Definition of the word house sitter

The term "house sitter" is relatively recent in origin, emerging in the mid-20th century as a result of the growing trend of international travel and the increasing popularity of home exchanges. The term can be traced back to the 1950s, when people would often exchange their homes with people from different countries for a period of time, allowing them to live in another part of the world without the expense of finding accommodation. In these home exchanges, both parties agreed that the houses would be left empty during their respective stays. The concept of house sitting arose from this, as homeowners became increasingly wary of leaving their properties unoccupied for extended periods of time, particularly if they were leaving the country. A house sitter, therefore, is someone who agrees to live in a home for a certain period of time, usually ranging from a few days to several weeks or months, for the sole purpose of looking after the property while its owner is away. The term "house sitter" has since become a common phrase in the travel industry, with specialized websites and agencies catering to people looking for house sitters, as well as those looking to become a house sitter themselves. This arrangement benefits both parties involved, as house sitters often receive accommodation, utilities, and sometimes even transportation in exchange for their services, while homeowners can rest easy knowing that their property is being cared for by a responsible individual.