Sydney Rugby Fans choose Kiwis to mind their Castle Hill home while they head OS

"Just to let you know we are interviewing prospective house-sitters this weekend via Skype as they are in NZ.

We have had an amazing response to our ad, have responded to them all.

We have used your site several times over the past 5 years with great success, and I have also recommended it to many friends, several of whom have since used it and found good house-sitters." .. UserName = RugbyFans


View house sitter found ad for Castle Hill Sydney

Rural New Mexico Homeowner makes life-long friends with housesitters of their Northern NM adobe farmhouse on eight acres

"Ian -We have used your site numerous times to find a housesitter
and it has been a wonderful service. We've become good friends
with several of our housesitters.

Thank you so much for doing this and making the interface easy and private. I like the new feature of listing pets as that is always our biggest concern.

Thank you again. " Kathy R.. username ojosarco.


View house sitter wanted (Filled) ad for Northern New Mexico adobe farmhouse

Homowner Rhonda finds dream housesitter for a 3rd time for her Shelton Mason County WA home

"This is my third time requesting housesitting services and each time has worked like a dream. I have to say it's the best service on the web. Thanks so much for being there for me. Sincerely Rhonda S "




View Sitter required ad for Shelton Mason County WA home




View list of House Sitters available for Shelton WA USA

Canadian Homeowners Chillilog painlessly match with an ideal House Sitter for their Chilliwack BC home

"We placed an ad in the morning and by evening we had a response from a couple who sounded perfect. After checking references, we booked them to house sit for us.

We have since chatted on the phone and feel confident we made the right choice. I find your website easy to navigate and full of valuable information for first-time users. Thank you HouseCarers.com!"

Sherry (Chillilog)


View house sitter found profile for Chillilog - Chilliwack, Chilliwack River Valley
,British Columbia Canada

Rural homeowners near Port Macquarie, Mid North Coast, NSW again quickly find housesitters

"This once again is a Big THANK YOU we acquired a house sittle for August in a little over a week. This is the second time we have been successful with your company in a short time. We acquired a house sitter for April as well for 5 weeks. Once again thank you so much."... Patriz

View house sitter required ad - housesit filled for Partiz Port Macquarie Mid North Coast NSW



Some of the housesits filled for Port MacQuarie:


Filled housesits Port Mac Quarie NSW Mid North Coast

House sitter found for 8 month Housesit Apple Valley San Bernardino So. Cal. High Desert California

"We are extremely pleased with your service. We have had excellent sitters using your website. Its extremely difficult to choose since there are so many well qualified applicants.
Thanks .... Apple 73 "

View housesitter required ad for Apple Valley San Bernardino CA

Our home in Apple Valley is within 2 hour drive to all the tourist attractions in LA & Orange county and 3 hrs to Las Vegas

French Homeowner finds Housesitter quickly and without fuss for Montmorillon Vienne farmhouse, with large garden and outdoor swimming pool, Rural west

"Thank you so much for enabling me to find a suitable house-sitter so quickly and without fuss or bother. A great service! I shall certainly use your website again...."

Homeowner username: Profile for lespenins Montmorillon Vienne - house sitter found

Farmhouse Montmorillon Vienne rural west The Vienne is a beautiful unspoilt region, with much to see and explore

List of some of the House Sits filled for France

House sitter found for 3 months to Explore the outback wonders of Alice Springs

"We have found a suitable house sitter - Sarah Joyce sjbca_1962 and have given her our email address to contact us when she arrives in Alice Springs.

I have responded to all other applicants accordingly.

Thanks for everything, it was a good experience for our first one although we were a little daunted when so many applications came flooding in after our first day! Kind regards WorldCruise.

View house sitter required ad for WorldCruise - Alice Springs NT

Alice springs is a great place to explore - and there is not better way than house sitting.

View some of the house sitters found (housesits filled ads) for Alice Springs NT

Alice Springs homeowners want to get away on their long or short trips around Australia, East, West or Overseas. We have been matching responsible sitters for Alice Spring homeowners for 10 years. It is the best win-win.

Yes - Alice Springs homes and air conditioned. Also the heat is nice and dry - not the sapping humid heat of the coast.

Carmen blogs about her housesitting experience in France

"Dear Ian

We have had good success with your site. We are currently on assignment in the South of France in Albi, France as a result of your postings.

We have been here since August 2010 and we are enjoying it immensely. Our girls are in French school.

Here is our blog : www.housesittinginfrance.com

We hope you will read it.

It is a little tough for us since we have 2 daughters now ages 13 and 9. So we have missed out on some assignments because of it. Usually because there is not enough space to accommodate us. The house in France is large with 7 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms on 3 different levels. It has worked out for us. We are completing our assignment within one month and are hoping to find something else.

I hope this helps.

Carmen Smith (William's wife)" UserName = Cybiz777

View profile for housesitters Cybiz777
housesitting in Albi France

Some of Housesits Filled in France:
View some of the housesits that have been filled in France

You too can experience house sitting in France - click Register top left of this blog to be notified of opportunities as they are posted.

Ian

Housesitter found for Sunbury VIC in heart of wine producing region, close to Macedon ranges

We have found this service to be exceptionally useful and we were surprised by the quality of applicants. The only problem was that this made our choice quite discerning.

We will definitely recommend this web site to all our friends.
Thank you ... Weemalah.

View house sitter wanted ad for Sunbury VIC

Search for house sitters available for Sunbury

House Sitter selected for Mt Garnet Atherton Tablelands QLD to enjoy Hot Springs and Fossicking

"Thank you for a terrific service. Once again, we have found a sitter for April. It was so difficult to choose.

My husband are tossing around the idea of selling our property and travelling. One day we may be on the other side of the fence, looking for sits. I wish you, your family and staff a wonderful 2011 and may it be kind to you.
Kind regards

Dulcie... Homeowners username scrubbers housesit profile Mt Garnet Atherton Tablelands QLD

....Fossicking permits can be purchased once there. From there you travel to the Undarra Lava Tubes, very interesting tour of the tubes, refreshments available. There are little stalls along the road where you can purchase fresh produce...

More about house sitting Atherton Tabelands QLD

Atherton Tableland attractions for housesitters

Housesitters arcticdreamers top off Great Year of Housesitting

"Merry Christmas Ian, keep up the great work, we have had a terrific time housesitting this year. We just started a fabulous sit this week at Bywong nr Bungendore (nr Canberra) on 75 magnificent acres....then we are off to Nelson Bay for 10 weeks.....it been amazing, thanks to Housecarers, thanks for the experience cheers Jenny"

View profile for Housesitters arcticdreamers

...
"Hi everyone, we have just completed our first farm sit (after doing many housesits)in Taralga NSW (with a donkey, small ponies, 2 horses, 158 sheep plus rapidly increasing number of lambs, 7 alpacas, 12 cows and steers and a bull - 3 calves and a milking cow, an orphan lamb which we were feeding, 3 pigs 7 piglets (3 of which we had to care for) and a whole bunch of chooks)and then moved on to Eden. Sadly we had to cut that sit short but again moved back to the Taralga farm for another 3 weeks, adding another 3 horses, 2 pups and another milking cow to our agenda. Then it will be on to Bungendore on 21st Dec for another 6 weeks. In the new year we are booked until early May 2011 for a 10 week sit in Nelson Bay NSW"

Lakeview Oregon Homeowner finally released to go on Vacation

"Hello. I have had 8 or 9 aswers to my advrt in the first day alone. Have answered every one and have met some really nice and tallented folks from USA and Canada.

I appreciate your website because it allows us to finally go away for a vacation. You are doing a wonderful thing. Thank you...." OregonOutback38 .. housesitting profile Lakeview Oregon

... We live in the beautiful Oregon High Desert country where summers are relatively cool with low humidity and sunny. The town is small and friendly with lots of outdoor activities. It is peaceful and quiet with no neighbors closeby.

List house sitters available for Lakeview Oregon

Sitter found for Hinterland at the back of the Gold Coast; great views, quiet no-through road, friendly neighbours

"Feed back as requested.

We received 13 replies to our ad, in 2 days, replied to all.

Met with donnaanddave and have agreed with them to sit for the period 6 Feb to 13 March." UserName = TheCastle

View housesitter required ad for TheCastle - Gold Coast Hinterland QLD

House sitters are keen to sit in this beautiful region.

View List of House Sitters available for the Gold Coast Region QLD Australia


Regards
Jean & Keith

Adelaide SA FamilyTravelling find a suitable House sitter very quickly for lovely old 1870s stone shopfront converted to dwelling.

"Thank you very much for this service. We had two great responses within 36 hours of posting our add. We found a suitable House sitter very quickly. ... FamilyTravelling

We are looking for someone who loves animals. We have a very friendly Aussie Shepherd who loves to chase the ball, plus a few birds, fish, and a turtle who need feeding. Our lovely home is an old 1870s stone shopfront converted to dwelling with loads of character. We are close to beach, shops, and transport.

View housesitter required ad for Adelaide Housesit

House Sitters available for Adelaide SA Australia

Sitter found for 5.5 months housesit Sharon Springs, Schoharie Central NYS New York

"Once again we want to thank you for the enormous help your site has been over the last years!

Please feel free to use us for recommendations "

Kai and Bonita ..UserName = BonitaKai

We are looking for a housesitter or couple to care for our large beautiful upstate New York Victorian home for five and 1/2 months. The house is situated on two hundred acres that includes a six acre pond,forty acres woodlands and fields. A private and plowed road allows for a lovely natural setting...

View housesit Sharon Springs, Central NYS, NY

Current Housesits listed for New York State:
House Sitters required for housesits in New York State

Housesitters listed for Sharon Springs NY:
Sharon Springs NY house sitters

Two days to find House Sitter for Beautiful Hervey Bay QLD Australia

"I only advertised ,my ad a couple of days ago with HouseCarers and already have found someone to take care of my house and pets while I`m away. The couple sound wonderful as we have been sending emails and talking on the phone to each other. I will let you know how it all turns out when we come back off our holiday.

Thank you very much for the service and have a Merry Christmas.

... UserName = HOLIDAYPLANNER

View House Sitters available for Hervey Bay QLD

View House Sitter required ad from HOLIDAYPLANNER
for Hervey Bay QLD

Housesitter Found for rural French home for Lovers of peace and quiet

Thank you very much for your excellent service.
We got about 10 applications in within 2 weeks and we were able to meet one couple that was already in the area. We have now chosen them to be our housesitters and we are delighted.

Kind regards,
Ans, maisonfrance4u

Lovers of peace and quiet: just be there, enjoy the views and see to it that everything keeps working. The house is comfortable but rather isolated (just one neighbour, seldom there). The village is at 500 meters but all shops and facilities are at least 8 km away so a car is needed and you should n't mind living really 'on your own'. Carcassonne 30 min., Toulouse 40 min., Narbonne beach 1 hour, Pyrenees ski stations 1.5 hours. ...

View house sitter wanted ad for Carcassonne 30 min., Toulouse 40 min., Narbonne beach 1 hour, Pyrenees ski stations 1.5 hours.

Retired Teacher Miss_Dependability housesits in house/cat sat in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

"12/6/10 Quartzsite, AZ.....Ian, I like your changes! (length of sit and pet preference)

I just house/cat sat in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico for five weeks. Great experience! That one house sit MORE than paid for my yearly HouseCarers dues. THANKS for your diligence, professionalism, effort, and hard work to improve HouseCares.com. REALLY!......Gypsy Jane (Miss_Dependability)

ABOUT JANE: I'm a retired teacher with lots of house-sitting experience and excellent references. I LOVE pets and plants!

Read more about HouseSitter for Retired Teacher Miss_Dependability

Housesitter Janice has been landing holiday housesitting for 4 years

"Thanks. I know you like to have a nice site and I certainly have benefitted from it over the past 4 years. Happy Holidays."

Thanks Janice - Where have the housesits been?... Ed

"Mainly New England states (NH, MA, ME) as that is where my family is and I live in CA. I have done housesits in NC and CA as well. Hoping to travel through Europe someday."... Janice (USername memmereof3)

View housesitter profile for Janice, who likes to housesit in New England States.. Then Europe

Dr John secures a housesit in Pt. Loma, CA (San Diego) 48 hours after registering

We paid our fee, posted our ad as housesitters. Within 24 hours had a positive response. 48 hours after that we had contracted for services in what we believe is truly a win/win situation. Thank you HouseCarers.com Dr. Ron & Amy, Retired Presbyterian Minister (UserName = ronross )

View Housesitter profile for Dr. Ron & Amy

Wentworthville NSW homeowner very happy with houesitter littlestarlady

Hi, I recently had Housesitter littlestarlady housesit for me for 2 weeks and she did an amazing job, looking after my cats and my home!!! I returned to find my home cleaner than what I left it. I was a first time user of a housesitter and everyone around me was shocked that I had resorted to such measures. Brilliant!! Just brilliant!! thank you for a great service that you offer pet owners. And thank you to littlestarlady for doing an incredible job in my absence. My 4 cats just loved her and I could see the bonding that occurred in my absence! Would recommed her to anybody unreservedly....

Homeowner MotherCat4 Wentworthville, Sydney West NSW NSW

Salt Lake City Utah couple, find the perfect fit for their beloved four-leggeds and go on dream rock climbing trip to Turkey .

"THANK YOU for this service. We will definitely recommend it to friends; we wouldn't have been able to find the perfect fit for our beloved four-leggeds and therefore go on our dream trip without you! Thanks!" Emily and Chris... emmasue22

View house-sitter required profile for Salt Lake Utah housesit

... Salt Lake is one of the best places to be in the winter if you enjoy snowboarding or skiing; there are about a dozen resorts within less than an hour's drive of our home. It is also a rock-climber's paradise (the reason we moved here).....

Ravenshoe, Mt Garnet, Atherton Tablelands QLD homeowners, finds sitters to enjoy Innot Hot Springs

Hello Ian

"We have housesitters, thus my reason for de-activating my membership. Thank you once again for an excellent service."

Kind regards Dulcie

View housesit details for Ravenshoe, Mt Garnet, Atherton Tablelands QLD housesit"

...Fossicking can be done here and organised tours are available. Fossicking permits can be purchased once there. From there you travel to the Undarra Lava Tubes, very interesting tour of the tubes, refreshments available. There are little stalls along the road where you can purchase fresh produce. Ravenshoe is the closest town, the larger town of Atherton, is about 1.25 hrs. Malanda is a pretty little town close by,
....

Beerburrum QLD home owner finds a sitter for the 4th time - under the shadow of Mt Tibrogargan in the magnificent Glasshouse Mountains

"We wish too thank you again for providing this wonderful service. This is the 4th time we have used HouseCarers.com and we have been able to secure excellent applicants on each occasion... milowise"

... beautiful half acre under the shadow of Mt Tibrogargan in the magnificent Glasshouse Mountains region. Situated half an hour north of Brisbane, west of Bribie's beaches and south of the surf beaches of Caloundra; 15 mins from large shopping centre and Donnybrook boat ramp in Pumicestone Passage; 5 mins from a smaller shopping centre at Glasshouse Mountains Village ...

View house sit profile for housesitter required Beerburrum QLD

House Sitting Retirees experience breaks from the mundane

Hi

Just thought I should let you know that you offer an excellent
service, everyday an email comes into my box with an offer.

We are not terribly active only selecting 4 housesits this year from 3 to 6 weeks each however they have all been an excellent experience.

We are a retired couple with all our family now living overseas – so we are very flexible.

You asked where we have been, firstly we live in Potts Point, Sydney – fantastic harbour views but no garden – now we have become surrogate grandparents at Millthorpe – dinner party guests at Cowra, 3 chilly weeks in Henty [not the best experience - inadequate housing in freezing conditions however the animals were worth it] and we are heading for the Clarence Valley [far north coast] at Christmas time. All in all very pleasurable.

Thank you

Mara (Maricsitter)

View housesitting profile for retired housesitters Maricsitter

...Ex Rotarians, currently a JP and have references
as required....

Housesitter Dyan minds beautiful Long Island Home letting her visit his son

"I recently went to Long Island for a housesit and I just wanted to tell you how successful the match was for me. I stayed at a home where I looked after some dogs while the owners were out of the country.

What a treat! I was able to stay at their beautiful home while being near my son who I would otherwise not be able to visit as often because of the cost of travel/hotels.

It worked for everyone. I have been invited back for the third time and I just wanted to say "thank-you". The owners, dogs and family are likely to be long-time friends"... Dyan (username Dyannn)

View profile for Long Island NY house sitter username Dyannn

Are you looking for someone you can trust with
your precious animals and home while you are
away? ....

Housesitters Land Dream Housesit perfect for their life plans

The BEST!!! We got our DREAM house sit because of this site. We are actually full time caretakers of an estate in the same neighborhood my husband grew up in AND I got my old job back 10 minutes from here!

Definitely meant to be. If this job ever ends we will be back on this site in a heartbeat. I have referred housecarers to so many people. Love housecarers.com!!! Thank you so much. You MUST check it out.

The house sit is in Point Loma (wooded area), San Diego, CA. We actually applied for it a while ago and didn't get it. We figured it was not meant to be at that time. Luckily it came up again about a month later and the owners contacted us and the rest is history. We were at first a little reluctant about taking care of Macaws, but now we LOVE them!! Of course the dogs and cat are a given. Like I said, we LOVE our job and if it ever ends, we could spend the rest of our days doing this. PERFECT for retirement! We love this website and will definitely use it again!
Good luck to all of you:)... housesitters username kiani1

View housesit profile for housesitters kiani1 housesitting in San Diego

Rotorua, New Zealand Homeowner finds housesitter for fourth year in a row - for 4 month housesits

"This is the third time I have used this service, we go overseas for 4 months every year and I have been more than satisfied each
time with the house sitters we have had from this site. This year I have returned to a very happy cat, a well cared for house and garden.

This site takes all the hassle out of the whole
experience. Thankyou so much. I will continue to use this site in the years to come. ... kiwidane

View housesit posting for kiwidane, Rotoua, North Island New Zealand

We require a live in housesitter to take care of our lovely Burmese cat ,garden, indoor plants and our peaceful lakeside home situated 5 mins from the city centre whilst we are overseas

Sitter found at short notice for Carmichael Sacramento California housesit

"Thanks yet again for a successful booking of our housesit. All of your applicants are obviously above average. We do appreciate you so,Ian.... celesterarick56"


View Carmichael Sacramento California House sitting assignment

We have a beautiful,warm,comfy home in Carmichael, California with pool, enclosed hot tub,located across from a park, just blocks to the American River Bike Trail for exploring,walking,running,cycling or birdwatching.

We are centrally located in the Sacramento area for touring San Francisco, wine country, or north to Lake Tahoe & skiing.

We have a 12 yr old male Sheltie (Micky) & 5 yr old tuxedo
cat (Sylvia) who need loving care. They don't do well in a kennel.

Only pet lovers need apply.

Ruth Housesits around Newcastle NSW, while rebuiliding her Garden Suburb Home

"Hi HouseCarers.com

I have appreciated having my membership with you this year. I have been renovating my home and wanted to live somewhere else while it was going on. I am ready to come home now.

Thanks very much for a really great service!

One very Happy Sitter!

PS
I live at Garden Suburb, and sat Eleebana, and from that got work at Maryland and currently Morpeth (a bit too far away for comfort really), but I get home early Oct. Can't wait!

Ruth"


View profile of house sitting home renovator Ruth

Ruth house sat while renovating her home in Newcastle NSW.

Fraud Alert version 2

This is a recent variation to the Fraud Alert we posted previously.

Fraudsters from Nigeria are asking for sitters to look after their very well fitted out apartment in posh areas of London like

They then ask for a refundable security deposit to be sent to them to show a commitment from the housesitter. They falsely say this will be held by solicitor or lawyer and give bank details for transfer to the "lawyer".

Again they mainly use yahoo, hotmail and aol accounts and usually contact sitters directly. There were some ads posted at housecarers but they were quickly removed when spotted by astute members. They send pictures of the opulent apartment in London.

The bottom line - don't send money. A house sitting agreement should be signed by both parties. You should be able to call the homeowner in the country of the housesit. They always have a convincing story about why they cant be contacted directly.

Another easy way to check is to copy a phrase out of the proposal
and put it in quotes and do a google search:
eg

"i will then refer you to my agent in charge who will let you know all the necessary requirements"

There are a lot of fraud reporting sites that will have registered the frauds. They usualy try the same wordings at various sites around the internet and they get reported.

Here is a sample email (more will be posted):
Also below are the scam pictures of the opulent apartment

Here are the scammers pictures he stole to back up his scam

From: Jocelyn Pineault
Sent: Sunday, September 05, 2010 11:36 PM
Subject: Sitter


Hello Sitter,
I'm Mr Jocelyn Pineault i am a Project Engineer, resident in the UK and i live alone in my house, i run a consultancy outfit where i work as a consultant and project supervisor for construction companies worldwide, the nature of my job takes me around the world and i am presently on an official trip to three countries, which will take me away for about 3 months but flexible. I saw your listing along with others on the housecarers website and i think i have a special interest in you to be my house sitter.
I own a house that located on Trafalgar Road London SE10 9TZ UK. and thats where i live, its a 2 bedroom apartment and there is under croft parking and communal gardens which include a children play area.A balcony off the sitting room provides a delightful westerly aspect over the communal gardens, Kitchen/sitting room with fitted appliances, master bedroom with dressing area en-suite,fully furnished,fully equipped Kitchen, electric oven and hob, microwave, washer dryer, dishwasher and Bedroom 4 /gym etc.
The location is very quiet and romantic but just a 5 mins walk to the epicentre of Greenwich which is a vibrant Historic centre where you find an array of eateries, shops, pubs & cinema. Countless number of departmental stores for all your groceries to help with your self-catering. Easy access (mostly a short walk) to 5 different rail/tube/DLR Metro stations including North Greenwich tube station. Excellent Bus network both day & night. Few stops away is the o2 entertainment arena (walk if preferred). Travel to Central London is quick and easy with average journey time of about 15 mins. Local stations are in London travel zone 2 or 3.
The neighbors aren't far away, but the fence and plantings give lots of privacy, although as soon as i get back to the UK, i will leave the apartment for a larger one because i will be getting married and so it will be up for rent but pending the time that i am away for 2 months, i need a care taker/ house sitter, who will be in charge of taking care of the house while i am away, the occupant can also do some gardening on the large garden available during your time of stay if you want to. Phone and high speed internet(satellite) access are available, Ideal for someone with an existing income.
There will be plenty of free time to pursue your interests. No pets, parties,drugs, tobacco, problematic alcohol, illegal items, heavy scents, open flames. If i get a rental offer while you are there, you may be able to continue residing there because most properties need additional help.If you are interested in the offer please get back to me via my email address and we can talk about the terms and i will send you some photos too, on agreement with the terms, i will then refer you to my agent in charge who will let you know all the necessary requirements, if you are coming in from outside the UK, you will have to specify to the agent you will be referred to that you are from outside the UK so that you will be told the necessary steps to take.
I urgently need a prospective occupant, so get back to me if you are interested and we can continue from there.
I will expect your reply.
Warm Regards.
Jocelyn Pineault

Homeowner from Ringarooma North East Tasmania TAS Australia succesfully finds a House Sitter

"I would like to inform housecarers that we have been successful in finding a housesitter- in fact it was hard to choose as so many good people replied to our ad. Thankyou "

View details for housesitter needed Ringarooma North East Tasmania

Hervey Bay homeowners find a housesitter and are now free to go away more often

"Dear Housecarers.com just to say how impressed and overwhelmed we have been with your service. All replies seemed to be of a high standard, very difficult to choose. Have made our choice and will use your site again as we have just retired and are able to go away more often Many thanks," Gigidolly.

View details of housesit Hervey Bay QLD sitter needed

...House is about 300 metres from the sea, shopping centre about 500 metres.House was fully renovated 3 years ago

goldenvalleycarers booked in advance for their housesitting adventures in Brisbane QLD

"Thank you, it was a good housecarers year and we are almost booked up for next year as well.

Our housesits are and have been in Paddington, Brisbane
at the moment in Clear Mountain 6 to 9 months
than Ashgrove 4 months and Camp Mountain 6 to 8 months. all in the Brisbane area.

Regards Tom... goldenvalleycarers"

View house sitter profile for retirees goldenvalleycarers sitting around Brisbane QLD

Housesitters topcat see more of Queensland while housesitting around Australia

"Thank you once again housecarers. We now have another sit which will take us through to end Feb in Bundaburg Bundaburg Housesit... (June)topcat

View profile for housesitters Topcat - housesitting their way around Australia

Leaving Your Home Empty Could Leave You Uninsured

If you’re going on a long term holiday, work away for long periods of time or have another reason to leave a property vacant for a long period of time, it’s worth considering how doing these things can affect your home insurance – or more importantly, how they can completely invalidate it…

It’s not a particularly well known fact that nearly all home insurance policies will lapse if your home is left unoccupied for a long period of time – funnily enough, many providers keep quiet about things like this – which is probably somewhat of a worry for the half a million Brits who live abroad for half of the year, or the 300,000 people who head off on a gap year or career break every year. However, people going on a long holiday should also double check the small print on their policies, as many providers will allow for as little as 30 days of vacancy before they stop covering you, and in the best case scenario you will have 60 days before your insurance documents are worthless.

What’s interesting is that a more expensive policy doesn’t necessarily mean more cover: In sample home insurance quotes taken to cover a £150,000 Manchester (M20) Semi, with £35,000 of contents insurance and 5 years no claims discount, the second cheapest quote (At £138.18) provided 60 days of protection, whereas The most expensive (at £332.53) was almost 2.5 times more expensive, and offered half the amount of cover.

If you plan on going away for longer than two weeks, there are a number of things you should do to protect your home. First on your list should be contacting your insurer, as they will let you know of any precautions you should be aware of - although be aware that some may charge you an increased rate for the time you are away, although this varies from case to case. You should also cancel any milk or papers you have delivered, as these are key signs that the house is empty. Furthermore, if you keep an emergency key anywhere, give that to someone you trust and definitely don’t leave it within “hooking” reach of the letterbox. A light on a timer is also a good idea, but ideally having someone visit the home for a few hours a day is ultimately a better idea. Not only can they open and close curtains as needed, but they can also move post away from your front door, as well as feeding animals and watering plants for you – Or if you’ve got the right person to house sit for you, maybe even indulge in that noisy or obtrusive DIY job you need to get done but don’t want to live with.

The key thing to remember is to speak to your insurer before you leave – after all, you can make all the preparations in the world, but these are wasted if you’ve not done something else that the provider wants in the first place – and get someone who can keep tabs on the house, as not only could they save you extra costs in insurance premiums, they could also prevent having to make a claim.

Chris Spann
moneysupermarket.com Financial Group

House sitter found for Myrtle Creek, Oregon, with walks in the Woods, and beautiful view, peace and quiet, USA housesit

"I had no idea there were so many qualified house sitters out there and your site worked extremely well for us.
Thanks again,

Terry and Carol Myrtle Creek, Oregon

View details for house sitter required Myrtle Creek Oregon USA

Like animals, a beautiful view, peace and quiet? We live in a secluded - but easily accessed - location on 120 acres between Myrtle Creek and Roseburg, Oregon.


We have two parrots, two outdoor dogs (very friendly - and hard working) a cat, an aquarium, and a tortoise (no livestock).

We have a newer but modest house, with good internet access and a wonderful view. Lots of wildlife around but the dogs keep them from getting too close to the house. The house is three miles off of Interstate 5 with about one mile being well maintained unpaved road. We need a reliable person who will to be there every day for a minimum of four weeks but possibly six or more weeks. Non smoking is a plus but is allowable in one bedroom.

If you like to walk in the woods there is miles of it here.

House Sitter found for Mornington Peninsula House Sitting

"Many thanks for your wonderful service, through which I have met a very nice couple who are happy to care for my Goldie.

Best regards Betty (mygoldie1008)