A retired couple, Barbara and Lawrence Blackwood, aged 72 and 75 respectively, have shared how they make money and explore different parts of the UK through home-sitting. They started home-sitting in 2017 to stay active during their retirement years.
Home-sitting involves taking care of someone’s house while they are away, including looking after their pets. Barbara, a former administrative secretary, and Lawrence, a retired police officer, now engage in approximately one home-sit per month, which keeps them away from home for almost half of the year.
According to Barbara, they chose home-sitting as an activity post-retirement to stay engaged and active. They earn a minimum of £333.06 for a two-week assignment without pets, while looking after two dogs and a cat pays £367.92 for the same duration. The responsibilities include around one hour and 45 minutes of daily duties, along with a daily food allowance. Additionally, travel expenses are covered for both the initial meeting and travel to and from assignments.
Home-sitting not only provides them with a source of income but has also helped the couple save money on their utility bills, especially during the colder months. In winter assignments lasting around three to four weeks, they estimate savings of about £47 per month. From September to April, they save an average of £31 per month.
The couple, based in Perthshire, Scotland, have discovered various locations in Scotland through their home-sitting assignments, expanding their travel experiences. Lawrence mentions that the flexibility and diversity of the assignments make them special and enjoyable. They take pride in ensuring the well-being and comfort of the animals they care for and prioritize maintaining the pets’ routines.
After nearly ten years of home-sitting, they have developed long-standing relationships with families who continue to welcome them back for repeat assignments. Barbara expresses their contentment with the lifestyle home-sitting has provided them, emphasizing that it has become a way of life they cherish.