A retired couple, Barbara and Lawrence Blackwood, aged 72 and 75, have disclosed their unique way of making money and exploring different parts of the UK through home-sitting. They embarked on this journey in 2017 to keep themselves active during retirement.
Home-sitting entails taking care of someone’s residence while they are away, which may also involve looking after their pets. Barbara, a former administrative secretary, and Lawrence, a retired police officer, now engage in approximately one home-sit assignment per month, resulting in them being away from home for almost half of the year.
Barbara expressed, “After retiring, we didn’t want to be idle. Home-sitting perfectly suited our lifestyle.” The couple’s home-sitting activities provide them with a minimum payment of £333.06 for a two-week assignment without pets. However, looking after two dogs and a cat during the same period pays £367.92.
The responsibilities of home-sitting require about one hour and 45 minutes of work per day and include a daily food allowance. Additionally, travel expenses are covered, encompassing the initial meeting and travels to and from assignments.
Living in Perthshire, Scotland, home-sitting has not only enabled the couple to explore various parts of Scotland but has also helped them save money on utility bills, particularly during the colder months. Barbara estimated that during a winter assignment lasting three to four weeks, they save around £47 per month. From September to April, their average monthly savings amount to £31.
The couple has found joy in their home-sitting experiences, traveling extensively within Scotland and caring for a diverse range of animals. Lawrence emphasized the flexibility and variety that make home-sitting special for them, providing a sense of self-catering holiday with rewarding responsibilities.
Barbara highlighted their dedication to ensuring the well-being of the animals under their care, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and comfortable environment for the pets. With almost a decade of home-sitting experience, they have established repeat assignments with families who continue to welcome them back regularly since they started in 2017.
Barbara concluded, “We have never regretted our decision. Home-sitting has given us a lifestyle we genuinely cherish.”