Frequently Asked Questions
Some Basics As You Prepare For a Home Exchange
There are checklists and suggestions for preparing for a home exchange. If you have never done a home exchange, you might be thinking, “What is involved in preparing for a home exchange?”
Here are a few basics that give you an idea of what is involved. First, you want to make sure your house is clean. Clean your house as you would if you were having special guests arriving—because you are. They are staying overnight, so clean linens and towels are important.
A bottle of wine or fresh flowers are always a nice welcoming gift.
Do not leave opened food items in your refrigerator. Remember, if you do leave unopened items in the refrigerator they may not be there when you return.
Keys are an important start to an exchange. Make arrangements for your exchange partner to get a set of keys, and then have a backup plan in case the first fails.
Have a written list of important telephone numbers and instructions for using appliances and electronics.
Any valuables you do not want used or in view, lock them up in a closet that will not be used. This isn’t rude.
Have your home clean and leave basic cleaning supplies for your guest to maintain your home during their stay.
These are a few of the basics that help you prepare for an exchange. It is reassuring to know that your exchange partner will be reading the same suggestions for preparing their home. This is one of the perks of membership in an exchange organization.