Couple retires early at 45 by house-sitting around the world: ‘We haven’t paid rent in 5 years’

Chuvic - July 21, 2025

At age 45, John and Agnes made a life-changing decision: they left behind their conventional careers and the daily grind for a life of adventure. Instead of settling into retirement at home, they found a unique path—traveling the globe full-time as house-sitters. For the past five years, they haven’t paid rent, yet they’ve enjoyed comfortable stays from Parisian apartments to Australian beach houses. Their story is a testament to creative living, financial freedom, and the possibilities available to those willing to step off the beaten path. In this article, we’ll explore their journey, smart savings strategies, and practical lessons for anyone inspired to follow in their footsteps.

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1. The Spark That Started It All

John and Agnes’ journey began by chance. While scrolling through travel articles, they stumbled upon a fascinating story on BBC Travel about people living in other people’s homes through house-sitting.
At first, they were skeptical—could this really work as a sustainable lifestyle? Intrigued but cautious, they decided to test it out as a side project before making any big decisions.
Little did they know, this experiment would soon change the course of their lives.

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2. How House-Sitting Works

House-sitting is a unique arrangement where travelers care for someone’s home—and often pets—in exchange for free accommodation. Platforms such as TrustedHousesitters and MindMyHouse connect homeowners seeking reliable sitters with adventurous individuals like John and Agnes.
Unlike traditional rentals, there’s usually no money exchanged; instead, the system relies on a trust-based exchange. Sitters provide peace of mind and attentive care, while homeowners offer a comfortable, often well-located place to stay. This win-win setup has fueled a growing global community of nomads and travel lovers.

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3. Planning Their Exit from 9-to-5

John and Agnes didn’t leap into house-sitting overnight. They spent two years meticulously planning—saving aggressively and researching possible destinations.
They followed strategies similar to those recommended by CNBC for early retirement, making sacrifices and prioritizing long-term freedom over short-term luxuries.
The pros were clear: more flexibility, time together, and the chance to explore the world.
However, they also faced the real challenge of uncertainty that comes with a gig-based, nomadic lifestyle.

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4. Building a House-Sitting Profile

man holding folder in empty room — Source: Photo by Sebastian Herrmann on Unsplash

To stand out, John and Agnes crafted a compelling house-sitting profile—highlighting character references, background checks, and their extensive pet care experience.
These elements, as emphasized by Nomadic Matt, are crucial for securing sought-after assignments.
Their attention to detail and authenticity quickly earned them trust with homeowners, opening doors to a steady stream of desirable opportunities around the globe.

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5. First House-Sit: Lessons Learned

Their first assignment in rural France was both exciting and daunting. John and Agnes suddenly found themselves managing a sprawling property and caring for two energetic dogs.
The experience came with a steep learning curve—fixing minor issues, adapting to local routines, and balancing pet care. As The Guardian notes, flexibility and a willingness to learn are essential traits for house-sitters, and this first sit taught them exactly that.

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6. Financial Breakdown: Monthly Savings

By embracing house-sitting, John and Agnes redirected their finances in a dramatic way. The $2,500 they once spent each month on rent and utilities now fuels their travels and experiences.
For context, the Pew Research Center reports that average U.S. rents have soared in recent years, making their savings even more significant.
Instead of rent checks, their spending goes toward local cuisine, cultural outings, and occasional flights—enriching their lives without sacrificing financial security.

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7. Living in Unique Locations

From sun-drenched villas in Spain to sleek apartments in Tokyo and cozy cottages in New Zealand, John and Agnes have experienced an ever-changing array of homes.
This variety keeps their lives vibrant and stands in stark contrast to the predictability of a fixed address.
As HouseSitMatch describes, house-sitting truly is one of the best ways to see the world and immerse yourself in new cultures.

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8. The Role of Pet Care

Pet care is at the heart of most house-sitting gigs. John and Agnes cherish the bonds they form—whether cat-sitting in London or dog-walking in Sydney, animals bring daily joy and companionship.
However, this comes with real responsibility: feeding, exercise, and emergency care are non-negotiable.
For anyone considering this lifestyle, PetMD offers practical tips for keeping both pets and homeowners happy.

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9. Managing Travel Logistics

Coordinating travel between house-sitting assignments is part of the adventure. John and Agnes rely on Skyscanner to find the best flight deals, keeping their plans flexible and cost-effective.
Occasionally, they fill short gaps with budget Airbnbs, but these instances are rare thanks to careful scheduling.
This logistical agility—balancing timing, transportation, and bookings—is essential for maintaining their low accommodation costs and seamless nomadic lifestyle.

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10. Health Insurance and Medical Planning

For peace of mind abroad, John and Agnes rely on international health insurance plans like IMG Global to cover emergencies and routine care.
They also use telemedicine to consult with doctors regardless of location, ensuring continuity even while moving between countries.
Careful planning is crucial—unexpected health issues can be costly.
Compared to high US insurance premiums, their global coverage is often more affordable, offering both security and savings as they travel.

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11. Downsizing and Minimalist Living

Embracing a minimalist lifestyle, John and Agnes sold their house and most of their belongings—drawing inspiration from The Minimalists.
The benefits are clear: less clutter, fewer expenses, and greater mobility.
However, they occasionally miss personal mementos and comforts, proving that even the freedom of minimalism comes with small sacrifices.

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12. Making Money on the Road

Beyond saving on accommodation, John and Agnes supplement their finances by freelancing remotely—writing, teaching online, and consulting.
This hybrid approach to income is increasingly popular among digital nomads and is profiled by Investopedia.
The pros are clear: diversified income streams and continued professional engagement.
However, freelance work often means managing an irregular workflow, requiring adaptability and strong self-discipline to balance work and travel.

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13. Social Life and Meeting New People

John and Agnes actively join local meetups and often form lasting friendships with homeowners and neighbors.
Their social experiences vary—some locations offer vibrant communities, while others can feel more isolated. As described in Psychology Today, house-sitting brings unique social opportunities, but also occasional moments of solitude that come with a nomadic lifestyle.

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14. Navigating Language and Culture

woman in white floral shirt holding smartphone beside woman in orange shirt — Photo by Eve on Unsplash

Embracing each new culture, John and Agnes make it a point to learn basic local phrases and etiquette before arriving. Language apps like Duolingo help them get started quickly and confidently. This proactive approach deepens their connections and enriches daily interactions, making their experience far more immersive than that of most static expats.

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15. The Environmental Impact

House-sitting contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle by maximizing the use of existing homes rather than increasing demand for new construction.
Sharing resources and living lightly aligns with many sustainable living tips highlighted by National Geographic, allowing John and Agnes to significantly reduce their carbon footprint as they travel.

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16. Risks and How They Manage Them

House-sitting isn’t without its risks—unreliable sits, scams, or unexpected health emergencies can disrupt even the best-laid plans.
John and Agnes address these challenges proactively: they use thorough background checks, insist on written contracts, and always maintain comprehensive travel insurance.
Following advice from U.S. News, these precautions help them avoid pitfalls and travel with greater confidence and peace of mind.

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17. Comparing to Traditional Retirement

While many of their friends opted for a conventional retirement in one location, John and Agnes chose a path marked by adventure and lower living costs.
The upside: constant new experiences and significant savings.
The downside: less stability and predictability, which some retirees value.
As AARP notes, retirement lifestyles can vary widely—and each comes with its own trade-offs.

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18. Visa and Residency Challenges

Navigating visa and residency requirements is an ongoing challenge for John and Agnes.
They must carefully plan each stay to avoid overstaying permitted limits and potential penalties.
To stay informed, they consult resources such as the U.S. State Department for up-to-date country-specific information and entry rules.

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19. What They Miss Most

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Despite the adventure, John and Agnes sometimes feel homesick and regret missing family milestones.
Regular video calls and the occasional trip home help bridge the emotional gap.
As Mayo Clinic suggests, maintaining connections and routines can ease homesickness for long-term travelers like them.

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20. Advice for Aspiring House-Sitters

For those eager to try house-sitting, John and Agnes recommend starting with local assignments to build up references and trust.
Joining reputable sites and taking time to craft a strong profile are crucial first steps.
They also suggest reading expert guides on International Living for tips on finding sits abroad and navigating the lifestyle successfully.

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21. Their Next Chapter

Looking ahead, John and Agnes plan to continue house-sitting while keeping an open mind about eventually settling down in a favorite spot.
Their journey exemplifies flexibility and intentional living, inspired by exploring the world’s best places to retire, as highlighted by Forbes.

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Conclusion

After five years of house-sitting, John and Agnes have transformed their approach to retirement—swapping traditional routines for financial freedom, global exploration, and meaningful connections.
Their story proves that unconventional paths can offer immense rewards, from substantial savings to personal growth.
While trade-offs like uncertainty and homesickness exist, their journey encourages others to consider creative alternatives and embrace the possibilities of a flexible, adventurous retirement beyond the ordinary.

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Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only.
Please consider your unique circumstances and consult with a financial or travel professional before making significant lifestyle or retirement decisions.

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