Guide: How to Exchange Your Home
Home exchange is a unique, economical, and rewarding way to travel. Instead of booking traditional accommodation, you stay in someone’s home while they stay in yours. Both friendly, sustainable, and authentic, this type of vacation attracts a growing community of curious and responsible travelers. It allows you to discover a city or region like a local, while significantly reducing your travel costs. This guide walks you step by step through how to successfully complete your first home exchange with ease, enjoyment, and safety.
Before offering your home for exchange, make sure it is clean, tidy, and welcoming. Do a thorough cleaning, remove personal or fragile items, and slightly depersonalize the rooms if needed. Take bright, high-quality photos, showcase the spaces, and prepare an honest, detailed description. Highlight your home’s unique features: a beautiful view, special amenities (pool, fireplace, home office), a pleasant garden, or a cozy atmosphere. Don’t forget to mention any possible constraints (pets, stairs, shared property).
Sign up on a home exchange platform like Twoo Way. Carefully fill in your personal profile, home description, availability, lifestyle habits, and preferred destinations. A complete profile builds trust and attracts other members more easily. Remember to update your information regularly, especially your calendar, to avoid unnecessary requests or misunderstandings. Add one or two photos of yourself: it reinforces the human and community aspect.
Use the search filters to target homes that match your wishes: destination, type of property, dates, amenities, etc. Carefully read descriptions, look at photos, and check reviews from other members. Don’t hesitate to save several listings to your favorites to compare and refine your selection.
When you find a home you like, send a personalized and sincere message to its owner. Introduce yourself briefly, explain why you chose their home, what you are looking for, and propose an exchange period. A human, clear, and friendly message increases your chances of getting a positive reply. Even if refused, stay kind: it contributes to the overall quality of exchanges on the platform.
If you reach an agreement with another member, discuss the details together: dates, length of stay, welcome, cleaning, pets, etc. Exchange your full contact details to make communication easier. It is strongly recommended to formalize the exchange in writing: it avoids misunderstandings and reassures both parties. Twoo Way provides a contract template in your member area.
Before leaving your home, make sure everything is ready to welcome your guests in the best conditions. Leave a welcome guide with practical information: Wi-Fi code, emergency numbers, instructions for appliances, local recommendations, house rules, useful contacts. Prepare a set of keys and clear instructions for special equipment. A well-prepared home makes guests feel comfortable and ensures a smooth exchange.
Once there, make the most of your stay. Embrace local habits, discover the neighborhood, and respect the place as if it were your own home. Before leaving, air out the rooms, take out the trash, clean the used spaces, and leave a thank-you note: these simple gestures foster lasting trust between members.
After the exchange, leave an honest review about your experience. Evaluate the welcome, the home, and the quality of communication. Your feedback is valuable for future members and helps build a trustworthy and caring community. Also, remember to thank your hosts directly through the messaging system.
Before finalizing an exchange
Before your guests arrive
Here are some best practices to minimize risks and enjoy your exchange with complete peace of mind: