Arriving and Getting Settled

Today was the start of a new housesit. The homeowner was kind enough to pick me up from the train station in her car, which made transporting my belongings so much easier after moving out of a three-month rental. On the way, she showed me around town, pointing out the essentials like grocery stores and pubs—and other super helpful tips for a newcomer!

Handover and Orientation

Once we arrived at her house, she gave me a thorough tour of the living areas and garden. It’s always great to do an in-person handover so I can see where everything is. Mostly we focused on where I'd sleep, caring for the cats, how to deal with the mail, laundry, and how to care for the garden—just some light mowing and watering the plants.

Setting Up My Space

The first thing I did was set up my laptop for an upcoming call. Then, I unpacking toiletries and hung some clothes in the wardrobe. The room is cozy, and I’m told the bed is incredibly comfortable. That’s definitely something to look forward to!

Managing Sensory Sensitivities

As someone with strong sensitivities to scents, I quickly discovered a problem: fragrance diffuser sticks. They triggered an allergic reaction, so I carefully moved them upstairs to avoid discomfort. In future sits, I plan to let homeowners know about this sensitivity in advance to avoid the same issue.

Balancing Work and Relaxation

Since it was a busy morning packing, cleaning, and catching an early train, was exhausted, and I decided to take it easy and focus on work. Exploring the town can wait. Knowing my limits is crucial to avoiding overwhelm and burnout, especially as a neurodivergent traveler.

Adjusting to the Cats

The cats are still getting used to me. One was hiding when I arrived but has since ventured out a bit. There was even some "cat drama" involving a neighbor’s cat. It’s always fun—and sometimes chaotic—to learn the personalities of the pets I’m caring for.

The Next Day .... Dealing with a Grocery Mishap

Unfortunately, my pre-ordered grocery delivery was sent to the wrong address and had to be canceled. This meant a trip into town to pick up essentials. Luckily, I had brought some food with me—breakfast was apple and peanut butter!

Cooking and Settling In

While waiting for my groceries, I unpacked other food items I brought, like spices. Having some food with me is reassuring, because sometimes going to the grocery store is too much effort.

Exploring the Area

In the evening, I took a short walk to get some fresh air and satisfy my curiosity about the neighborhood. It was a peaceful way to end the day and helped me feel more grounded in my new surroundings.

Reflections on Housesitting

Housesitting is perfect for me as a neurodivergent traveler. It provides a structured environment, alone time, and manageable sensory inputs. Each new assignment teaches me something, whether it’s how to handle unexpected challenges or the joy of exploring at my own pace.