A retired couple, Barbara and Lawrence Blackwood, aged 72 and 75, have found a unique way to make money and explore different parts of the UK by home-sitting. They began home-sitting in 2017 as a way to stay active during retirement.
Home-sitting involves taking care of someone’s house while they are away, including looking after their pets. Barbara, a former administrative secretary, and Lawrence, a retired police officer, now engage in approximately one home sit per month, which keeps them away from home for nearly half of the year.
According to Barbara, they didn’t want to be idle after retiring, and home-sitting has been a perfect fit for them. The couple, based in Perthshire, Scotland, has not only earned money through home-sitting but has also managed to save on utility bills, especially during the colder winter months.
During a two-week assignment without pets, home-sitters can earn a minimum of £333.06, while taking care of two dogs and a cat pays £367.92 for the same duration. The responsibilities typically involve about one hour and 45 minutes of daily tasks, with a daily food allowance provided. Additionally, travel expenses are reimbursed for both the initial meeting and journeys to and from assignments.
Barbara estimates that they save around £47 per month during winter assignments lasting approximately three to four weeks, and an average of £31 per month from September to April. The couple also receives compensation for their assignments, along with potential additional payments based on the duties involved, such as caring for multiple pets.
In addition to the financial benefits, home-sitting has allowed Barbara and Lawrence to travel extensively throughout Scotland, exploring various locations they may not have visited otherwise. Lawrence emphasized that the flexibility and diversity of experiences make home-sitting special, akin to a self-catering holiday with fulfilling responsibilities.
Their primary focus during home-sitting assignments remains the well-being of the animals under their care. Barbara highlighted that ensuring the pets feel safe, secure, and comfortable in their routine is their top priority. Over the years, they have established repeat assignments with families welcoming them back regularly since their start in 2017.
Barbara expressed their contentment with the lifestyle that home-sitting has provided them, emphasizing that they have never regretted their decision to embark on this fulfilling journey.