Let’s face it, everyone loves a vacation! However, when you’re going away for an extended period, a trip can be pretty costly. This is especially the case when you factor in the cost of a hotel and dinner every day. Luckily, a cheaper alternative exists! This is where house swapping comes into play. Also known as a home exchange, a house swap is when two families agree to offer each other a place to stay for a period of time. Not only is this a cheaper alternative to an Airbnb, but it provides much more room as opposed to staying in a cramped hotel room. On top of this, your home will be taken care of while you’re away!
But how exactly does home swapping work? How can you find a home swapping partner? And where does insurance come into play? Let’s take a look at what you need to know when it comes to house swapping.
What is House Swapping?
House swapping involves exchanging homes with someone else for a set period of time. In other words, you stay in theirs while they stay in yours! House swapping offers a unique, budget-friendly way to explore new places with the added benefit of living like a local. Whether it’s a beachside bungalow, a cozy mountain cabin, or a place in the heart of the city, house swapping offers a unique experience when travelling.
A big reason people look to house swapping when it comes to accommodations is the significant savings while travelling. Generally, house swaps happen on sites in a similar manner to Airbnb. This way, people can learn about the place they are staying in and who exactly will be staying in their home.
Where Can I Find A Partner?
When it comes to finding a house swapping partner, there are two methods. Many people use online classifieds to do so; however, this is not recommended due to the sheer amount of sites out there that specialize in house swapping. A few of these sites include Kindred, HomeLink, and Intervac. There are also many groups on sites such as Facebook!
Sites such as these don’t scrutinize any properties that are listed. However, as mentioned before, it’s better to go through these to be on the safe side. Many house swapping sites offer a free trial to see what’s available and list your property. However, you do need to pay to make an exchange with another member. The cost of a one-year membership for the sites listed above can range from $129 to $150 a year.
Does My Home Insurance Policy Allow House Swapping?
In most cases, your home insurance policy will not provide coverage for house swapping. This is because someone other than yourself or your family will be staying in the home. For example, renting your space online through these platforms means you are taking on all risk if you don’t have coverage for such an encounter. It is highly recommended that you consult with your broker or insurer before arranging a house swap. This way, you can be informed before a house swap and ensure you have coverage in the event of an incident.
In some cases, you may also decide to swap vehicles during your house swap. If this happens, please make sure your car insurance company allows you to add a guest driver. If not, lending your car to another driver may also result in you lending them your insurance, or worse, having your insurance cancelled. Always check to make sure there isn’t a clause that prevents your vehicle from being driven by someone else. This is especially crucial if the other person is visiting from outside of Canada.
House Swapping Tips
Are you looking to take the plunge and start your house swapping journey? Let’s take a look at some tips when it comes to safely swapping your home.
Start Early
It is essential to give yourself enough time to search for a swap before you begin travelling. It is recommended that you find a swap at least three months before your travel time! This way, you have enough time to prepare appropriately.
Hide Valuables
If you have any valuable items, such as jewelry, art, or family heirlooms, that you fear may be damaged, consider hiding them. Alternatively, you can lock them in a safe deposit box or give them to family or friends to hold onto while you’re away.
Research Your Partner
While home swapping sites can help you vet potential matches, it’s essential to verify any references yourself to ensure they are accurate. You can also give them a quick search on social media to gather some additional information!
Clean Up
When you’re doing a home exchange, you will want to ensure your home is given a thorough, deep clean before the swap. This way, you can leave a good impression if you plan on doing more swaps in the future! The last thing you want is to stay in a dirty home, and your guests expect the same!
Draw up an agreement
So you’ve found the person you’re going to be swapping with, excellent! You are going to want to write down on paper or via email all the things each party should be responsible for as a guest. This could involve taking out the trash, washing linens before they get dirty, or refueling your vehicle’s tank after driving.
House Swapping: Conclusion
We understand that the idea of a house swap may sound foreign to some! However, if you play your cards right and ensure you have the correct home insurance coverage, your next vacation can end up being a lot cheaper than you think! For any questions regarding house swapping, contact us at isure today!
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