A retired couple, Barbara and Lawrence Blackwood, aged 72 and 75, have shared how they generate income and explore different parts of the UK through home-sitting. They embarked on their home-sitting journey in 2017 to stay active during retirement.
Home-sitting involves taking care of someone’s residence while they are away, including tending to their pets. Barbara, a former administrative secretary, and Lawrence, a retired police officer, now engage in approximately one home-sit per month, spending almost half of the year away from their own home.
Barbara expressed, “Following retirement, we didn’t want to idly pass the time. Home-sitting was a perfect fit for us.” Home-sitters typically earn a minimum of £333.06 for a two-week assignment without pets. Caring for two dogs and a cat yields £367.92 for the same period. The responsibilities entail around one hour and 45 minutes of daily tasks, along with a daily food budget. Additionally, travel expenses are covered, encompassing initial meetings and travel to and from assignments.
The couple, residing in Perthshire, Scotland, have also found that home-sitting helps them save on utility bills, especially during the colder months. Barbara estimates savings of around £47 per month during a winter assignment lasting three to four weeks. From September to April, they save an average of £31 monthly.
Lawrence mentioned, “We have explored numerous locations in Scotland that we may not have otherwise visited. The diversity and flexibility make each experience special.” He added, “It’s like a short getaway—a holiday where we have responsibilities but find it rewarding and fulfilling.”
Barbara emphasized that their top priority is the well-being of the animals under their care. She highlighted, “We ensure pets feel safe, secure, and at ease in their familiar routine.” With almost a decade of home-sitting experience, they often receive repeat assignments, with one family welcoming them back regularly since their start in 2017.
Barbara concluded, “We have never regretted our decision. Home-sitting has granted us a lifestyle we genuinely cherish.”
