house sitting
 

Hi all, we are moving to perth in august( family of 4) and are looking at our options for where to stay in the intial couple of weeks. Read somewhere about house sitting. Does anyone have any experience with this and any suggestions on how to go about it?

Re: house sitting
 

Hello Tryn, We are over in WA and have a home in Tasmania and we use House sitters all the time. For the home owners the service is free and for the House sitter you pay for the service. We use http://www.housecarers.com/ and have been very lucky. I think the cost for registering is £25.00 or thereabouts. You need references, and police clearance certificates (only for the Home owner) another one we have used is http://www.aussiehousesitters.com.au/.
You say that its for a few weeks, House sitter positions start for approx 4 weeks until indefinate. If its for a longer period than 2/3 weeks you are expected to pay for telephone usage/electricity, gas etc (not rates), look after pets/animals, gardening, keeping the grounds and house clean and tidy. Because of the distance involved (within Oz) it is difficult to meet people but you get a fair idea of who and what people are after numerous phone conversations and also you can ask them to e mail you piccies of the property internally and externally so you know what you are dealing with. I have heard unpleasant stories from both sides of the coin, and therefore get your questions ready. In our home in Tasmania we are by the river, we also have water holes within the grounds (unguarded) therefore I never recommend a family to come near our home (for the safety of the children) . We have made some wonderful friends through house sitting who keep in touch. If I can help you please pm me and I will do my best to answer any questions for you. Sam x