Housesitting Ireland & Abroad: My Rent-Free Adventure
Here’s a breakdown of the key facts from the provided text, focusing on Stef Stewart and Aleksandra Schmidt’s experiences with housesitting:
stef Stewart (25, from Swords)
Motivation for Housesitting: To avoid high Dublin rent and explore Cork City as a potential place to live.
Previous Living Situation: Was living in a cramped two-bedroom apartment in Dublin with her partner and another couple, which she described as “hell.” After a breakup, she moved back in with her parents.
Financial situation: Even with a good salary, she felt she had no money due to high rent. Experience with Trusted Housesitters: Initially hesitant about the €150 annual fee, but quickly found it worthwhile as it saved her money on accommodation (compared to even one night in Cork).
Future Plans: Originally planned to get a job and apartment, but is now considering continuing housesitting and traveling abroad.
Positive Aspects: Enjoys experiencing different communities, meeting new people, and temporarily adopting someone else’s lifestyle.
Aleksandra Schmidt (Creative Director & Photographer, Dublin)
Motivation for Housesitting: Struggling to find affordable housing in dublin after a breakup, especially with a daschund puppy. Previous Living Situation: Left with a shared apartment and bills after a breakup, while working a minimum-wage job and freelance photography.
How She Found a Housesit: Saw an Instagram story from a friend needing a pet-sitter for the summer.
First housesit: Looked after a 12-year-old labrador named Sandy, bringing her own puppy Frida along.
Positive Aspects: Gained a home for three months with a garden, and a sense of stability.
Common Themes:
Rent Crisis: Both women were driven to housesitting due to the unaffordability of rent in Dublin.
Flexibility & Exploration: housesitting offers a flexible lifestyle and the opportunity to explore new places.
Pet-Friendly: Both women have pets, and housesitting allows them to continue caring for their animals while finding accommodation.* Community Connection: Housesitting provides a temporary connection to local communities.