My Honest Trusted Housesitters Review
Starting in August 2025, I embarked on my nomadic journey. Before heading off to Europe, I decided to dip my toes into the nomad lifestyle by using Trusted Housesitters. I left my home in LA and traveled back to the Bay Area to visit family. Between visits with loved ones, I began house-sitting across various parts of the Bay Area — Guerneville, Novato, Oakland, and Berkeley.
Trusted Housesitters introduced me to a variety of people and fostered a real sense of community. It’s incredible how perfect strangers trust you to care for their homes and pets. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
Not every home fits my design taste — some were a bit messy or didn’t align with my aesthetic. But honestly, none of it was uncomfortable. Sometimes, you end up sleeping in the owner’s bed, which feels a little strange, but they usually provide clean sheets, so it’s all good.
Pets miss their owners, and their behavior can be different from what the owners describe. For instance, I once cared for an older dog who refused to eat for a day and a half. I reached out to his owners, and they quickly suggested adding melted bacon fat to his food since he had trouble seeing it. That little trick made all the difference. Always keep open communication with the owners — it’s key.
One thing that surprised me was how much the owners appreciated daily photo updates. I didn’t expect it, but sending pictures of walks or cozy cat cuddles gave them peace of mind and showed that their pets were in good hands.
Be mindful of your own bandwidth and energy. Some homes come with extra chores like watering plants or taking out the trash. If you have a busy schedule, make sure you’re comfortable handling those responsibilities.
Respect the home and leave it as you found it.
Pets can be quirky! My first housesit was for three cats, two of which didn’t get along with the third. We had to keep them separated, which was fine, but they were very skittish — some of the most aloof cats I’ve ever met. Despite our best efforts to care for them, they mostly hid. After a few days, I realized it wasn’t us; some pets just have their own personalities.
Every home is different. Once, we stayed in a very eco-friendly, green home, which I loved. But they hadn’t mentioned which towels to use for cleaning, so we accidentally dirtied a sentimental towel while wiping the stovetop. We felt awful and learned to ask more questions upfront.
Overall, I will definitely continue using Trusted Housesitters. It’s been a wonderful addition to my nomadic lifestyle and a great way to connect with people and animals along the way.