A millennial woman has transformed her lifestyle by becoming a full-time house sitter, allowing her to save thousands of dollars annually on rent and mortgage payments. Alanna Parrish, who is in her thirties, has turned what began as an unconventional choice into a fulfilling way of life, living in various homes without the financial burdens of traditional housing.
Parrish explained her journey to Newsweek, stating that house sitting is not merely a job for her; it is “more of a lifestyle.” This lifestyle choice offers her the flexibility to travel while engaging in meaningful experiences without the constraints of a permanent home. For many, the cost of housing is a significant financial burden, but for Parrish, it has become an opportunity for adventure.
Embracing Responsibility and Independence
House sitting requires a unique blend of responsibility and independence. Parrish notes, “Housesitting requires a high level of responsibility and independence, but it’s also much more personal and fulfilling.” Her routine involves meticulous planning, where she organizes her calendar to ensure back-to-back house sits whenever possible. This level of administration is crucial for ensuring a seamless experience for both herself and the homeowners.
Raised in California and currently based in New York, Parrish embraces the nomadic lifestyle that house sitting entails. Living out of a suitcase is a small price to pay for the freedom and experiences she gains. Before each assignment, she establishes clear expectations with homeowners, including requirements for reliable Wi-Fi and specific instructions for pet care. This transparency not only enhances her experience but also fosters trust with the homeowners.
Balancing Work, Travel, and Pet Care
While house sitting, Parrish maintains her work routine and takes care of the homes and pets she looks after. “I treat every home as if it were my own,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to keeping spaces tidy and organized. The arrangement allows her to engage with pets, which she enjoys immensely. “House sitting has given me a lifestyle that feels aligned with my values—trust, flexibility, and meaningful connections,” she added.
Occasionally, there may be gaps in her schedule where she is without a house sit. In these instances, she resorts to booking a hotel or an Airbnb until her next assignment begins. Despite the challenges, Parrish sees the benefits of her lifestyle as outweighing any downsides. She appreciates the cost savings, the chance to explore new places, and the joy of spending time with animals.
One of the most frequently asked questions she receives is about her compensation for house sitting. To many people’s surprise, Parrish typically does not charge for her services when house sitting in exchange for a place to stay. She finds value in the mutual exchange, where homeowners can trust that their property and pets are well cared for.
For requests that come from outside her network, Parrish does charge a fee, reflecting the extra effort involved in accommodating new situations. This balance enables her to sustain her lifestyle while providing valuable service to homeowners.
Parrish has also taken to social media to document her experiences, sharing insights on her lifestyle through TikTok under the handle @alannaparrish. Her videos have garnered significant attention, with one post receiving over 929,200 views and 78,100 likes. The online community has responded positively, with many expressing curiosity and inspiration to explore house sitting themselves.
Through her engaging content, Parrish has sparked discussions about the viability of house sitting as a lifestyle choice. Comments on her posts reflect a mix of admiration and apprehension, with viewers recognizing both the unique opportunities and the potential challenges of such a lifestyle.
Alanna Parrish exemplifies how unconventional choices can lead to fulfilling and financially savvy lifestyles. Her journey as a full-time house sitter not only showcases the flexibility and freedom available within this role but also highlights the growing interest in alternative living arrangements that challenge traditional norms.
