Congratulations! You finalized an exchange as a host. The time has now come to prepare your home for your guests to welcome them in the best way possible.
We have prepared a list of tips to make it easy for you. Also, remember that the most important tip to guarantee the success of any exchange is communication!
To guarantee a smooth arrival:
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Give your guests instructions on how to get to your house
Make sure your guests get the keys (personally, via a neighbor or a friend, with specific instructions...) and that (s)he has all the information (s)he needs to arrive safe and sound!
- Leave instructions on how to use the equipments in your home
Create a special note or a booklet (that you can use for all your guests) for the heating or AC, the washing machine, the Wifi, and any other equipment or appliances for which it could be useful.
- Prepare a warm welcome
HomeExchangers usually leave a welcome note, sometimes even a little gift (a small welcome basket, a meal prepared in case of a late arrival, a small bottle of wine, etc.). Whether you leave a welcome gift or a thank you note, know that however simple, it changes everything! And don't hesitate to get creative!
To make your guests feel at home:
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Leave some space for your guests
Clear the space a bit and leave some hangers and drawers empty for your guests so that they can settle in comfortably.
- Share recommendations
Your guests don’t know the region as well as you do. Share your favorite places to go, your favorite restaurants, leave some books or brochures about your city or region: a simple gesture, but often very appreciated!
- Help them settle down
Depending on what you have agreed on with your exchange partners, make your guests’ beds and leave towels out for everyone.
- Prepare your kitchen
In the kitchen, we recommend throwing away perishable food and leave enough food for your guests to make their first meal (milk, eggs, bread, butter, coffee, and tea, for example). Add a little note saying “help yourselves” so they know it’s for them.
- Prepare your bathroom
In the bathroom, put away your toothbrushes and cosmetic products to make some room. Our hosts usually leave shower gel and shampoo for their guests
- Get your children involved
If you host a family and you also have children, taking out their toys is a very common practice among our members! And you can use this chance to teach your children the value of sharing!
- Final check
Finally, before leaving, take a final tour of the house to check your smoke detectors, water, and gas… And then you’re good to go!
You can also check these blog article to read suggestions from our fellow members: