Preparing the swap: your Home's Instruction Manual
Once you have found your Swap Partner, the secret to a successful swap is simply to be a thoughtful host. Consider your Swap Partner as a friend that's coming to stay in your place while you are away and who doesn't really know the place very well. Your Swap Partner will do the same for you.
The simplest way is to prepare an "Instruction Manual" for your apartment for your host.
The important points to remember are:
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Place Post-it notes in strategic places around your apartment (for example where the knives and forks are, where the plates can be found, etc.)
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Clearly indicate the names and telephone numbers of neighbours or friends to call if ever there is a problem, as well as that of the fire brigade and other emergency public services.
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Leave instructions for minding your pet if your Swap Partner has agreed to be your pet's sitter. You will see that in each of the offers on our site you can mention if animals are accepted or not and if your Swap Partner wishes that you look after their dog, their cat or their goldfish.
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It goes without saying that you will leave your place clean and tidy, and it is always useful to leave a few drawers empty for your host to tidy away their personal effects.
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Make sure to put your very precious objects in a safe place. Your mind will be at ease and your Swap Partner will have done the same. Your Swap Partner will understand very well that you have put your very valuable objects such as jewellery under lock and key. But more often than not, each party tends to leave their apartment as is.
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If you also are swapping cars, please remember to leave all the necessary paperwork. Swapping cars can allow for even more savings by avoiding the cost of hiring a car. These conditions are agreed directly between Swap Partners.
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Your host will always be delighted to have a list of your favourite places in your region. They will benefit from your experience to live their holiday to the full.
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And leaving a little welcome drink is always much appreciated.
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In short, just take the time to think of what would please your host. The secret for swapping happily is simply to be a great host yourself!
AND WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE?
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As there is no financial transaction, swapping houses or apartments is the exact equivalent to inviting friends at home. Your insurance - for example your comprehensive home insurance - applies as it would to friends. It's the same thing when it comes to swapping cars. It's the equivalent to lending your car to a friend. For the latter, certain insurance companies do ask for an additional temporary insurance premium. It would be wise to ask your insurance company for information on this.
DOES THE SWAP HAVE TO BE SIMULTANEOUS?
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No!
Of course, more often than not, it is the case.
But don't forget that one can also swap one's second home. In this case, the Swap can happen at different times. For example, you could go skiing in winter in your Swap Partner's mountain apartment, leaving your house available during the summer. All options are possible - you just have to communicate with your Swap Partner!
WHO CLEANS UP THE HOUSE?
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Only one hard-and-fast rule exists: respect.
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Certain Members accept to pay their Swap Partner's cleaning person directly, others clean up themselves. You just need to look over these details with your Swap Partner.
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But you must leave the place exactly in the same state you found it in and take care of it as if it was your own.
CAN I SWAP IN MY OWN COUNTRY?
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Yes, of course. Swapping for a weekend close to home can be very enjoyable!
I AM RENTING, CAN I SWAP?
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As there is no financial transaction, the swapping of houses or apartments can in no way be considered as sub-letting. It's really the equivalent of inviting friends home. Which is something that any person renting has the right to do. However, out of courtesy, you can inform the owner should you wish to. But this is not an obligation.
