FAQ
These questions weren't exactly asked, but we'll answer some questions that have the potential to be frequently asked.
Why do you want to housesit?
We have been traveling for over 10 years . We are no longer backpackers - moving from city to another every few days. Rather, we stay for longer in each place and like to feel like we live there. We are not really interested in major tourist attractions, either. We just like being in new environments. Given our nomadic lifestyle, we cannot have pets. We LOVE animals and really miss having pets, but housesitting allows us to have the joy of taking care of animals for some time. It is a win-win to be able to save money on accommodation while petowners can save money on pet boarding, so we have found housesitting to be a wonderful and interesting way to travel.
Where do you work?
Lianne teaches English, does freelance writing, runs blogs and e-commerce shops, and does admin work for a logistics company. Adam is a small business consultant, editor, and cybersecurity consultant. He is also handy around the house and volunteers helping rebuild homes after natural disasters with his Dad. While traveling, we have found great enjoyment in volunteering, and while housesitting, we like to use our time to work on various projects and personal development as we're constant dabblers.
Do you drive?
Yes. We have clean driving records and valid US licenses. (Before our return abroad, we will also have international permits.) Adam also rides motorcycles and is at least a novice at driving stick-shift, if needed in an emergency.
Do you like animals?
Yes, of course. We love animals and have experience taking care of all kinds of friends. We enjoy being outside and going for walks, so we could handle active dogs by taking them out.
What do you do in your free time?
We lead simple lifestyles and enjoy being outside and active - whether it's running, hiking, or bicycling. We also like to relax by playing chess, watercolor painting, cooking vegetarian cuisine (that's Lianne, Adam does the dishes), walking to parks, listening to podcasts/audiobooks. In Korea, we were active members of the community - whether it's baking for local causes, organizing Freecycle events, hosting free art booths, writing/proofreading for the Gwangju News magazine, or co-founding the #CleanGwangju initiative together, to clean litter from our city's streets.
Do you do short-term or long-term housesitting?
We can do both. It depends on our travel plans and other commitments, but we are willing to do both short-term and long-term housesitting. Our shortest housesit was 1 night and longest was 3 months.
Do you smoke?
We don't.
Do you drink?
May have one or two drinks casually, but we are not big partiers.
What are your rates?
Since we housesit all around the world, rates vary based on a variety of factors: type of pet, number of pets, local rates, etc. We are happy to work with you to provide the best quality care for the value based on the going rates locally. There are also times that we do not ask for payment and instead are grateful for free accommodation while we are in a travel destination.
We also offer additional services (unrelated to housesitting) such as pet portrait photography, websites, consulting (small business & travel), as well as proofreading and copy-editing.
We also offer additional services (unrelated to housesitting) such as pet portrait photography, websites, consulting (small business & travel), as well as proofreading and copy-editing.
You are strangers. How can we trust you?
Good point. We completely understand any worries you may have to leave your beloved home and pets in the hands of strangers; we would ask the same questions. Well, we have many references from our experiences CouchSurfing, volunteering with help exchanges, several housesits in Australia, and from being hosts ourselves (We love hosting!). You are welcome to speak directly with some of them (who have graciously agreed) by phone or e-mail.
We have also been English teachers in South Korean public schools. The Korean government is very strict about foreigners working in public schools and only allow individuals with clean background checks. So we each got an official background check by the FBI, notarization, and then an official apostille from Washington D.C.
Additionally, we recently served with the United States Peace Corps from 2018-2020, and again from 2022-2023, a government organization that requires a clean federal background check. Previously, Adam also worked in the Obama White House, necessitating another even more extensive background check.
Also, we would love to video chat beforehand and spend some time together before you leave, if possible.
We have also been English teachers in South Korean public schools. The Korean government is very strict about foreigners working in public schools and only allow individuals with clean background checks. So we each got an official background check by the FBI, notarization, and then an official apostille from Washington D.C.
Additionally, we recently served with the United States Peace Corps from 2018-2020, and again from 2022-2023, a government organization that requires a clean federal background check. Previously, Adam also worked in the Obama White House, necessitating another even more extensive background check.
Also, we would love to video chat beforehand and spend some time together before you leave, if possible.
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