Swapping

{lovely image from here}

About this time in our trip home every year, I start to get a little weepy about leaving. Don’t get me wrong, I love Dublin and I don’t get very homesick, but I hate leaving my family and friends in Maine knowing that I won’t be back for another six months.

But this year, I’m trying a new trick. I’m trying to distract myself with schemes of house-swapping next summer! We haven’t worked out all the details (like getting time off work!), but the idea of being able to stay a little longer is keeping me from getting too sad that our vacation is nearly over.

I’ve been doing a little research and it turns out some other bloggers have joined the house-swapping craze. Here and here.

And I’ve found a few great FAQ’s with answers to general questions about house swapping, here and here, and a sample swap agreement.

Experienced house swappers also have some great tips to share over here, including leaving a few grocery staples for the people coming to stay in your house. What a nice touch!

We’re not sure when or how long we’ll be able to swap next summer, but we know we want to be on the Maine coast between Brunswick and portland. If you know anyone who might be interested, let us know!

In the meantime, have you done a house swap? Was it a success? Do you have tips? Do tell!