As energy, heating, and food costs are predicted to continue rising in 2025, more people are seeking flexible part-time opportunities to supplement their income.
For Margaret Mackleworth, homesitting has become a rewarding way to boost her pension income, having completed over 200 assignments.
Mackleworth loves the role and the benefits are clear. She said: “It fits perfectly around my commitments, and I do as many assignments as I can.
“The energy savings are noticeable, especially in winter, and the money I earn is a welcome boost to my pension.
“I usually take some food with me on the assignment, then top up with the food allowance, which helps me save a little every time. Plus, the mileage adds up!”
Ben Irvine, Director of Operations at Homesitters Ltd explained homesitting is a fulfilling way to stay active and earn extra money, especially with living costs expected to rise again in January.
The financial rewards are substantial, with homesitters earning a minimum of £333.06 for a two-week assignment without pets.
Those willing to care for pets can earn even more, with assignments involving two dogs and a cat paying £367.92 for a fortnight.
These earnings include a daily food allowance for 1 hour 45 minutes of duties each day. Additional benefits include reimbursement for mileage costs, covering both the preliminary visit and travel to and from assignments.
The financial benefits extend beyond direct earnings, as demonstrated by Lincoln couple Andy and Eleanor Stinchcombe’s experience with reduced household bills.
The couple said: “We were surprised how much we’ve saved on our own bills,” says Eleanor Stinchcombe. “We noticed a large reduction in both our gas and electricity bills.
“We have hundreds in credit in our octopus account which is a nice bonus and will make this winter a very warm one indeed.
“We are enjoying spending the additional funds on more exciting things like holidays and days out.”
The financial advantages of homesitting become particularly evident during winter months, as demonstrated by Essex couple Malcolm and Sue Horsup’s strategic approach.
Horsup explained: “We have a boat in France so during the summer we spend our time there or travelling in other countries.
“As most sits are during the colder winter months, we have noticed lower energy bills, which is another bonus of home and pet sitting.”
Sharon Payne, a homesitter from Milton Keynes agreed with this as her savings extend to daily expenses.
Payne said: “It is not so much about what I earn but what I don’t spend. Since I started homesitting, my gas, electric, and water bills have significantly dropped – my water company even reduced my monthly payment.”
The food allowance provides additional savings, with Payne noting she “eats for free while on assignment.”
As energy, heating, and food costs are predicted to continue rising in 2025, homesitting presents a practical solution combining income generation with cost savings.
The role offers multiple ways to reduce living expenses while providing opportunities to explore new locations without the burden of accommodation costs.
