Not everyone needs to own a home. Some people have no home of their own, and can fit a full-time in the homes (and pets) of those who are on vacation. Huizenoppassers, catsitters, the nomads, who are they and what drives them?
a Peek Hijmans (49) and Julie Scott, 48-year-old Live in The Hague, netherlands, for five months, the Number of years the house, with three Steps, he is a coach and has a regular job in the care sector, she is a musician and a vocal coach
“We were in a b & b, but that is what we have, five years ago, sold it again,” says Peek, ” Hijmans. “The little house, little tree, little tree, the bug was not. We wanted to be more of an adventure. No support for a lot of people are a pain in the but stimulates them.”
“We were mostly concerned with the homes in and around The Hague to the right of the Schilderswijk into the posh area of Benoordenhout. It is up to us to search for, where, and how we, ourselves, would want to live in. We have found that the size of a house is not a concern, and in a nice neighborhood, though.”
“There’s plenty of demand for personnel, which may be filled up to the month of June. We are often approached by Facebook, and, sometimes, to place a call. As a backup, we have a motorhome in which we live and how we travel.”
“The great thing about huizenoppas, I think it’s confidence and trust in each other. In this busy world we can sometimes be a bit hard at looking at each other. Give someone the key to you and you cat has to say is not just that, but it happens every single time.”
Peek-Hijmans, and Julie and Scott on their journeys. (Photo: private collection).
the Iris Schlagwein (33) now Lives in: Zaandam, the netherlands, for three weeks, the Number of years a house of four, Work as writer and as a coach,
My life was in the bag, I was in my college, found a job and bought a house with my best friend. I had to do it all, but I just realized that I did not want. I went with my friend to the road, and drew a moment with my sister, and then had to be careful on the houses.”
“I don’t have savings, but I am financially for all. If I’m on a journey, wants to make it, or something else, I’ll go for that amount of money. If I don’t want to, I have less and less money. I’m going to this week for a six week visit to India. Live, work, and the holidays are upon me the one about quality.”
“Before I get her, I’m always getting to know. Almost all of the houses are good and clean. A lot of people put in a welcome pack down to, for example, a map of the surrounding area. They are very, very grateful that it is being taken. If I leave, I will clean it and put flowers down.”
“I’ve got huizenoppassen really have to live a life of chosen. Nowadays, you hear so often: “Watch out! Be on your guard! Trust no one!’ But people don’t trust me with their home, time and time again. I feel I’m in a different house soon, at my convenience. The home is in me wherever I happen to be in the world.”
at Iris, Schlagwein to fit all homes. (Photo: Peter Oak)
Bianca de Vries (50) currently Living in: Weert, the netherlands, for four weeks, and the Number of years the home: one piece online coach
“I have a very, very long time to have a home of their own, but I was no longer having fun. In 2019, I decided to put everything behind me, leave my house and quit my job. I just want to live a life where money is not so important. I deserve only what I need it to do.”
“I have decided to put in homes to change because I do not have anywhere to sit. I would like to see new places and find out. No private property will have to give me space to do this. I have a small suitcase, and backpack all year round. I attach no value to buy expensive clothing and equipment. I would rather have some clothing, but my schrijfspullen.”
“At first, I thought it would be funny to have it in the house of someone else, but it’s easy to get used to. I think it’s great that I don’t have the stuff to do it, but just don’t fit in. Sometimes, but I have been feeling out of place and insecure feeling. But I’ll let that feel you can not get the upper hand. We would prefer to keep everything under control. However, if you don’t have to fill may be the most beautiful of things are going to happen.”
Bianca de Vries is travelling through the Netherlands with a backpack. (Photo: private collection).
