them carefully to see what’s right for you. Expect associated fees like those for a background check, but don’t pay anything excessive. After all, you’re trying to travel on a budget.

4. Be open about your destination. You may really want to get a summer spot in Hawaii or a fall home in
Sicily, but open yourself to going to the places that other house sitters aren’t as interested in. You’ll broaden your options … and your horizons.

5. Always have a back-up plan. Make sure that you know where the hostels and cheap hotels are located in your house sitting destination in case things go awry. You don’t want to have to give up your whole trip just because someone’s grandma got sick and they had to come home early.