Full-Time House Sitter ‘Lives for Free’ in N.Y.C., Has Moved Between 25 Homes in the Last 7 Months (Exclusive)

Full-Time House Sitter Shares How She Lives Rent-Free in New York City

Alanna Parrish, a 33-year-old former property management and real estate investments professional from San Francisco, made a significant career pivot in July 2023. After quitting her job, she embarked on a year-long solo travel adventure across the globe. Upon returning home, she discovered a unique way to extend her travels economically by venturing into house-sitting, a decision that would ultimately redefine her lifestyle. What began as a short-term, pragmatic solution soon blossomed into a full-time job, with Parrish immersing herself in the nomadic existence she now proudly embraces.

For Parrish, house-sitting not only offers the opportunity to explore new cities but also provides a semblance of belonging in unfamiliar places. She describes her decision to delve into house-sitting as a means to experience life as a local resident rather than a fleeting tourist. Eschewing the traditional concept of a permanent home and rent payments, Parrish now moves from one house to another, adapting to her surroundings with each new assignment.

Parrish’s minimalist approach to life is evident in her travel essentials – a large carry-on containing clothes, toiletries, and a select few pairs of shoes. Opting for bulkier attire during travel days to conserve space, she relies on a duffel bag for her laptop and other necessities, along with a small purse for everyday items. The flexibility required to adapt to diverse living spaces is a skill Parrish has honed, transitioning seamlessly from one house-sit to the next.

Delving into the intricacies of selecting her temporary abodes, Parrish prioritises certain criteria such as cleanliness, effective communication with hosts, and convenient access to public transportation due to her lack of personal vehicle. She favours longer stays, typically lasting a week or more, to acclimatise to the neighbourhood and establish a routine. Prior to accepting a house-sit, she ensures clarity on expectations, rules, and any specific requirements outlined by the homeowner.

Over the past year, Alanna Parrish has traversed 15 cities within the United States, with pitstops in Honolulu, Miami, Austin, and Portland, among others. Her adventures have also taken her overseas to locations like Vancouver, Canada, and Helsinki, Finland – opportunities secured through online platforms and personal references. Despite charging a house-sitting fee of $75 per night, Parrish reveals that the bulk of her assignments are conducted on a complimentary basis, providing her with invaluable experiences in return.

Navigating the challenges and triumphs of her unconventional lifestyle, Parrish remains undeterred by the transient nature of house-sitting. While acknowledging the absence of a permanent home base and the perpetual planning involved in securing her next accommodation, she finds solace in the freedom of exploring diverse cities, inhabiting various homes, and forging new connections with individuals she encounters along the way.

For Parrish, the allure of constant movement and discovery outweighs the desire for stability and routine. While she acknowledges the occasional sense of solitude that accompanies her journey, she embraces the opportunities to meet new people and cultivate meaningful relationships in every new destination. Her readiness to confront the unknown and adapt to varying living conditions underscores her resilience and adventurous spirit.

In a bid to sustain her lifestyle financially, Parrish recently secured a remote position with a telehealth company, affording her the flexibility to continue her house-sitting pursuits while meeting her personal obligations. As she navigates the dynamic landscape of her transient existence, she remains open to the possibilities that lie ahead, embracing the uncertainty of her nomadic lifestyle with unwavering determination and enthusiasm for the adventures that await her.