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By the end of this list you’ll have a full plan for handing your home over to strangers without losing sleep over it, lol!
House swapping sounds dreamy until you realize someone else will be opening your kitchen drawers next week.
So how do you actually get ready? These ideas came from scrolling through hundreds of pins and swap forums to find what real hosts actually use.
Only the doable ones made the cut. Nothing that requires a contractor or a second mortgage, lol!
Some are simple printables you can whip up in ten minutes. Others are little touches that make guests feel instantly at home.
Use as many or as few as you need. Even three or four of these will make your swap feel ten times more organized.
HOUSE SWAP PREP CHECKLIST
Lockable Closet For Valuables
We’re starting off strong with the lockable closet idea. Anything sentimental or pricey goes behind a door with an actual lock, no exceptions.
A small closet or even one lockable drawer works fine.
- The peace of mind fix
- Works with any spare closet
- A cheap padlock does the job
Labeled Spare Keys Station
Labeled spare keys save everyone a headache. A little station by the door with tags for front door, back door and mailbox keeps things clear.
Guests never have to guess which key opens what. That alone cuts down on the awkward first-night texts, haha!
- No more mystery keys
- A basic key hook and paper tags
- Color code with nail polish dots
Emergency Contact Card Printable
An emergency contact card belongs on every fridge during a swap. Local urgent care, a neighbor’s number and your own contact info, all in one spot.
Print it big enough to read without squinting. This is not the place for tiny fonts, trust me!
- Just in case basics
- Prints on regular paper
- Fits right under a magnet
Appliance Manual Cheat Sheet
Appliance manuals are where most swaps go sideways. A cheat sheet with photos of the coffee maker, the thermostat and the weird oven dial saves everyone a headache.
Guest instructions ideas home style, keep it visual instead of wordy. A photo with an arrow beats three paragraphs every time.
- The one page that saves the visit
- Photos beat instructions every time
- Laminate it so spills don’t matter
Wifi Password Printable Card
How annoying is hunting for a wifi password scribbled on a sticky note? Not anymore! A printable card with the network name and password looks so much nicer.
Stick it on the fridge or prop it on the counter. Small thing, huge relief for guests fresh off a flight.
- The first thing guests need
- Prints on a single index card
- Add the router restart trick too
Handwritten Welcome Note Template
A handwritten welcome note sets the whole tone for the swap. Keep it short and genuine, nobody wants a novel when they’re tired from traveling.
Welcome note ideas hosts often skip is mentioning your own favorite spot in the house. It makes strangers feel like actual guests instead of tenants.
- The five minute gesture that matters
- Handwritten always beats typed
- Leave it right on the counter
Welcome Basket With Snacks
A little welcome basket goes a long way after a long trip. Local snacks, a bottle of something cold and maybe a small treat from a nearby bakery.
This is the kind of touch guests photograph and post about, lol! It costs less than you’d think too.
- The basket that gets photographed
- Fill it with local snacks
- A basket from the thrift store works fine
Favorite Restaurants Map Printable
A favorite restaurants map is one of those small things guests remember forever. Mark your go-to coffee spot, the best taco place and one splurge dinner option.
They’ll trust your picks more than any review site. Who wouldn’t rather eat where a local actually eats?
- Better than a search engine
- A simple printed map works great
- Mark three price ranges clearly
Printable Local Attractions List
Local tips sheet ideas hosts love usually include more than the obvious tourist stops. Add the hidden trail, the free museum day and the farmers market schedule.
This one turns into the most used paper in the whole house. Fair warning, guests will thank you for it constantly.
- The insider cheat sheet
- Include the free things too
- Mention parking tricks nobody tells tourists
Checkout Checklist Printable Card
A checkout checklist keeps the last morning stress free for everyone. Trash out, dishes done, thermostat set back, simple as that.
This one saves so much back and forth over messages. Nobody wants to text about towels at six in the morning, haha!
- The last morning lifesaver
- Keep it to five steps max
- Print it in large friendly text
Thank You Note Template
Checkout note ideas guests actually appreciate include a little thank you template left on the counter for them to fill out too.
It becomes a sweet little guestbook over time.
- The guestbook nobody expects
- A simple notecard does the trick
- Leave a pen right next to it
Key Return Instructions Card
Last but definitely not least, a clear key return card. Where to leave the keys, what time and who to text once they’re dropped off.
This tiny detail prevents the classic last minute scramble. Sweet, simple and it wraps the whole swap up without a single awkward moment.
- The final step made simple
- Fits on a small notecard
- Include a backup phone number
Just a little note - some of the links on here may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to shop through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only post content which I'm truly enthusiastic about and would suggest to others.
And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Emily
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