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Dutchman Robbert might have created the perfect “job” — fulltime house sitter

4 min read

Better Society
Source: Haerlemsbodem.nl

“I consciously choose for a flexible status as a house keeper, so it feels like I’m going on vacation again and again in my own city.”

This Dutch house-sitter is always “on holiday” in his hometown Haarlem

If you are going on vacation and looking for an experienced sitter for your home, plants and pets, Robbert Zoon, 48, a quiet, trustworthy non-smoker has been active for more than five years as a professional house keeper in the Dutch town of Haarlem and surroundings.

In recent years Robbert has lived in both New York and Italy for long periods, but now he is finally back in the city where he was born and raised, Haarlem.

“I consciously choose for a flexible status as a house keeper, so it feels like I’m going on vacation again and again in my own city.” says Robbert.

“As a sitter I keep your house safe and clean, I can maintain the plants and garden, collect mail, and of course give attention to your cat or dog. The latter goes without saying because pets always give me a good feeling. And as a sitter, I can also share my insights with my fresh eye to make your house even more liveable and sustainable. My free homesitting service is available for periods of 7 days or more.” 

“What I really like is that, for a short time, I have a pet. Everytime I have another pet, mostly I choose a cat, but sometimes I take care of a dog, and one time I had to take care of a snake… that was something!”
Pets get to stay in familiar surroundings when Robbert comes to housesit. “What I really like is that, for a short time, I have a pet. Everytime I have another pet, mostly I choose a cat, but sometimes I take care of a dog, and one time I had to take care of a snake… that was something!” Source: RobbertZoon.nl

House-sitting gives Robbert more time to dedicate to meaningful activities

“There are so many various neighbourhoods in Haarlem. As a house sitter you actually live in that neighbourhood, you don’t just visit someone free day, or just swing by… you really live there. And that’s very different experience. You stay there for a few weeks, you meet the neighbours.” Robbert told BrightVibes.

“Because of this flexible adventurous life, I’m more inclined to connect with neighbours and with other people around me.” 

“As a house sitter it’s a big advantage to have no living expenses. So I experience less pressure to make money and pay the bills, enabling me to focus on meaningful activities rather than making money.

“I found a new place at Urban Park “DE HAARLEMMER KWEEKTUIN”. It’s a green oasis of 4 acres, car-free, home to many organisations and initiatives. There is a yoga and meditation centre. There is a place for sustainable design. My place is at the heart of the Urban Park: “HET KWEEKCAFÉ”

“They can get healthy and local food. It’s also a stage for sustainable and in the innovative activities. And I will be contributing to this. It makes me very happy.”

Since 2003 Robbert has been working in the field of sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and conscious lifestyle. He helps companies to promote their meaningful products and create positive impact. Robbert has worked with several Dutch companies such as Fairphone, DopperHappinez and Bough Bikes.

For several years Robbert visited New York City where he introduced sustainable Dutch design and organised events like GOED. Since 2017 he has also been involved in the creation of a yoga eco farm in Italy.

By now Robbert has become a well-known sitter because in 2017 he shared his homesitter experiences in Elsevier’s magazine, and he is officially registered with the home-sitter websites Holidaylink.com and Huizenoppassite.nl, but you can also just contact Robbert directly.

Source: RobbertZoon.nl

This Dutch house-sitter is always “on holiday” in his hometown HaarlemSource: Facebook/BrightVibes

What is house-sitting and how does it work?

House sitting is the practice whereby a person leaving their house for a period of time entrusts it to one or more "house sitters", who by a mutual agreement are permitted to live or stay in the property temporarily, in exchange for assuming any combination of responsibilities. 

These can include taking care of the home owner’s pets, performing general maintenance (including pools, lawns, air-conditioning systems, etc.), keeping trespassers off the property, readdressing the mail, and in general, making sure that everything runs smoothly, just as if the owner was at home.

It is reasonably assumed that pet care is typically a paid service, although some "house sitters" may choose to include this as part of their agreement at no cost, or a nominal fee.

Pets are the reason for 80% of house sitting arrangements, and for many people the cost of pet care during holidays is more than the cost of the vacation itself. Many pet owners prefer to leave their pets at home in familiar surroundings, cared for by other pet lovers.

A secondary benefit to the home owner is that the property is maintained for the entire period they are away. 

It also is generally implied that crime is deterred by the presence of a house sitter. This is supported by the fact that insurance companies in some countries provide reduced rates for householders who use the services of house sitters. 

In the UK, for example, most insurance companies will reject claims if the house is left vacant for more than 30 days without prior arrangement, and require that an empty property be checked at least every seven days. 

House sitting is therefore considered a practical solution to managing properties which would otherwise stand vacant for long periods of time.

Is home-sitting something you would be interested in? 

Source: Wikipedia 

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10 Tips on how to become a house sitter

Want to become a house sitter and find your perfect first pet sit? You’re in the right place with TrustedHouseSitter.com! To help our members secure their dream pet and house sit, we have gathered together our top 10 tips on becoming a house sitter.