Congratulations! You have finalized an exchange as a guest. Here are our best tips on how to prepare for your exchange and assure you and your exchange partner have the best experience.
- Communication is key!
Before your exchange, do not hesitate to ask your host any questions you may have, and to agree on certain details: What is the best time to arrive? Where and when will you pick up the keys, and where will you drop them off when you leave? Where can you find cleaning products? Are there any special instructions for a specific appliance in the house? What should you do with the used sheets or towels before leaving the house?
- Respect your host’s home
Remember the golden rule of HomeExchange: take care of your host's house as you would like them to take care of yours and respect their instructions :)
- Leave your host’s home as you found it (if not even better!)
Before leaving the house, according to what you have previously agreed on with your hosts, give the house a good clean, air out the bedroom, and leave the sheets and towels in the washing machine. Take out the trash and make sure there are no more dishes or glasses to wash.
Also, if you noticed a malfunction or accidentally broke something, please inform your hosts right away!
You can also check our blog article to read about experiences from fellow members.
- Leave a little ‘thank you’ gift
At the time of departure, we recommend you to leave a small ‘thank you’ letter or postcard for your exchange partner with a little something such as a bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates, or a picture your children drew... Who wouldn’t want to find something nice when they get home? Don’t forget to tell your host when you leave their house and when you plan on getting home!
And most importantly, whether you’re staying for a whole month or just for a weekend, enjoy life as a local! Immerse yourself in the local culture. Order a dish you’ve never tasted before, stroll down a street that’s not on the map and enjoy discovering your new environment.
We have also prepared a few guides for our members that you can find here.