What if you could wake up in a stylish Melbourne townhouse one week, and watch sunsets from a beachside home in Sydney the next, all without paying a single penny in rent and tariff? That’s exactly what one adventurous couple has managed to pull off, and social media can’t get enough of their story.
Esmae Lewis and her boyfriend have become TikTok sensations after sharing the unexpected lifestyle hack that’s allowed them to explore some of Australia’s most expensive cities without spending a cent on housing. In a now-viral video, Lewis explains how the duo embraced house-sitting as a way to fund their travels, or rather, to avoid funding them at all.
“We’ve lived in amazing homes across Australia without paying for rent, bills, or even Wi-Fi,” she shared. “All we do is take care of the pets, water the plants, and keep the house tidy while the owners are away.”
What is house sitting as a travel trend?
The concept is simple. House-sitters are entrusted with someone else’s home while the owner is away. In return for staying in the property, they care for pets, handle minor household tasks like collecting mail or watering the garden, and ensure the home remains secure.
For homeowners, it means peace of mind. For travelers like Lewis and her partner, it means exploring new destinations with virtually no accommodation costs. It’s a modern barter system that’s booming in Australia, especially with the rise of digital nomads and cost-conscious millennials looking for meaningful, affordable ways to travel.
Over the span of three months, the couple stayed in homes across the country without ever paying for rent or utility bills. From air conditioning to the internet, everything was included. All they had to do was love the animals and respect the space.
Their experience isn’t just a one-off. Platforms dedicated to house-sitting have grown rapidly in popularity, with communities built around reviews, profiles, and trust. It’s become a preferred choice for many young travellers who want to see more of the world without compromising comfort — or going broke.
How to get started with house-sitting?
Lewis was generous with advice for anyone who might want to follow their footsteps. Here are some of her tips for building a solid house-sitting profile and securing gigs:
Craft a genuine profile: Highlight your personality, experience with animals, and why you’re interested in house-sitting.
Ask for references: Even if it’s just friends or family at first, testimonials go a long way in building credibility.
Tailor every application: Don’t send copy-paste messages. Instead, mention the pets by name, acknowledge their quirks, and show you’ve read the listing thoroughly.
Build trust early: Offer a quick video call or meet-up to help homeowners feel more confident about welcoming you into their space.
Lewis noted that while most house-sitting platforms do charge a small annual membership fee, the cost is quickly recovered. “We made back our membership fee in just a few days by not paying rent,” she said.
In a world where housing costs continue to rise high and remote work becomes the norm, house-sitting is proving to be more than just a short-term travel hack. For many, it’s a lifestyle shift, a way to live simply, travel deeply, and connect with both people and pets in meaningful ways.
Whether you’re a digital nomad, an animal lover, or just someone looking to cut down on living expenses, house-sitting offers a unique, community-driven alternative to traditional travel. And as Lewis and her boyfriend have shown, a little trust, and a lot of care can open doors to homes and experiences you’d never expect.
