Home swapping has become a popular way for people to holiday
Debbie Wosskow's 10 Tips to ensure a happy holiday home swap:
1. Chemistry: This is a vital ingredient. You need to feel good about the exchange for it to work out for you.
2. Communication is key: Members can sometimes exchange 10 to 20 messages via the site to confirm a home swap. A phone or Skype call can definitely help parties get to know each other and the properties involved. We also make an Agreement form available, which lots of members like to use.
3. Spend time making your listing look lovely: Think of this as online dating for your home. The more attractive you can make your home look the more interest you will get from people wanting to swap.
4. Be open minded about where you want to go: My swap to Morocco was opportunistic — and wonderful.
5. Remember home swaps are often non-simultaneous: When I went to Sydney in April, the person I swapped with came to London in August. Work the seasons!
6. Insurance: Inform your insurance company before you go. Most companies prefer your home to be inhabited, but take out any extra cover if you need to.
7. Be thoughtful: Ensure your home is tidy before your swap partner arrives and stocked up on basics such as kitchen staples and clean linen.
8. Be sensible: Lock away any precious items before you go. That said - you will have to be a little relaxed about things as you can't pack up the whole house.
9. Assign a key-holder to check on the place while you're away: A neighbour or friend can help ensure that it's all smooth sailing.
10. Enjoy it: Home swapping is an amazing way to travel like a local and bag huge savings on holiday accommodation.
For more information on home swapping or to list your property, visit www.LoveHomeSwap.com
Read about a travelle's home swap experiences here
Share your home swapping tips with us in the comments below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK
FemaleFirst
Shabana Adam