An understandable concern of first time swappers is whether their house will be looked after and left clean and tidy. Most experienced swappers understand the importance of this – after all, you are in their home at the same time they are in yours. Having said that, it is a good idea to move certain breakables or valuable items, as well as put important papers away. Agree with your opposite number on such things as the use of the phone, etc. If you have pets, you may want to board them rather than have your guests look after them.
It is a policy of most home swap organizations that you leave your hosts home just as you found it and as you would want yours to be left. Most companies have clear rules on this and swappers who violate this most basic of rules are strictly forbidden from swapping again. In the rare case of accidental damage while someone else is staying in your home, most homeowner’s policies will cover this. If you are the sort of person who worries about this sort of thing, home swapping may not be for you – but for millions of people it is the only way to vacation.