How to Get a Home Ready for an Exchange

Whether you are exchanging your home through a large organization with a family overseas, swapping jobs and domiciles for work, or just switching homes with family or friends, there are certain steps you should take to insure a harmonious and enjoyable exchange. A few steps at the beginning of your swap will allow you to relax and enjoy the experience.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Prepare your home as you would if good friends were coming to stay. Clean the house thoroughly and have fresh sheets and linens in all rooms. Make sure appliances are in good working order, and that plans have been made for the care and upkeep of your lawn, garden and pets, if applicable.

2. Leave post-it notes in appropriate places to show the houseguests how to operate appliances, lock and unlock doors and operate any security system you might have. Put a note next to your phones with the emergency 9-1-1, your name, address, nearest cross streets and phone number.

3. Make sure your homeowner's insurance is adequate and up-to-date. Leave the name and number of your house and car insurer. If you are letting them use your car, write an index card stating that the exchangers have your permission to use your car during certain dates and leave it in the glove compartment.

4. Make a booklet that includes people and places the exchangers might need. This includes doctors, dentists, the nearest hospital, local mechanic and plumber. Include a section with neighbors' names and numbers, babysitters and any friends who are willing to be contacted for advice or a friendly drink.

5. Prepare a list and make a map indicating grocery stores, good restaurants, recreational facilities, golf courses and walking or biking trails.

6. Lock up or store anything of value. Lock these items in a spare room, store them in the basement or garage, or give them to a neighbor. This way you can relax and enjoy your trip and your exchangers do not have to worry about breaking something important to you or trying to replace it.

7. Provide adequate space in your closets and on the bathroom counters. Leave enough food in the refrigerator for one to two light meals. This way the exchangers do not have to venture out upon arrival to find provisions, and can get a good night's sleep before finding their way around a new neighborhood in a strange city.

Tips & Warnings

• Exchanging your home is not for everyone.
• If you are not comfortable with the idea of someone else using the things in your home, then do not exchange but go on tours and cruises when everything is taken care of and your home is left untouched while you are away.

[bobby1000]

on 11/16/2008 I could do this! Not so scary.