Getting ready for a home exchange holiday? Many first time home swappers worry about how they should prepare their home for their guests' arrival. It's good to remember that your guests will be looking forward to staying in a real home and so won't be expecting a spotless show house. However, it is important that you make sure your home is clean and welcoming for your guests. Here are a few tips to help you prepare your home:
Tip 1. Clean and declutter one room at a time
Cleaning and decluttering your entire home can feel a bit overwhelming. Therefore, rather than doing it all in one go, 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.
Tip 2. Take 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.
Tip 3. Don’t forget to declutter the bathroom
Your home swap 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' stay. 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.
Tip 4. Clear space for your guests storage
Make sure to clear some space in your wardrobe so that your home swap guests can unpack their suitcases and have room to hang their clothes. Also, clear space in your fridge and kitchen cupboards so that they have room to store food during their stay.
Do you have a lockable room? If so, this is an ideal way to store away some of your clutter as well as valuables while your guests are staying in your home. Alternatively there are many companies that will offer short term storage solutions at a reasonable rate.
Tip 5. Swapping with another young family? Leave a few toys out!
If you are arranging a home exchange with another family with children, leave some toys, books and games out. Your guests (especially the children!) will appreciate this friendly gesture. Perhaps put the toys neatly in a box but within easy sight and reach.
| Take it step-by-step, you’ll be surprised at the results... your guests will appreciate the effort. |
