Carry-On Packing for House Sitting: What You Actually Need
House sits come with a full kitchen, washer, and bathroom. You need 5 days of clothes and your laptop — almost nothing else. Here's the complete packing list.
Carry-On Packing for House Sitting
House sitting is one of the best situations for carry-on only travel — because the destination is a fully equipped home. You are not arriving at a hotel or a hostel. You have access to a kitchen, a washing machine, a dryer, and a bathroom with everything in it.
The result: you need far less than you think.
What the House Provides
Before you pack anything, understand what will already be there:
| Item | Available at a house sit |
|---|---|
| Towels | Yes — the host's linen |
| Soap, shampoo | Yes — in the bathroom |
| Kitchen equipment | Yes — full kitchen |
| Washing machine | Yes — do laundry from day one |
| Power adaptors | Not needed — their appliances work locally |
| Bedding | Yes — you sleep in the guest room or host's bed |
| Cleaning supplies | Yes — all provided |
This eliminates an enormous amount of typical travel packing.
What to Actually Pack
Clothing: 5 days is enough
You have laundry from the first day. Pack for 5–7 days and wash mid-way through any longer sit.
- 5–7 sets of everyday clothes (jeans, T-shirts, whatever you normally wear)
- 1 presentable outfit — for the handover meeting when homeowners show you around the area, and for any social occasions
- Pyjamas
- Comfortable shoes (1 pair) and a weather-appropriate outer layer
- Gym or outdoor clothes if you exercise
Tech
- Laptop — if you work remotely, this is essential; otherwise, optional
- Phone charger and any device cables you use daily
- Any country-specific adaptor — note that the host's appliances will have local plugs, but your own devices (laptop, phone) need a travel adaptor
Personal
- Prescription medications — pack more than enough for the sit plus a buffer
- Contact lenses and glasses if applicable
- Any specific skincare or hygiene products you prefer over generic brands
What to Leave at Home
| Item | Why you don't need it |
|---|---|
| Travel-size toiletries | Full bathroom already available |
| Power adaptors for appliances | Their appliances are local-spec |
| Towels | Linen provided |
| Food | Their kitchen and local shops |
| Guidebooks | You will have time to research locally |
| Full first aid kit | Host typically has one; pharmacies are local |
Caring for Pets: No Special Gear Needed
Most house sits involve pet care. You do not need to bring anything pet-related. The homeowner leaves:
- Pet food and feeding instructions
- Leads, harnesses, and any walking equipment
- Vet contact details and pet insurance information
- Any medications the pet takes
Your job is to follow the instructions left by the homeowner. No specialist equipment required on your end.
The Platform Advantage
Arriving at a house sit with a single carry-on has a concrete benefit beyond cost savings: it signals competence. Homeowners on TrustedHousesitters, Nomador, and HouseMyDog routinely note in reviews and sitter selection discussions that experienced sitters travel light. Two checked bags and a large rolling case suggests someone who may not be accustomed to adapting to different environments.
A cabin bag says: I have done this before, I know what I need, and I am not going to overwhelm your hallway with luggage.
Typical House-Sitting Routes and Airlines
House sitting destinations cluster in countries with active rental markets. Common routes:
- UK to France, Spain, Italy, Portugal — Ryanair, easyJet (strict carry-on limits apply)
- USA to Costa Rica, Mexico, Colombia — Spirit, Frontier, American (check personal item policies)
- Australia to Bali, Thailand, New Zealand — AirAsia, Jetstar, Scoot
Check the airline-specific guides on this site for exact bag dimensions before you fly. Budget carriers on these routes have the tightest size limits — and with a carry-on only strategy, fitting within them is everything.
Frequently asked questions
Do house-sitting hosts expect you to bring your own towels and toiletries?▾
No. Homeowners leave their home fully equipped — towels, toiletries, and bathroom supplies are in the house. Some hosts even leave welcome food in the kitchen. You are living in their home, not in a hotel room. Pack only personal items like medications or a specific skincare routine.
Do I need travel-size toiletries for a house sit?▾
No. The host's bathroom will have soap, shampoo, and other basics. You may want to bring your own preferred products if you are particular about brands, but travel-size versions are unnecessary — you have access to a full-size bathroom and can buy anything you need at a local supermarket.
Does arriving with only carry-on luggage affect my chances of being chosen as a house sitter?▾
Positively. Homeowners reviewing sitter applications frequently mention that applicants who travel light appear more experienced and lower-maintenance. A single cabin bag signals that you are a seasoned traveller who can adapt — which reassures homeowners who are trusting you with their property and pets.
What platforms should I use for house sitting?▾
The three main platforms are TrustedHousesitters (global, subscription-based), Nomador (European focus, free tier available), and HouseMyDog (pet-focused, primarily dogs). TrustedHousesitters has the largest volume of sits globally. All three allow you to build a profile with photos and references from previous sits.
How many days of clothes do I need for a 3-week house sit?▾
Five to seven days is enough. Every house sit includes access to a washing machine and dryer. You can do laundry on day one and again mid-sit. Packing for 7 days means you never run out, regardless of how long the sit lasts.
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