How we've saved thousands on our holidays by swapping homes with strangers

Home swappers may also have to be more flexible about when they travel - Home Link says members typically send 10-15 messages before getting an offer."Last minute bookings won't always work," says May Burrough, 38, a chief operating officer from London who has done 34 home swaps over the last three years using HomeExchange. Rather than doing direct exchanges, she hosts people in her central London flat while she's overseas staying with her partner in France.This way, May builds up points on the platform she can use to book trips at other times. How to home swap successfully If you are putting your home on a booking platform, make the listing clear, with plenty of information and appealing photosKeep in contact before and during the exchange to build trust and avoid misunderstandingsDeclutter and make space in wardrobes, drawers and cupboards your guests will useLeave a comprehensive guide for guests, covering things like appliance instructions, rubbish collection and emergency informationShare local recommendations to help them get the most out of their stayLock away items of value to avoid them being damagedCheck that your home insurance policy provides the cover you needSources: Home Link, HomeExchange, the Association of British InsurersMay reckons she has saved about £5,000-£8,000 through swaps in places like Barcelona and the Swiss Alps.She loves the "community feel" of home exchanges and says she's only ever had one "semi-negative experience" when a booking she thought was for a whole flat turned out to be a room in a flat share.