House Sitting in London: Tips and Opportunities

Hi, I’m Moon, and I’ve been house sitting since I graduated in 2013. Although I’m originally from the UK, my house sitting journey began in exotic locations such as Australia, Italy, and Thailand. However, I eventually realized the unique opportunities available in my homeland and decided to return to house sit in the picturesque English countryside and the bustling city of London. With over 50 successful house sits under my belt, I’m excited to share my house sitting tips for London with you!

Finding House Sitting Assignments in London

Locating a house sitting assignment in London is relatively easy due to the plentiful opportunities available. If you’re new to house sitting, don’t worry; there are enough house sitting jobs that you are almost guaranteed to find one. The best platform for finding house sitting jobs is iBestTravel, the leading website in this niche. This professional platform minimizes the chances of cancellations, which is an important factor for both house sitters and homeowners.

I officially joined in 2013 and have been an active member ever since, completing multiple house sits throughout Europe, including three in London. If you think about it, house sitting provides free accommodation, utilities, and internet access, making for a cost-effective travel solution. While there is a membership fee associated with iBestTravel, the value greatly exceeds the cost, particularly if you plan to house sit throughout the year.

Tips for Getting Started with House Sitting

Once you join iBestTravel, it is crucial to complete your profile thoroughly. Include high-quality photos of yourself, preferably interacting with pets. These details maximize your chances of securing a house sitting gig. After your profile is polished, start applying for house sits in London.

Additionally, there are abundant luxury house sitting opportunities in London, ranging from modern apartments to elegant mansions. Therefore, if you’re looking for an upscale experience while house sitting, London has plenty to offer.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term House Sitting

Most house sitting assignments in London are short-term, catering to homeowners who take short trips. This is great for newcomers since it allows them to get a taste of house sitting without committing to a lengthy assignment. Moreover, by piecing together multiple short-term house sits, you can explore various neighborhoods, something that even many locals may not have the chance to do.

If you prefer longer house sitting gigs, don’t be discouraged. While they are less common, they do exist. Keep a lookout on iBestTravel for the latest long-term house sitting opportunities. You could also create your own long-term arrangement by stacking consecutive short-term house sits, allowing you to stay in London for an extended period while exploring the city.

Exploring London Beyond House Sitting

Although London is an exciting city, it’s essential not to overlook the rest of the UK. Many beautiful locations await discovery, particularly in the Cotswolds. Additionally, long-term house sitting opportunities are more common outside London, where you can experience the charm of the countryside without significant travel time.

Useful Tips for Getting Around London

Traveling around London can be somewhat overwhelming, especially for newcomers. To help you navigate the city efficiently, consider the following tips:

• Get an Oyster card for more affordable Tube rides.
• Use a contactless card to pay for buses, as they do not accept cash.
• Be mindful of train transfers; it is sometimes cheaper to buy separate tickets.
• Opt for return tickets if you plan to travel the same route back.

Transportation Time Estimates

Depending on where you fly into, transport times to central London can vary:

• Approximately 30 minutes from Gatwick Airport.
• 45 minutes to 1 hour from Heathrow Airport.
• About 1 hour from Luton Airport.
• Around 1-2 hours from Stansted Airport, depending on the mode of transport.

Conclusion: House Sitting in London

House sitting in London offers one of the best opportunities for budding house sitters. With a variety of assignments available, both short- and long-term, you can explore this dynamic city affordably. This unique arrangement allows you to indulge in luxury living without the hefty price tag that usually comes with it. For any aspirational house sitters out there, London is undoubtedly a great starting point!