A family of four has forgone traditional housing for the past 15 months, opting to house-sit full-time and reportedly saving between $39,000 and $45,000 annually in rent and utility expenses. Kaleigh McCann, her partner Joe, and their two children, aged four and six, are currently on their 13th house-sit.
The family utilizes verified websites to connect with homeowners seeking caretakers for their properties and pets in exchange for accommodation. McCann stated that their annual cost for house-sitting memberships is just under $300, though they still incur expenses for groceries, fuel, vehicle upkeep, insurance, and other living costs. Any damage to a property during a sit is reimbursed by the family.
McCann, 38, discovered house-sitting while planning a trip back to Australia from New Zealand, where the family had resided for four years. Initially daunted by the prospect, she was reassured by a family member who had a friend needing a house-sitter for five weeks in Perth. This initial experience served as a low-risk entry into the lifestyle. Following this, they sold most of their belongings, packed the remainder into storage, and returned to Australia with minimal possessions and no concrete plans beyond the initial five-week sit.
The family's transition to house-sitting as a long-term solution gained momentum after a subsequent smooth process with a property in Airlie Beach, Queensland. Further success came when they secured an instant booking for a last-minute house-sit over a public holiday weekend, allowing them to stay in a new home near the beach with a dog for free.
McCann highlighted the economic savings, flexibility, and travel opportunities as the primary advantages of their house-sitting lifestyle. She noted that it eases financial pressure, allows the family to live comfortably on a single income, and provides more quality time together. The arrangement also offers their children exposure to pets without the long-term commitment and costs.
However, the lifestyle presents challenges, particularly the lack of a permanent home and a consistent community. McCann admitted that community ties are only established when house-sitting in proximity to friends and family, which they frequently prioritize. Despite these inconveniences, the family finds the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. McCann indicated that settling down and owning a home is a future possibility, viewing it as a means for future options and security. She also suggested that even if they own a home, they might continue house-sitting for travel, visiting family, or as a financial strategy to accelerate mortgage payments.
McCann cited a four-month trip to Canada, during which they house-sat for 15 weeks, as an example of an experience that would have been financially unfeasible without house-sitting.