8 House Swapping Myths

House swapping can sound intimidating — we get it! Even us house swapping veterans started out with the same hesitations that you probably have right now. Anything new is unknown, and the unknown can be scary.

Remember when online dating first came on the scene (or maybe you don’t remember that, you whippersnapper!). Anyway, trust us when we say: Matching and meeting up with a stranger sounded SHADY. But then, what do you know? People started coupling up and getting married, and now more couples meet online than IRL.

We believe that house swapping is the third travel option that the world needs right now, and that it will change your life — once you grow accustomed to the idea. Here, we address some common house swapping myths.

Myth #1: It's weird to stay in a stranger's home.

Truth: Ask yourself a question: Have you ever stayed in the home of someone you didn’t know? Maybe you were pet sitting, or crashing with a friend of a friend? We surveyed our members, and found that 83% had stayed in the home of someone they didn’t know for one reason or another. This is no different. Kindred is a vetted, members-only community where everyone hosts in their real homes. (No sterile, property-managed units here!) Once you’re accepted, you can browse available homes and request a stay. Before the member accepts, they often request a video call or at least have a get-to-know-you text exchange. Either way, by the time you’ve been accepted, you won’t be strangers!

Myth #2: My house is too cluttered for a house swap.

Truth: You might be used to short-term vacation rental properties, where the homes are stripped of most personal items. Home swaps are made up of just that: lived-in homes. So you don’t have to put away your family photos or your kids’ toys. (In fact, toys are a perk for other families! If you’re interested, you can poke around our Family Collection of homes.) Our collection of homes comprise a wide variety of shapes and sizes — they are vetted for comfort, but they are not devoid of knickknacks or personality.

Myth #3: Cleaning and prepping the house for a house swap is too much work.

Truth: This is one of the ways Kindred differs from other home exchange platforms: We arrange a house cleaner to come before and after a guest arrives and departs. The guest pays for this, so the host doesn’t have to worry! The host just has to do some simple prep work — including make a guidebook to your house, and slap a Post-It on drawers you’d like to keep private. Kindred tries to make it as easy as possible for the host, even providing a Guest Essentials kit (including a new sponge and luxury toiletries).

Myth #4: You have to house swap at the same time with the same people.

Truth: With Kindred, you can find a member with whom to do a 1:1 swap and just pay for cleanings and a small service fee — no credits needed. Most often, Kindred members take advantage of our give-a-night, get-a-night model, whereby you earn one credit for each night you host. You can use those credits for any home, of any size, in any city. (May we recommend Paris or London or New York?)

Myth #5: There's no support if something goes wrong during a house swap.

Truth: Most home exchange websites are hands-off, allowing their members to work out any issues amongst themselves. Kindred takes a more hands-on approach; our 24/7 concierge is there to troubleshoot anything that might come up. Our stellar concierge team has helped out with all manner of traveling snafus. Problems are part of travel, and Kindred is here to problem solve in real time. On the host side, don’t fret about your belongings: They are covered by our $100,000 Host Protection Guarantee for any damage, just in case.

Myth #6: It's difficult to coordinate house swap logistics like key exchanges.

Truth: Kindred sends a secure lockbox to every member before they host for easy key storage. Prior to every trip, clear, step-by-step access instructions (with accompanying pictures) are sent via email, and through the app. Any house quirks and rules are clearly laid out in the member’s house handbook.

Myth #7: You have to deal with people’s pets when you house swap.

Truth: With Kindred, you find the house that’s right for you. There is no expectation to house sit for pets; if a member would like to include their pet or pets in a house swap, that is clearly outlined and agreed upon beforehand. If watching a dog or cat for the week is your dream, Kindred can help make that happen.

Myth #8: With all the fees, house swapping costs the same as a short-term rental, anyway.

Truth: There are no annual fees and no nightly fees. (We don't even take your credit card until you book a trip.) You simply pay for house cleanings and house swap service fees. This means staying for a longer period of time becomes extremely affordable. One member from Nashville, Kazmira D., recently stayed for a week in Amsterdam for $260 (that comes out to $37 a night), while Gina B. from Brooklyn booked five nights in San Francisco for $425 ($85 a night). Imagine the caliber of short-term vacation rentals you might find for $37-85 a night. Trick question: They don't exist! Kindred, on the other hand, very much does. All we are missing is you.