Hey there, stumbled across the article as I'm in the midst of living as a wanderer as well. I've become a bit of an expert on housesitting (at least in the UK) over the past 6 months, with five housesits under my belt (the current one I'm on is halfway through a 6 monther, but I stupidly agreed to pay a sublet amount, never again). I find I'm in demand when I pop up as available and usually have a couple of offers in a week (had four last time). I'll try to break down what I think works, first off, most of them don't ask for or care about my references, that I state I have them seems to be enough. Secondly if you have any doubts about someone (especially after talking on the phone with them) about how much of a worrywort or control freak they may be, pass them by. I made this mistake with a horsefarm owner and ended up having to leave the agreement (when she found a replacement) shortly into it, having accumulated dozens of flea bites from the rats living under the trailer, she's constantly on the site I use trying to find new "sitters", anyway I digress. Just saying go with your gut and only sit for people you'd want to have a few drinks and a dinner with. Your pic looks good, you can test it for other peoples reactions (like perceived likeability and competency) here: https://www.photofeeler.com/. I had one up that I liked for years, tested it and it was abysmal, changed it a new one that ranked highly and had half a dozen freelance commissions the next week (maybe just coincidence, but hey every edge or imaginary edge is useful). Have a really enthusiastic, informative (especially about your experience and appreciation for animals) blurb and when you contact the owners, be friendly, professional and all about what you can do for them, not how great the sit would be for you (though I usually mention one line or two about that). I suspect my age is a bonus (39) and that I'm clean shaven and prone to wearing a suit jacket with my jeans, also my profession helps, as they can understand how it would suit me to travel around that way if I'm freelancing online. From what I can tell, there isn't much bias towards couples over singles, so long as the single seems happy to be travelling alone, competent and confident that they can handle any situation thrown their way. Anyway, longwinded answer I know, but hopefully some of it might be of use, cheers, Rob
I call my house my retirement home. Moved to FL in 1989. Bought my house in 1991. Added a pool. I am 15 min from the beach. Plan on having house paid off in 2 years, then I will decrease my work week to part time. I might retire at 65 or work per diem until I don't want to anymore.
My floors is really a mass right now, it's been couple of hours i searching online for a good cleaning tools. I'm glad to found this post, reduce half of my hassle.
I don't give out my cell phone number except to close relatives, friends or business contacts.
When I must give a phone number, I give out my landline number. That way, all calls can be screened through my answering system and voice mail, and I'm not disturbed by sales calls, etc., on my cell phone.
This is great information. So many times I've considered we should get rid of our home landline, but we're not likely to for many of the reasons mentioned here. Plus, our phone number has been in our house since 1978. It's here to stay.
Thanks again. I will share this for others to consider.
I got rid of my landline 10 years ago. It's only me so I don't need it. I much prefer the smartphone over a landline anyway. I get more texts and FB messages than phone calls and as an introvert, not actually talking to people makes me happier!
We ditched our landline a few years ago. We use Skype, and I pay extra to have a Skype number, which I use to dial out and call people that have cellphones or landlines but don't have Skype. Sometimes there is a bit of a delay, but most calls sound just like a regular telephone. I can call anywhere in the U.S. or Canada (they have other plans) and not pay any long distance charges this way. Altogether this costs us less than $100 a year. The main drawback for us has been that we have to direct dial the dispatch number, instead of dialing 911, in order to reach emergency services. I have the direct dial to dispatch saved in my Skype Contacts, so calling is as easy as a click of the mouse. My son recently moved back home, and will be working for a tech company that, ironically, requires him to have a landline as part of his employment. We will probably bundle that with our broadband internet in order to keep saving, and still rely on Skype for our calls. It's just easier and cheaper where I work on the computer.
Landlines are far superior. If you REALLY want to save $$$, get rid of your stupid useless smartphone and use a landline. No reason to use a cell at home anyways
Either near the mountains (Colorado) or high desert (New Mexico or Eastern Washington). I like drier climates but I do love having seasons. Luckily I have a long time to figure it out!
One correction: beers *under 6% ABV* only last a few months. Higher gravity beers can be cellared just like wine - indeed, many benefit from 2-5 years of cellaring.
For most people, I don't think a landline is worth it. The big exception being if you are also paying for cable and internet. A lot of times, to score those bundling deals, you have to throw in phone.
I remember Ocean City, MD having some budget friendly options and many restaurants fed children under 12 for free with a paying adult which was a big savings.
my mother was diagnosed with diabetes two weeks ago and it was hard to start treatment or take medicine when doctor told us the sugar level is 415. after eating medicine for one day it was about 480. but then she uses vinegar with each meal three times a day her sugar level dropped to 150 and now its been a week and still about 150. guys give it a try
Fabrics are subject to wear and tear and the most evident proof of it is the color, when it starts to fade. Before washing, turn your garments inside out, this will minimize abrasion and friction and avoid breakage. Wash them in cold water since hot water tend to open the fibers making the colors prone to running. This is especially true for colored fabrics, there are things you can use to help prevent fading, as suggested in keycolour.net, a manufacturer of Eco-friendly dyes, vinegar, salt and baking soda helps prevent colored fabric from bleeding and help brighten white fabric. Be cautious of using excessive detergent and fabric softener, surely they aid in keeping your clothes clean and fragrant but using too much of them can damage the clothes. Use the right kind of cleaning materials for each type of fabric. If colors are already faded, re-dye them, you can choose to revamp the look by using different color from the original. There are Eco-friendly and easy to use dyes from reputable dye-manufacturer, it is a cost-effective way to give your clothes a new look without having to purchase a new one.
Buyers should be aware that not all inspectors are competent and/or honest. Especially beware of inspectors recommended by the realtor (who has a vested interest in the sale of the home).
An incompetent inspector, combined with a dishonest seller, caused us much aggravation and the loss of many thousands of dollars due to unreported defects such as defective electrical, plumbing and massive termite damage.
Hey there, stumbled across the article as I'm in the midst of living as a wanderer as well. I've become a bit of an expert on housesitting (at least in the UK) over the past 6 months, with five housesits under my belt (the current one I'm on is halfway through a 6 monther, but I stupidly agreed to pay a sublet amount, never again). I find I'm in demand when I pop up as available and usually have a couple of offers in a week (had four last time). I'll try to break down what I think works, first off, most of them don't ask for or care about my references, that I state I have them seems to be enough. Secondly if you have any doubts about someone (especially after talking on the phone with them) about how much of a worrywort or control freak they may be, pass them by. I made this mistake with a horsefarm owner and ended up having to leave the agreement (when she found a replacement) shortly into it, having accumulated dozens of flea bites from the rats living under the trailer, she's constantly on the site I use trying to find new "sitters", anyway I digress. Just saying go with your gut and only sit for people you'd want to have a few drinks and a dinner with. Your pic looks good, you can test it for other peoples reactions (like perceived likeability and competency) here:
https://www.photofeeler.com/. I had one up that I liked for years, tested it and it was abysmal, changed it a new one that ranked highly and had half a dozen freelance commissions the next week (maybe just coincidence, but hey every edge or imaginary edge is useful). Have a really enthusiastic, informative (especially about your experience and appreciation for animals) blurb and when you contact the owners, be friendly, professional and all about what you can do for them, not how great the sit would be for you (though I usually mention one line or two about that). I suspect my age is a bonus (39) and that I'm clean shaven and prone to wearing a suit jacket with my jeans, also my profession helps, as they can understand how it would suit me to travel around that way if I'm freelancing online. From what I can tell, there isn't much bias towards couples over singles, so long as the single seems happy to be travelling alone, competent and confident that they can handle any situation thrown their way. Anyway, longwinded answer I know, but hopefully some of it might be of use, cheers, Rob
I would probably move back to Florida to be near my family.
Pro Naturals makes the best in my opinion ;)
I call my house my retirement home. Moved to FL in 1989. Bought my house in 1991. Added a pool. I am 15 min from the beach. Plan on having house paid off in 2 years, then I will decrease my work week to part time. I might retire at 65 or work per diem until I don't want to anymore.
Medical devices.
My floors is really a mass right now, it's been couple of hours i searching online for a good cleaning tools. I'm glad to found this post, reduce half of my hassle.
I don't give out my cell phone number except to close relatives, friends or business contacts.
When I must give a phone number, I give out my landline number. That way, all calls can be screened through my answering system and voice mail, and I'm not disturbed by sales calls, etc., on my cell phone.
This is great information. So many times I've considered we should get rid of our home landline, but we're not likely to for many of the reasons mentioned here. Plus, our phone number has been in our house since 1978. It's here to stay.
Thanks again. I will share this for others to consider.
I got rid of my landline 10 years ago. It's only me so I don't need it. I much prefer the smartphone over a landline anyway. I get more texts and FB messages than phone calls and as an introvert, not actually talking to people makes me happier!
i would like to travel the world. but if i must pick a place then asia (lower cost of living)
We ditched our landline a few years ago. We use Skype, and I pay extra to have a Skype number, which I use to dial out and call people that have cellphones or landlines but don't have Skype. Sometimes there is a bit of a delay, but most calls sound just like a regular telephone. I can call anywhere in the U.S. or Canada (they have other plans) and not pay any long distance charges this way. Altogether this costs us less than $100 a year. The main drawback for us has been that we have to direct dial the dispatch number, instead of dialing 911, in order to reach emergency services. I have the direct dial to dispatch saved in my Skype Contacts, so calling is as easy as a click of the mouse. My son recently moved back home, and will be working for a tech company that, ironically, requires him to have a landline as part of his employment. We will probably bundle that with our broadband internet in order to keep saving, and still rely on Skype for our calls. It's just easier and cheaper where I work on the computer.
I would love to retire in Hawaii however the cost of living is high.
Landlines are far superior. If you REALLY want to save $$$, get rid of your stupid useless smartphone and use a landline. No reason to use a cell at home anyways
I would like to go somewhere with great weather and low cost of living. I still have awhile, but definitely hoping to retire early!
I just got through complaining the exact thing. That's the most moronic thing Ive heard. Your a bank Im not count the damn change!
I need pay my rent and my bills and my car payment
Either near the mountains (Colorado) or high desert (New Mexico or Eastern Washington). I like drier climates but I do love having seasons. Luckily I have a long time to figure it out!
One correction: beers *under 6% ABV* only last a few months. Higher gravity beers can be cellared just like wine - indeed, many benefit from 2-5 years of cellaring.
For most people, I don't think a landline is worth it. The big exception being if you are also paying for cable and internet. A lot of times, to score those bundling deals, you have to throw in phone.
I remember Ocean City, MD having some budget friendly options and many restaurants fed children under 12 for free with a paying adult which was a big savings.
my mother was diagnosed with diabetes two weeks ago and it was hard to start treatment or take medicine when doctor told us the sugar level is 415. after eating medicine for one day it was about 480. but then she uses vinegar with each meal three times a day her sugar level dropped to 150 and now its been a week and still about 150. guys give it a try
Fabrics are subject to wear and tear and the most evident proof of it is the color, when it starts to fade. Before washing, turn your garments inside out, this will minimize abrasion and friction and avoid breakage. Wash them in cold water since hot water tend to open the fibers making the colors prone to running. This is especially true for colored fabrics, there are things you can use to help prevent fading, as suggested in keycolour.net, a manufacturer of Eco-friendly dyes, vinegar, salt and baking soda helps prevent colored fabric from bleeding and help brighten white fabric. Be cautious of using excessive detergent and fabric softener, surely they aid in keeping your clothes clean and fragrant but using too much of them can damage the clothes. Use the right kind of cleaning materials for each type of fabric. If colors are already faded, re-dye them, you can choose to revamp the look by using different color from the original. There are Eco-friendly and easy to use dyes from reputable dye-manufacturer, it is a cost-effective way to give your clothes a new look without having to purchase a new one.
My hubby & I would love to live in an RV & travel the country!
Buyers should be aware that not all inspectors are competent and/or honest. Especially beware of inspectors recommended by the realtor (who has a vested interest in the sale of the home).
An incompetent inspector, combined with a dishonest seller, caused us much aggravation and the loss of many thousands of dollars due to unreported defects such as defective electrical, plumbing and massive termite damage.
What's the cost of healthcare in these places???