Conseils pour réussir ses échanges

Tips for successful exchanges

This is your first exchange?

You want to have some ideas to succeed, SwitcHome brings you some tips ...
Unless you have already chosen your destination, preferably write an open offer for any proposal. We will solicit you for holidays that you would not have thought of!
A relationship is established between exchangers. When you have found an email agreement for a likely exchange, set up some phone appointments that will be a little less impersonal contacts. Do not hesitate to clarify a question mark, a specific question. Take the time to know this family. You are not mere tourists but friends we expect. A reception is specially reserved for you.
If possible, choose an exchange with people who are in the same situation as you. Their offer will be closer to your needs (for example: if you have young children, preferably exchange with people in this situation, if you are retired, do the same ...).Agree on the terms of the exchange (precise dates, delivery of the keys, details of the exchange, use of the telephone and the computer, possible care to bring to the animals ...). If you wish, write a contract that binds only the exchangers.
Keep a duplicate of your keys, and give an extra game to someone you trust, in case your hosts lose theirs.Do not "empty" your home, just try to free a closet in the kitchen, another in the bathroom, and also make a little room in your cabinets.
Do not clutter your bags! Leave at your disposal towels, bath, bed, kitchen. Likewise, let basic food such as flour, sugar, milk, oil, spices ...
Put your fragile or precious items in a safe place. Do not leave your salary slips, banking information or other information available. Put them under lock or put them at a close.
Ask a loved one to greet your hosts and agree to be asked if needed during the stay. This will give you the peace of mind that someone can "have an eye" on your home.
A word or a small welcome gift will be most welcome after a day of travel. Leave enough to prepare at least one meal, consider that perishable food is for your guests (a local specialty will be much appreciated - a far Breton and a bottle of cider if you are Breton, for example!).Put notes on your appliances explaining the operation in a simple way. Also leave handy their notes which can be consulted if necessary.
Leave your specific instructions on the care, needs and lifestyle of your animals. Remember to provide enough food for them. Also leave some recommendations for plants, the garden.Do not overload, your hosts are not there to do all your housework! Think before you leave to mow the lawn, clean ... so your guests are comfortably seated. Leave household products available. Also remember to inform your hosts on the collection of garbage, the sorting of waste, the statement of mail ...Also let the phone numbers of the first emergencies and other services (doctor, hospitals, dentist, fire, police, garage, childcare ...), those of relatives available to provide their help and assistance if necessary.
Leave also your own tips, good tips, good addresses of outings, restaurants ... Leave at your disposal tourist guides, road maps and plans, information on the festivities of the season, etc.
You also exchange your vehicle? Many insurances cover anyone driving your vehicle with your agreement. However, inform your insurer and inquire about the possible loss of your bonus in the event of an accident putting your host at fault. Agree on payments and deductible if applicable and on drivers' identities. You can establish an agreement whereby the driver of each vehicle is responsible for accidents up to the amount of the deductible. You can fix together a number of authorized kilometers or a geographical perimeter of circulation. Leave it clean, in good condition, with the full tank of gas, recent engine control and emptying. Indicate precisely the state of the loaned vehicle (mechanical condition, bodywork, mileage ...). Define together the place and time of recovery of the vehicle (station, airport ...). Remember to place the route inside your home. You can also download our "Vehicle Exchange Agreement".

Once there :
During the stay: act as if you were at home, simply. Respect and take care of the goods entrusted to you.

Before your departure: make a complete cleaning of the places so that your hosts find their home clean and tidy. If you have moved objects, put things in their place. Restore commodity stocks and maintenance. If possible, wash and store used laundry during the stay. Leave your guests a little word, a memory, do not forget to return the keys, and think to send them some photographs later!