How to Start Home Swapping with Swaphouse
Forget overpriced hotels and endless Airbnb fees. There's a smarter way to explore the world. Swaphouse lets you swap homes for free, making adventure both affordable and simple. Getting started is easier than you think, and we'll show you how.
So, you've heard about home swapping and thought: "Wait… you mean I can stay someone else's home for free?" Yep, that's the magic of it. With Swaphouse, you simply swap your home with someone else's and boom! you've got yourself a brand-new place to stay and explore, without dropping hundreds on hotels or Airbnbs.
And the best part? While Swaphouse was originally built for remote workers and digital nomads, you don't have to be one to join. Whether you're a family, a couple, or just someone craving a change of scenery, Swaphouse makes it possible for anyone to travel smarter and save money.
But before you dive in, let's talk about what you actually need to get started. Don't worry, it's way simpler than you think.
What You Need to Get Started
Here's the good news: you don't need a fancy penthouse or a beach house in Bali to start home swapping. If your place is comfortable enough for you to live, cook, and (if needed) get some work done, chances are it’ll be perfect for someone else too. All you really need is:
- A home, apartment, studio, or condo - size doesn't matter, comfort does.
- A kitchen you can cook in - because eating like a local is half the fun.
- A proper spot to work - whether it's a desk, a dining table, or a cozy corner.
- Fast, reliable Wi‑Fi (at least 20 Mbps) - the golden rule for stress-free Zoom calls.
- 5 (or more) photos of your home – so others can get a real feel for your space.
That's it. No complicated requirements, no secret checklist. Just a normal, work-ready home where someone could live, cook, and get things done.
Joining Swaphouse: Why We Use LinkedIn
When it comes to joining Swaphouse, we like to keep things simple and safe. That's why everyone signs up with their LinkedIn account.
✅ Built for remote workers and beyond: Swaphouse is designed with remote workers and digital nomads in mind, but it's open to all kinds of travelers. And guess where many of them hang out? You got it: LinkedIn.
✅ Real profiles, more trust: LinkedIn is used for professional networking, so profiles tend to be real, up to date, and representative of who someone is in real life. That means less risk of fake accounts and a higher baseline of trust.
✅ Level playing field and simple sign-in: Everyone on Swaphouse signs up using LinkedIn, which creates a level playing field. It's our way of saying, "We're all professionals here. Let's treat each other (and our homes) with respect."
✅ No new passwords to remember: No extra logins, no "forgot my password" emails. Just click, connect, and you're in.
Want the full scoop? Read why Swaphouse uses LinkedIn for sign-ups.
Listing Your Home: 4 Quick Steps
To unlock all the homes on Swaphouse, you'll need to list your own place. Don't worry, it's super quick (we're talking less time than it takes to binge an episode on Netflix). Here's how it works:
Add your city or town using our smart Google Maps suggestions so you can find it quickly and accurately. Then add easy access highlights: airport, city center, beach, public transport, or similar.
Start by listing how many bedrooms and bathrooms your home has. Then add a catchy title and a short description (tips for a great home description).
Highlight home comforts and practical amenities: equipped kitchen, laundry (washer/dryer), heating/air conditioning, parking, outdoor space (balcony, terrace, garden), noise level, and any family- or pet-friendly details.
Describe where people can work: a desk, dining table, or a quiet corner with good lighting and outlets. Run a quick test and add your internet speed using the Swaphouse Wi‑Fi Speed Test. If you have multiple work spots, mention them so swappers can choose what suits them.
Take clear, well-lit photos that show full rooms and the flow of your space. Include the workspace, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and any standout features like a balcony or view.
Add short captions so people know what they are looking at (caption tips) and follow our guide on taking great photos.
And that's it: you've just created a listing that puts your home on the map for potential swaps.
Looking for inspiration on how others present their homes? Check out a few real listings from the Swaphouse community:
👉 Explore more homes in Italy
Your Profile = Your Travel Identity
Your listing shows off your home. Your profile shows off you. And on Swaphouse, that's just as important.
A well-filled-out profile builds trust, helps you connect with like-minded swappers, and makes your listing way more appealing. Think of it as your travel identity: the more you share, the easier it is for someone to picture themselves swapping with you.
Want some tips? Check out our guide on how to write the best Swaphouse user profile.
How Matching Works: Swaphouse = Tinder for Homes
Once your home and profile are live, you get access to all the homes on Swaphouse. Now comes the fun part: finding matches!
- Like the homes you love → Hit “like” on the homes that catch your eye.
- Pass the ones that don't fit → No hard feelings, just keep swiping until you find the right match.
- It's a double opt-in → If the other person likes your home too, boom, it's a match!
- Chat and check availability → Once matched, you can see each other's availability and start a conversation to figure out if the timing works for a swap.
It's simple, it's fun, and it keeps things stress-free by only connecting you with people who are genuinely interested.
Want more details? Read more about our match-based system.
Your Ticket to Affordable Adventures
And that's it: you're ready to start swapping! With just a work-ready home, a LinkedIn account, and a profile that shows who you are, you can unlock a world of free stays and new adventures.
Swaphouse was built to make travel easier and more affordable for remote workers and digital nomads, but the magic is that everyone's welcome. Whether you're chasing waves, city vibes, or a quiet countryside escape, your home can be the key to your next adventure.
So why wait? Join Swaphouse today, list your home, and start swapping your way around the world.
About Swaphouse
Imagine if you could travel to a destination of your choice, for free, without having to pay any accommodation costs. At Swaphouse, we believe this is the future of travel, and it's our mission to make it an accessible reality for every traveler.
