In this article, I’ll explain how to become a house sitter in Italy. Ever since I left the UK in 2022 for a global adventure, house sitting has allowed me to enjoy extensive travel and save significantly on accommodation.
Knowing where to find house-sitting opportunities and how to land great gigs is essential. It can seem overwhelming at first, but I’m here to share my years of experience to help you get started with house sitting in Italy.
Italy has a special place in my heart. It was the first country my husband, Rob, and I thoroughly explored, and it was while sitting in a cafe in Milan that we decided to travel permanently. Italy is rich in culture, history, and delicious food and wine. Plus, the people are some of the friendliest I’ve ever met. From Sicily’s beaches to Turin’s piazzas, there are plenty of house-sitting opportunities.
Several excellent websites post house-sitting jobs in Italy. Each has different memberships, prices, and features, so finding the right one is crucial. Here’s a rundown of my top five:
1. Trusted Housesitters: My go-to site for over five years, with over 7,000 active listings worldwide. It’s user-friendly and offers useful features like saved search filters to alert you when suitable listings appear. The top-tier membership, with added benefits, costs $260/year, while a basic membership is $129/year. Use GOATS20 for 20% off any membership.
2. Mind My House: Ideal for newcomers, it costs just $29/year. Active since 2005, it has a personal feel due to the owners’ hands-on customer service. The website’s stats section shows how many users are active and where they’re from. Homeowners post listings for free, ensuring plenty of opportunities, making it a valuable tool for house sitters.
3. Nomador: Great for house and pet sitting in Europe, with many listings across the continent. Although there’s no app, early access to house sits through premium membership provides a head start. It offers three membership options, with the top tier at $190/year and a 3-month ‘Discovery’ option at $85.
4. Workaway: A good resource for finding house-sitting opportunities. It offers low-cost annual memberships ($50/year or $30pp for couples) and is simple to use. Hosts often respond promptly, making it a reliable option.
5. House Carers: While it doesn’t have as many listings as Trusted Housesitters, it offers a substantial number. You can create a profile and browse listings for free, upgrading later for $50/year to apply for opportunities.
My first house-sitting stint in Italy happened through Workaway with an Italian couple from Brescia. We’ve stayed in touch and visited them numerous times since. Our first house sit in 2022 was in Stimigliano, where we cared for a home and garden, enjoying stunning valley views and a fun dog named Alfie. The town and its neighbors were delightful, adding to our positive experience.
There are many great parts of Italy to explore through house sitting:
Rome: Known as the ‘Eternal City,’ it offers many opportunities, both in central apartments and suburban villas. Its rich history and bustling city life make it one of my favorites.
Turin: Offers an authentic Italian experience without the heavy tourist crowds. With grand architecture, local cuisine, and a strong community spirit, it’s a fantastic city to explore.
Brescia: Often overlooked, Brescia is perfect for house sitting, providing easy access to Milan, Venice, and Lake Garda. It’s a bustling city with a large university and many historic sites.
Sicily: An island with a unique charm, offering welcoming locals and beautiful coastal towns.
Florence: Located in Tuscany, Florence is rich in history and art, with many opportunities to enjoy local food and wine.
Italy is generally safe for visitors, but be cautious of petty theft in tourist areas. Be aware of counterfeit goods and beggars, and stay informed about natural events like flooding and volcanic activity.
House sitting in Italy has many positives, such as cultural immersion and making lifelong connections. However, ensure you have insurance and understand visa regulations before committing.
FAQs:
– Do I need insurance? Yes, for potential healthcare expenses and coverage for host cancellations.
– How do I become a house sitter? Register on a house or pet-sitting platform, like Trusted Housesitters or Mind My House.
– Will I get paid? Usually, no. The arrangement typically involves free accommodation in exchange for your services.
– Are there house sits without pets? Yes, but most involve pet care.
– How long can I stay? It depends on your visa and country. Research thoroughly to avoid overstaying.
House sitting in Italy allows for deep cultural experiences and creating lasting memories. With hundreds of homes ready for applications, it’s time to start your house-sitting journey.
