Getting ready for your summer home swap vacation? Your guests will be very much looking forward to staying in your home, a real home, and so won't be expecting to stay in a showroom. However, it is important that your home is clean and welcoming for your home swap guests. Here are a few tips that will help you declutter your home ready for your guests arrival:
One room at a time
It can feel a bit overwhelming to plan to declutter your entire home. Instead it’s often better to take a step-by-step approach and take each room at a time… or better yet, split the tasks with other family members (you’re not the only one going away on holiday!). By tidying up one room at a time you will be able to focus on what needs to be done and so start seeing results of your effort.
Declutter one room at a time
Before and after photos
One good way to evaluate your decluttering mission is to take before and after photos. It’s a quick way to see the progress you’ve made and give yourself a pat on the back. However if you are not satisfied with the “after” picture then it is also a good way to highlight what still needs to be done before your guests arrive.
Take a before and after photo
Don’t forget the bathroom
Your guests will likely rather not see your old tube of toothpaste and dirty cotton buds. Consider packing up your beauty products and personal items in order to make room for theirs. Also make sure there is enough toilet paper and plenty of clean towels for your guests. You want them to feel at home while staying in your home, just as you want to feel at home while staying in their home.
Clear your bathroom of personal items
Consider storage
Do you have a lockable room you could use for storage? If so this is an ideal way to store away some of your clutter as well as valuables while your home swap guests are staying in your home. Alternatively there are many companies that will offer short term storage solutions at a reasonable rate.
Lock away some belongings and personal items
Leave a few toys out
If you are arranging a home exchange with another family with children you might want to consider leaving a few toys out. Your home swap guests (especially the children!) will appreciate this friendly gesture. Perhaps put the toys neatly in a box but within easy sight and reach.
Leave some toys out for your guest's kids
People say that decluttering is an art but just pace yourself, take it step-by-step and you’ll be surprised at the results… and your home swap guest will appreciate the effort.
Home Base Holidays: travel the home exchange way
Home Base Holidays has thousands of home swap travel offers worldwide. Find your next exchange through Home Base Holidays so that you can enjoy free accommodation.
