How we started Home Swapping
- Stephanie
- Jan 1, 2024
- 1 min read
As part of leveraging all available resources in the desire to see the world, we applied to participate in a Home Swapping Program through Kindred. Once we cleared the background check and home approval, Kindred sent out a photographer to capture the essence of our home.
We offered up dates when our primary Denver residence would be vacant and created a host profile, including a video introduction and house rules. The program includes home cleaning prior to and following any guests. Kindred supplies sheets, towels, bath mats, toiletries and duvet cover for guests, as well as guides for preparing your home, hosting guests and rules of engagement.
They offer cleaning services, unless you want your own cleaners, and require all participants have their home available to host guests. We created an owners' closet, locked off to guests, for items we wanted to tuck away, such as files, laptops, jewelry, some wines and memorabilia.
The number of homes available has grown exponentially, as has the available geography (primarily North America, and Western Europe). There is a low nightly fee ($25-30), plus the two cleaning fees. All in, costs are much less than a hotel or Airbnb in the same area.
Updated July 2024: We've hosted four groups of guests and stayed in one home in Berlin. It's been a win-win-win for all involved. Three nights in Berlin cost $300 in a prime location. An upcoming three-night-stay in Wicker Park in Chicago, is less than $300. We’re saving credits for a family trip to Santa Barbara next spring where we’ve got our eye on a 4-bedroom villa for a week.
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