A retired couple, Barbara and Lawrence Blackwood, aged 72 and 75, have shared their experience of earning income and exploring different parts of the UK through home-sitting. They embarked on this venture in 2017 to keep themselves active during retirement.
Home-sitting entails taking care of someone’s residence while they are away, including looking after their pets. Barbara, a retired administrative secretary, and Lawrence, a former police officer, now engage in approximately one home-sit each month, which leads to them being away from home for nearly half of the year.
Barbara expressed, “After retiring, we didn’t want to sit around. Home-sitting really suited us.” They receive a minimum payment of £333.06 for a two-week assignment without pets, while caring for two dogs and a cat fetches them £367.92 for the same duration. The responsibilities involve about one hour and 45 minutes of daily duties, along with a daily food allowance. Additionally, travel expenses are covered, encompassing initial meetings and journeys to and from assignments.
This practice has not only allowed the couple, residing in Perthshire, Scotland, to save on utility bills, particularly during the cold winter months but has also given them the opportunity to explore various regions of Scotland that they may not have visited otherwise.
Barbara estimated that during a winter assignment lasting around three to four weeks, they save approximately £47 per month. From September to April, they average savings of £31 monthly. The couple also allocates the covered travel expenses to save for holidays and benefit from a daily food allowance. They receive a modest compensation for the assignments, with possible additional payments depending on the tasks involved, such as pet care.
Both Barbara and Lawrence have enjoyed the flexibility and diversity that come with home-sitting, allowing them to visit new places and care for various animals. Lawrence mentioned, “It’s like a mini break—a self-catering holiday. There are responsibilities involved, but it’s all rewarding and satisfying.”
The couple prioritizes the well-being of the animals they care for, ensuring they feel safe and comfortable in their usual routine. With almost ten years of experience in home-sitting, they have built lasting relationships with families who frequently welcome them back.
Barbara concluded, “We’ve never regretted it. It has given us a lifestyle we truly cherish.”