How to Swap Homes on Craigslist

Swapping homes with someone else when you are going away on vacation is becoming more popular. This is a cost effective means of travel and often more comfortable than staying in a hotel. Craigslist is an online site that allows you to place free classified ads for things such as house swapping.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Go the home page at craigslist and click on the area that you are interested in finding a home to stay in. Then click on the "housing swap" link under the category "housing."

2. Read the ads to see if there is an ad listed that sounds like it might be a good match for a home swap. If not, then go back to the home page and click on the area that you live in. Choose the "housing swap" link again and read the ads posted for your area to see who might be looking for a home there.

3. Post your own ad if you can not find one listed that looks like a good match. It is a good idea to post an ad in the "housing swap" section of both the area you live in and the area you want to vacation to.

4. Get to know the person you are considering swapping your home with after you find a possible match. Swapping your home with a stranger can be scary and risky you will want to know the person beyond just contact on craigslist. Make a phone call and talk to them about the details of the home swap. Put everything in writing.

5. Prepare you home before leaving. Remove valuables and anything with sentimental value. Ask a neighbor or a friend to keep an eye on the place.