I Did A Home Exchange Like ​"The Holiday​" And Here’s How It Went

We chatted over the phone to a) make sure we were not insane, b) “meet” each other, and c) talk logistics, like the cleaning plan, garbage day protocol, bringing our dogs, etc. We both have 8-year-olds, which was perfect because there would be plenty of new toys to keep them entertained on our respective trips.

The Pre-Host Prep

Before the trip, I started to panic: Prepping my home for stranger-guests was an added stress to my already busy life. I’m pretty sure it was the first time I ever deep-cleaned my fridge, all the bedding needed to be washed and beds made, and I had to face my daughter’s room, which looked like a toy tornado had struck. Was this all going to be worth the effort? (Spoiler: YES).

I also decided not to bring my dog, who’s prone to carsickness. Kathleen offered to watch our dog (so nice!), but I didn't want to add the extra burden of puppy watching. But that was one difference between home swapping vs. home rental — it all felt more personal, casual, and friendly.

I chatted with Kathleen one more time to talk logistics, like where she left the key and what time we were both planning to arrive. I dropped off my pup at her hotel (feeling major dog-mom guilt) and we hit the road for L.A., car fully packed.

The Arrival

We finally arrived at Kathleen’s Brentwood home and I literally did a Winslet-style happy dance just like in the movie.

Her arrival text: We made it to your house! It is perfect! SO cute!!!

My arrival text: We just arrived! OMG, your house is amazing!

The Welcome Treats

Kathleen left us a bottle of wine, healthy snacks, a dog toy for our pup, a puzzle for my kiddo, and beautiful handmade soaps for my mom and me. I left them a bottle of wine, a bag of Atlas coffee, some soap, and free rein of what was left in the fridge. Clearly, she won the welcome treats game.

The Week

We had shared our favorite restaurants and things to do in our respective 'hoods. It was so nice to return to warm weather (70s to 80s in late November!) and experience a change of scenery. We drove to the beach 15 mins away, discovered new restaurants like The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker(their colorful lattes are so pretty!), visited the Getty Center, and I got to meet Brit + Co’s VP of Content, Ali Ives, IN PERSON for the first time after countless Zoom calls!

And every night we got to come back to our cozy home, lounge outside with a glass of wine, play charades, and relish in the fact that we were saving a ton of money on lodging. We even had a Santa Ana storm like in the movie, firmly cementing my Winslet role.

Kathleen’s husband (who come to think of it had a Jude Law vibe in photos) fixed my fridge and they found my bike lock (cue prayer hands), we brought in each other’s packages, and shared local babysitter info. It was a match made in house-swap heaven.

The End

In the end, we had probably the best Thanksgiving ever - the day was warm and the beach was empty. We made lasagna in lieu of the traditional meal to satisfy vegetarian preferences, shared what we were thankful for and announced our “word” for 2023 (mine: adventure).

We cleaned up, packed up, and decided to stop in Santa Barbara on the way home, not ready to end our holiday adventure.

When we finally arrived home, we found our linens washed, beds made, and my linen closet fully organized! Kathleen left us another dog toy, a bottle of wine, more coffee, and a note thanking us for a wonderful stay. I left fresh flowers and a charades game while my daughter left a note for their son, thanking him for letting her play with all his toys.

I’m so glad I didn’t give in to my initial anxiety that planning this trip away from home was a mistake. I immediately came home and said yes to a Barcelona swap for my birthday next summer and reached out to a few exchangers for spring break next year. It was all the perfect ending to a perfect stay.

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Social image: Samson Katt; Main image courtesy of Kathleen Shannon