The HomeExchange hosts’ checklist
The HomeExchange hosts’ checklist
The best way to welcome your guests
Worried about forgetting something when preparing to welcome your HomeExchange guests? Don't worry, we've got everything you need to make your life easier with this handy list! And generally speaking, prepare your home as if you were welcoming friends. No more, no less :)
To ensure a smooth arrival
Share your arrival instructions or tips with your guests.
- Explain how your guests can collect the keys (in-person, in a key box, via a neighbor or relative, or using another option you’ve devised...)
- Share all the information they will need to reach your home (including directions to your home, how the gate or alarm works, etc).
Our tip: if you're sending the keys by post, consider sending e-mail arrival instructions separately (such as any door codes, the floor your home is on etc). And make sure the sender's address on the envelope isn’t your own - instead, use an address connected to your sibling, family member or friend. Then if the keys are lost or stolen en route, the person who picks them up won't have your address information...
Briefly explain the little things your guests need to know about your home - Heating or ventilation instructions.
- How to use the washing machine and other appliances.
- The WiFi code.
- How your specific equipment works (coffee machine, TV, swimming pool if you have one...)
- Where to find cleaning supplies before they leave.
- Any other information that might help them feel at home (such as whether or not they can help themselves to cupboards, use soap and shampoo in the bathroom, etc).
Our advice: don't hesitate to include the contact details of someone they can trust in case of emergencies, and prepare a small guide to your home so that your guests have all this information easily to hand (you'll find a template to download right here!).
Members' tip: if you have the time, record short videos to explain how some of your appliances work and send them directly via WhatsApp!
Preparing your home
Do a little cleaning and tidying up. There's no need to frantically tackle the dust on top of the cupboards. Just prepare your home as if you were welcoming friends or family, and as you'd like to be welcomed, and everything will be just fine! Priorities: the kitchen, bathroom, toilet and the bedrooms! 
Help your guests settle in comfortably. - Make up the beds (or make sure fresh sheets have been left out).
- Make room for their belongings: leave a few hangers and drawers empty, depending on the length of your guests’ stay.
- Take out a few toys if you're hosting a family and you yourself have children (this is a great way to involve your children in preparing for an exchange!)
Prepare your kitchen. - Make sure basic kitchen items (knife and chopping board, toaster...) are easily accessible.
- Make sure nothing is out-of-date.
- Leave a note about your recycling habits.
Good to know: HomeExchangers usually leave basic condiments for their guests such as salt, pepper, butter and olive oil. That's the charm of home exchanging: real, fully-equipped homes that are full of character! The implicit rule here is that you replace what you finish!
Prepare your bathroom. - Remove your toothbrushes and other cosmetics to leave some space for your guests.
- Replace the towels and bath mats.
- Leave at least one full roll of toilet paper.
Good to know: most HomeExchange members also leave the necessary soap and shampoo. The same goes for this too: you replace what you finish!
The little extras
Prepare a warm welcome for your exchange partners.HomeExchangers are accustomed to leaving a short welcome note, sometimes even accompanied by a little gift such as a small welcome basket, a drawing by the host’s children, a prepared meal in case of late arrival, a small bottle of wine etc).
It's so simple, but these gestures make all the difference!
And don't hesitate to let your guests know if you'd like them to take care of certain tasks during their stay. For example, you might ask them to water your plants, collect the mail or look after a pet. The advantage is that your guests will look after your home as if it were their own!
Share your tips and recommendations. Don't hesitate to share information about your best things to see and do and your favorite restaurants and shops, or you could leave a few books or brochures about your town or the region.
Nobody knows the area as well as you do, and there's nothing better than advice from locals!
