A millennial woman, Alanna Parrish, has adopted an unconventional lifestyle that allows her to avoid the expenses of renting or owning a home. Instead of living with family or in traditional housing, Parrish has embraced full-time house sitting, which she describes as a “lifestyle” rather than a mere job. This approach not only saves her thousands of dollars each year but also offers her the freedom to travel and experience diverse living environments.
Parrish, who has spent the last ten months based in New York after growing up in California, works while house sitting, which often involves taking care of homes and pets for clients. She emphasizes that house sitting requires significant responsibility and independence. “I like knowing that people trust me with something so important to them,” she stated in an interview with Newsweek.
House Sitting as a Lifestyle Choice
For Parrish, the flexibility of house sitting is a major draw. She meticulously plans her schedule, often lining up multiple house sits back-to-back to maximize her opportunities. “It takes a lot of administration work and attention,” she noted, highlighting the organizational skills necessary for her lifestyle. Before starting any assignment, she sets clear expectations with homeowners, ensuring she understands their needs, including reliable Wi-Fi and pet care instructions.
While she enjoys “essentially living for free,” this lifestyle comes with its challenges. Living out of a suitcase can be demanding, and she occasionally faces gaps between house sits, necessitating temporary accommodations in hotels or Airbnbs. “The biggest downside is the lack of long-term consistency in one place,” Parrish explained, but she remains content with the trade-offs for the benefits she receives.
Financial Benefits and Community Engagement
One notable aspect of Parrish’s arrangement is that she rarely charges for house sitting. Most of her stays are mutually beneficial, as homeowners appreciate having someone reliable to care for their property and pets in exchange for free lodging. When she receives requests from outside clients, she does charge a fee, recognizing the additional effort required in those cases.
Parrish has taken to social media to document her experiences, sharing insights and tips on her TikTok account (@alannaparrish). Her posts have gained significant attention, with one video amassing over 929,200 views and 78,100 likes. Many viewers express curiosity and admiration for her lifestyle, often commenting on the uniqueness of her approach to living and working.
The positive feedback has encouraged Parrish to continue sharing her journey. “People are inspired or curious to try it out themselves,” she said, reflecting on the community that has formed around her content.
Parrish’s story exemplifies a growing trend among millennials seeking alternative living arrangements that align with their values of trust, flexibility, and meaningful connections. As housing costs continue to rise, her experience may inspire others to explore similar paths as they navigate the challenges of modern living.
In a world where traditional homeownership is becoming increasingly challenging, Alanna Parrish’s choice to become a full-time house sitter presents an intriguing alternative. Her lifestyle not only highlights the financial advantages of this arrangement but also illustrates the deeper personal connections that can be formed through shared trust and responsibility.
