In these times of financial challenge, everyone is looking to save pennies. But don't let that one bleak fact affect your family fun these holidays — one way to enjoy an affordable, stress-free break at home or overseas is to house swap.
House swaps or home exchanges have been around for a long time but with the increasing reach of the web it's never been easier to arrange.
First up, decide where and when you'd like to go and check into a swap agency (see links below) where you can look at a list of homes available. Once you find something suitable, contact the owners direct to organise a possible swap. It could be a direct swap (with two sets of strangers moving into each other's homes at the same time), a non-simultaneous swap on mutually agreed but different dates, or even a "hospitality" swap in which one household plays resident host to the occupants of another.
In most cases, house swappers simply turn up at the destination, collect the house or apartment keys from a designated neighbour and take over the home (and often the family car) for the agreed period.
Aside from (usually minimal) agency membership fees, a house swap costs little to arrange and it lands the swapper in the midst of a new culture with a functioning household and perhaps independent transport. Most importantly, it can save the swapper thousands of dollars in hotel and restaurant bills.
Top 10 house-swapping tips
1. Get to know your exchange partner and their home through email, phone calls and photographs. Ask lots of questions, especially about pets, children and allergies.
2. Ask for references both personal and business.
3. Clearly state house rules and what is off limits (such as locked rooms or closets).
4. Discuss with your exchange partner, in advance, the consequences in the event of breakage or damage. Most people will agree to replace or pay for the broken item.
5. Establish do's and don'ts. Be sure to clarify who is expected to pay how much in terms of utility bills, the use of kitchen staples and bathroom items and computer usage.
6. Before you make any travel plans, be sure to finalise the date and details with your swap partner.
7. Inform your nearest, trusted neighbour of your plans. They can keep an eye on your property and lend a hand if needed.
8. Remove from the house items of extreme value.
9. Leave a guide and instructions. Provide the phone number of a friendly contact to assist in an emergency, numbers for doctors and dentists, instructions for pet and plant care and info about appliances, locks, or anything else that may need explaining. Compile the guide in a notebook or binder and leave it somewhere prominent so your guests will find it on arrival.
10. Treat the house of your host as if it were your own. Remember, they're in your home as well. Always leave the house in the same condition you found it.
House swap sites
- Aussie House Swap
National and international swaps
Annual membership: $65
Website: http://www.aussiehouseswap.com.au
- Home Link
National and international swaps
Home Link says it was established in 1953 (the Australian arm in 1980) and claims to be the world's first and biggest agency
Annual membership: $250
Website: www.homelink.com.au
- Home for Exchange
National and international swaps
Choice of three membership packages (the first tier is at no cost)
Website: www.homeforexchange.com
For your chance to win a Philips Perfect Care iron worth $700 RRP plus $1000 in cash prize money enter our competition now! It's easy!
Home