Comments on: House swap shop

By: jackie

jackie — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:39:31 +0000

I just loved this post… you really depicted what it’s like when you swap house with someone for the purpose of a holiday.

It is so true that whilst you are living in someone’s home you are so extra careful with their property and feel awful if, by accident, you were to break a glass!

It is also the case, that in preparation for the arrival of your swap partner, you give the house a deep clean (but apart from the imminent arrival of your mother/ mother-in-law… when else would you do it.. and don’t you just feel fantastic when it’s done! It is also great knowing that you will be arriving in your swap partner’s home which has been similarly scrubbed awaiting your arrival!

Finally, as you also pointed out… visiting another part of the country to see if you were to like living there is a great way to experience life as a local..

NCT is a great site but your readers may also like to know that there is a new UK only house swapping site just launched that caters for families (small and large) as well as couples and singles. The site is http://www.ukholidayswapshop.co.uk

By: Drunk Mummy

Drunk Mummy — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 21:50:27 +0000

That’s fascinating – great post!
I think I would be a nervous wreck about the kids breaking other people’s stuff though.

By: bart

bart — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 11:38:33 +0000

Yes, it sounds okay, and as you say: it’s a very good reason to clean the house more then only the french way we use to practice…

By: brom

brom — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 19:07:45 +0000

I heard about this on the ole wireless the other day. Sounds like a good idea. From what they said and yours and Ursula’s experiences the positives far outweigh the negatives.

Something to consider for the future methinks.

By: Ursula Godwin Niesmann

Ursula Godwin Niesmann — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 07:04:11 +0000

I agree with Beta Mum, even though Home Swap has some drawbacks, the advantages far exceed the disadvantages. I do recommend trying this wonderfully enriching vacation alternative!
My family and I just came back from a home exchange in Italy. The swap was not for a house but for a medieval tower in Tuscany. We did not have to deal with mice but with a bat! (For more details about the trip see my blog at http://www.jewettstreet.com.)
Home exchange has become such a passion for me that I very recently launched my own home exchange network. I would like to invite you to join – membership is free for a limited amount of time (no strings attached). For more information go to http://www.jewettstreet.com.
Also, for a member from New Zealand I seek a home exchange in Essex in September and October 2007. If you know of anybody interested in such an offer let them know about us. Thank you.

By: Mutterings & Meanderings

Mutterings & Meanderings — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 22:12:01 +0000

I think you’re very brave. I don’t think I could have people in my house touching my things …

I only ever clean skirting boards when I am moving house!

By: Omega Mummy

Omega Mummy — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 17:55:12 +0000

You have to CLEAN the SKIRTING BOARDS? Right, that’s out, then. And it sounded such fun, apart from the rabbit.