The checklist for a successful home exchange

0 / 14 items checked

• Confirm exact dates and arrival/departure times with your host
• Exchange phone numbers (yours + a local emergency contact)
• Walk through each room of the house and photograph the initial state
• Write a welcome guide: Wi-Fi code, heating instructions, appliances, alarm
• List useful contacts: on-call doctor, emergency services, trusted neighbour, vet if pets
• Show where to find clean linen (sheets, towels) and cleaning during the exchange
• Prepare a welcome basket: coffee, tea, water, a few fresh products
• Store valuables, ID documents and jewellery in a locked room
• Check that your home insurance does cover the exchange (call your insurer)
• Do a thorough clean to welcome your guests in an impeccable home
• Take out the rubbish, empty the fridge, unplug unused appliances
• Plan a personalised welcome note: favourite restaurants, walks, local market
• Leave a spare key with a neighbour or relative (in case of loss)
• Notify the building manager, neighbours and condo association (if relevant) about the occupation during your absence

0 / 9 items checked

• Send a message as soon as you arrive at the host’s home (reassures everyone)
• Check that everything works (lights, hot water, internet) on day one
• Stay reachable via the platform’s messaging or by phone
• Respect the house rules shared by your host (pets, smokers, etc.)
• Do basic upkeep: wash dishes, take out the rubbish, ventilate
• Treat the home as your own — or even a little better
• If an incident occurs (broken glass, breakdown…), notify immediately and propose a solution
• Fully enjoy your stay, meet the neighbours and local shopkeepers
• Document your trip: photos, anecdotes — they will enrich your future review

0 / 10 items checked

• Do a thorough clean: floor, bathrooms, kitchen, fridge, oven, microwave
• Wash the used sheets and towels, or leave a note with instructions
• Take out the rubbish and sort what needs sorting
• Put the home back in the state you found it (objects, furniture, remotes)
• Check that no appliance is still on or in standby
• Leave a handwritten thank-you note for your host — a detail that means a lot
• Once back home, check everything is in order and compare with your initial photos
• Immediately report any issue via messaging — always in writing
• Leave an honest and constructive review on the host’s profile (and invite them to do the same)
• Stay in touch! Many exchanges lead to real friendships.