When someone does a house swap, or home exchange arrangement, they are allowing other people to stay in their home while away, and that person usually stays in the other person's home. Of course there are certain advantages to this unique arrangement, and people can have any reason of their own for doing it. If you are thinking of trying a house swap, the following tips will make the process simpler.
Most house swaps go very smoothly, but it's important that everything is clear before you agree to the arrangement. Whether you are staying at someone's house or they are staying at yours (or both), it's best to have all of the agreements in writing. If, for example, you are going to taking care of the homeowner's cat and plants while staying at their house, make sure you understand exactly what is expected of you. Other important things that you need to consider would be if it's OK to use the phone, or the computer, etc. As with using the phone, if you can pay them back for any additional charges, then don't assume it's OK - put it in writing so there are no hard feelings or problems.
We do understand that many who are new to house swapping may wonder about the other person. While this is understandable, there is seldom anything to worry about, as the people who participate in these programs are usually honest and considerate. However, people understand these concerns, and you can ask for personal references before proceeding with anything. Just in case, you should double check with your insurance policy for any clauses or restrictions about house swapping. Of course if you rent, then it's really a good idea to let the landlord know what is going on with the house swap. Conversely, avoid feeling offended if the other party asks you for something like references, etc.
But, it is true that home exchanging is something not suitable for all people. If you've never done it, before going too far make very sure you're good with it. You really need to be totally OK with the idea of strangers living in your house and using your "stuff." If you want, you can give short term swaps a try just to see how you like it. So just give it a try for a couple of days, and then gauge how you feel about it and how you feel coming home. You really never know, and you may discover that it's not a big deal. Remember, you have control and it's fine to stay with the traditional travel methods.
Home exchange can open up a whole new world for you. You can even make international friends while you travel to cool places. As you well know, the only to know is to give it a shot. The aspects of home exchange we've covered here can help you plan a house swap more efficiently.
Most house swaps go very smoothly, but it's important that everything is clear before you agree to the arrangement. Whether you are staying at someone's house or they are staying at yours (or both), it's best to have all of the agreements in writing. If, for example, you are going to taking care of the homeowner's cat and plants while staying at their house, make sure you understand exactly what is expected of you. Other important things that you need to consider would be if it's OK to use the phone, or the computer, etc. As with using the phone, if you can pay them back for any additional charges, then don't assume it's OK - put it in writing so there are no hard feelings or problems.
We do understand that many who are new to house swapping may wonder about the other person. While this is understandable, there is seldom anything to worry about, as the people who participate in these programs are usually honest and considerate. However, people understand these concerns, and you can ask for personal references before proceeding with anything. Just in case, you should double check with your insurance policy for any clauses or restrictions about house swapping. Of course if you rent, then it's really a good idea to let the landlord know what is going on with the house swap. Conversely, avoid feeling offended if the other party asks you for something like references, etc.
But, it is true that home exchanging is something not suitable for all people. If you've never done it, before going too far make very sure you're good with it. You really need to be totally OK with the idea of strangers living in your house and using your "stuff." If you want, you can give short term swaps a try just to see how you like it. So just give it a try for a couple of days, and then gauge how you feel about it and how you feel coming home. You really never know, and you may discover that it's not a big deal. Remember, you have control and it's fine to stay with the traditional travel methods.
Home exchange can open up a whole new world for you. You can even make international friends while you travel to cool places. As you well know, the only to know is to give it a shot. The aspects of home exchange we've covered here can help you plan a house swap more efficiently.
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