Packing Guide for Home Swap Travelers: Everything You Actually Need (And What to Leave Behind)

I was standing in my hallway at 2 AM, surrounded by three open suitcases and a growing sense of dread. My flight to Copenhagen left in six hours, and I'd somehow convinced myself I needed hiking boots, a formal dress, four novels, and my entire skincare routine for a two-week home swap.

Spoiler: I didn't.

That trip taught me something crucial about creating a packing guide for home swap travelers—it's fundamentally different from packing for a hotel stay. When you're staying in someone's actual home, with their kitchen, their linens, their beach towels hanging by the door, the rules change completely. You're not packing for survival. You're packing for enhancement.

After 40+ home exchanges across 25 countries, I've finally cracked the code. And honestly? My bags have never been lighter.

Why Packing for Home Swap Travel Is Different

Here's what nobody tells you about home exchange packing: you're essentially moving into a furnished life. That Airbnb mentality of "bring everything because who knows what they'll have" doesn't apply here. Your swap partner has olive oil. They have shampoo. They probably have that random phone charger you were going to buy at the airport.

The home swap packing mindset shift took me about three exchanges to fully internalize. During my first swap—a sun-drenched apartment in Lisbon's Alfama district—I lugged a hairdryer across the Atlantic. It sat in my suitcase the entire trip, mocking me, while my host's perfectly good Dyson collected dust on her bathroom shelf.

The difference comes down to this: hotels strip everything personal away. Home swaps hand you someone's actual life, complete with their coffee maker, their spice rack, their collection of mismatched mugs. Your job isn't to replicate your home. It's to slip into theirs.

The Home Swap Packing Essentials: What Actually Matters

Let me walk you through what I now consider non-negotiable for any home exchange trip. These items have earned their permanent spot in my carry-on through sheer usefulness.

Documents and Digital Necessities

Your host's home might have everything, but it won't have your passport. I keep a small document pouch with my passport, a physical copy of my travel insurance details, and a printed backup of my swap confirmation from SwappaHome. Yes, printed. I learned this lesson in rural Portugal when my phone died and I couldn't remember my host's door code.

Beyond the obvious, I always carry a universal power adapter—the kind with USB ports built in. Even if you're swapping within the same country, your host's outlets might be in weird locations, and having your own adapter means you're not hunting for theirs.

A portable charger has saved me more times than I can count. Not because your swap home won't have electricity (obviously), but because you'll be out exploring, your phone will die at 3 PM, and you'll desperately need Google Maps to find your way back to an unfamiliar address.

Clothing Strategy for Home Exchange Travel

This is where most people overpack catastrophically. I used to be the worst offender—packing "just in case" outfits for scenarios that never materialized.

Now I follow what I call the 5-4-3-2-1 rule for trips up to two weeks: 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 layers, 2 pairs of shoes, 1 nicer outfit. That's it.

Because here's the secret weapon of home swap travel: your host has a washing machine.

I cannot stress this enough. You have access to laundry. Pack for a week, do one load, repeat. I've done month-long swaps with a carry-on because I knew I could wash clothes every five days.

The shoes question trips people up. I bring one pair of comfortable walking shoes (I'm devoted to my white leather sneakers that go with everything) and one pair of sandals or dressier flats. That's genuinely all you need. Your host's home isn't a hiking trail—you can walk to the corner café in sandals.

Toiletries: The Great Debate

I'm about to save you so much suitcase space.

Your swap host has soap. They have toilet paper. They almost certainly have basic toiletries that you're welcome to use—most home exchangers explicitly mention this in their SwappaHome listing or in pre-arrival messages.

What I actually pack: my specific skincare products (because nobody's borrowing someone else's retinol), contact lens supplies, any prescription medications, sunscreen (I'm picky about SPF), and a small deodorant. That's the whole toiletry bag.

I stopped packing shampoo after my Copenhagen trip, when I discovered my host had three different options in her shower. Same with body wash, conditioner, and hand soap. Ask your host beforehand if you're nervous, but in my experience, these basics are always available.

The exception: if you have curly hair, textured hair, or specific hair needs, bring your own products. Finding the right curl cream in a foreign pharmacy is a special kind of travel stress nobody needs.

What Your Host's Home Provides (That You Don't Need to Pack)

This section could have saved 23-year-old me approximately $50 in overweight baggage fees.

Kitchen and Dining

Your host's kitchen is fully stocked with cookware, dishes, utensils, and appliances. I've never arrived at a swap home that didn't have a coffee maker of some kind—whether a French press, a Nespresso machine, or a proper espresso setup. Most have a kettle. Many have a blender.

You don't need to pack that travel coffee mug you were eyeing. You don't need portable utensils. You definitely don't need a mini electric kettle (I've seen people pack these, and I weep for their suitcase space).

What you might want: if you have serious coffee standards and you're heading somewhere with different coffee culture, maybe bring a small bag of your favorite beans. My friend who can't function without her specific pour-over coffee brings a collapsible dripper. But that's an edge case for true coffee devotees.

Bedroom and Bathroom

Linens are provided. Always. Fresh sheets, towels, bath mats—this is standard home swap etiquette, and SwappaHome members are generally meticulous about this because they know they'll be reviewed.

I used to pack a silk sleep sack "just in case." Never once used it. Your host wants you to be comfortable; they're not going to hand you scratchy sheets.

Hairdryers exist in probably 95% of homes I've swapped into. Irons and ironing boards are common. Beach towels are often available if you're near water.

Entertainment and Connectivity

WiFi is essentially universal at this point. I've had strong internet connections in remote Portuguese villages and Swiss mountain chalets. Your host will share the password—it's usually in their welcome information or taped to the router.

Most homes have streaming services logged in, books on shelves, board games in closets. You're inheriting someone's entertainment setup along with their home.

The Home Swap Specific Packing List: Items That Make Exchanges Smoother

Now we're getting into the stuff that separates a good home swap experience from a great one. These items aren't about survival—they're about being an excellent guest and having a seamless trip.

A Small Host Gift

I always—always—bring a small gift for my swap partner. Nothing extravagant. A bag of good coffee from my neighborhood roaster in San Francisco. Local chocolates. A nice candle. Something that says "I appreciate you trusting me with your home."

This costs maybe $15-25 and fits easily in your bag. The goodwill it generates? Immeasurable. I've had hosts leave me thank-you notes, recommend me to their friends, and become genuine pen pals—all starting with a simple gift.

A Reusable Tote Bag

Your host might have shopping bags, but having your own packable tote means you're ready for farmers markets, beach days, and grocery runs without hunting through their closets. I have a Baggu that lives permanently in my suitcase. It weighs nothing, takes up zero space, and I use it constantly.

Basic First Aid and Medications

Your host probably has band-aids somewhere, but do you really want to rifle through a stranger's medicine cabinet at midnight when you have a headache? I pack a tiny kit: pain relievers, antihistamines, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any prescription medications I need.

Also—and I cannot stress this enough—bring medications you might need but hope you won't. Antidiarrheals. Motion sickness pills. Whatever your body might throw at you. Finding a pharmacy in a foreign country while experiencing digestive distress is a memory I'd rather not revisit.

A Portable Door Lock

This one's slightly controversial, but hear me out. I travel with a small portable door lock—the kind that wedges under the door from the inside. I've never actually needed it for security reasons (home swap hosts are verified through SwappaHome and reviewed by other members), but it gives me peace of mind in unfamiliar spaces.

It's also useful if the bedroom door doesn't have a lock and you want privacy, or if you're a light sleeper and want to ensure the door stays shut.

A Notebook for House Notes

I keep a small notebook specifically for jotting down house quirks as I discover them. Which burner runs hot. How to work the finicky shower handle. Where the circuit breaker is. The WiFi password.

This saves me from repeatedly asking my host questions and helps me leave useful notes for them about anything I noticed during my stay.

Packing for Different Types of Home Swaps

Not all exchanges are created equal. A beach house swap requires different thinking than a city apartment exchange.

Urban Apartment Swaps

City swaps are the easiest to pack for. You'll have access to pharmacies, shops, and anything you forget within walking distance. I pack lightest for urban exchanges—just the essentials plus one nicer outfit for restaurants.

The main consideration: walking shoes. You'll walk more than you think. I averaged 12 miles a day during my Paris swap, and my feet had opinions about my cute-but-impractical ballet flats.

Beach and Coastal Swaps

Here's where packing gets slightly more complex. Your host probably has beach towels and maybe even snorkel gear, but I always bring my own swimsuit (obviously), reef-safe sunscreen, and a good sun hat.

I've learned to ask hosts specifically about beach equipment before arriving. My swap in a Maui condo came with boogie boards, beach chairs, and a cooler. My swap in coastal Portugal had none of that. Knowing in advance lets you pack accordingly.

Rural and Remote Swaps

These require the most preparation. If you're swapping into a farmhouse in Tuscany or a cottage in the Scottish Highlands, assume you won't have a convenience store nearby.

I pack more medications for remote swaps, plus a flashlight (power outages happen) and offline maps downloaded to my phone. I also bring more entertainment—books, downloaded podcasts, a journal—since WiFi might be spotty and there's no neighborhood café to work from.

Winter and Cold Weather Swaps

Bulky clothing is the enemy of efficient packing. My strategy: layers, layers, layers. A good down jacket that packs small, a fleece mid-layer, and thermal base layers take up far less space than multiple heavy sweaters.

I always ask hosts about heating systems before arriving. Some European homes have radiators that take time to warm up; some have underfloor heating that's gloriously toasty. Knowing what to expect helps me pack appropriately.

The Pre-Departure Communication Checklist

Packing smart for home swaps isn't just about what goes in your suitcase—it's about the conversation you have with your host beforehand. Through SwappaHome's messaging system, I always ask these questions before I start packing:

What toiletries can I use? Most hosts are generous, but asking removes awkwardness.

Is there anything specific I should bring? Sometimes hosts mention that the coffee maker broke, or they're out of certain supplies.

What's the laundry situation? Washer-dryer combo? Separate machines? Clothesline only? This directly impacts how much clothing I pack.

Any special equipment for local activities? Hiking boots for nearby trails? Bike available? Beach gear?

What's the parking situation? If I'm renting a car, I need to know if there's a garage, street parking, or permits required.

These conversations take five minutes and prevent so many packing mistakes. I once packed rain boots for a swap in Barcelona because I didn't ask about the weather—turns out it was an unseasonable heat wave and I never wore them.

What to Leave Behind: The Anti-Packing List

Sometimes knowing what NOT to pack is more valuable than knowing what to bring.

Hairdryer and styling tools: Your host has these. I promise.

Beach towels: Unless your host specifically says they don't have them, assume they do.

Books you "might" read: Bring one book. Maybe two. Your host has bookshelves. Airports have bookstores. Your phone has Kindle.

"Just in case" formal wear: In 40+ swaps, I've needed truly formal attire exactly twice. And both times, I could have bought something locally.

Full-size toiletries: Even if you're picky about products, decant into travel containers. You don't need a liter of conditioner for two weeks.

Workout equipment: Resistance bands, maybe. Your entire home gym setup, absolutely not. Go for runs. Do bodyweight exercises. Your host might even have yoga mats.

Multiple "outfit options" for the same occasion: You don't need three different sundresses for beach days. Pick one. Wear it twice. Nobody cares.

Valuables you'd be devastated to lose: This is just good travel sense. Leave the heirloom jewelry at home.

My Actual Packing List: A Real Example

Let me show you exactly what I packed for my most recent swap—two weeks in a Barcelona apartment last October.

Clothing: 5 tops (2 t-shirts, 2 blouses, 1 long-sleeve), 2 pairs of jeans, 1 pair of shorts, 1 sundress, 1 light cardigan, 1 rain jacket, 7 underwear, 3 bras, 4 pairs of socks, white sneakers (worn on plane), sandals

Toiletries: Skincare routine (cleanser, moisturizer, SPF, retinol), contact lenses and solution, prescription medications, small deodorant, lip balm, minimal makeup (concealer, mascara, tinted lip)

Tech: Phone, laptop, chargers for both, universal adapter, portable battery, earbuds

Miscellaneous: Passport, travel insurance printout, credit cards, small notebook, pen, packable tote, sunglasses, host gift (local SF chocolate), portable door lock, tiny first aid kit

That's it. Everything fit in a carry-on with room to spare. I did laundry once during the two weeks. I never once wished I'd brought more.

Common Packing Mistakes Home Swap Newbies Make

I've mentored a few friends through their first home exchanges, and I see the same errors repeatedly.

Packing like it's a hotel: The biggest mindset shift. You're not checking into a sterile room—you're borrowing someone's life. Pack accordingly.

Not communicating with hosts: A five-minute message exchange can eliminate half your packing list. Ask what's available. Ask what you should bring.

Forgetting the gift: It's not required, but it's such an easy way to start the relationship well.

Overpacking "activities": You don't need to bring entertainment for every possible scenario. Your host's home has stuff. The destination has stuff. You'll be fine.

Ignoring the washing machine: Seriously, this changes everything. Pack for a week, not for your entire trip.

Bringing anxiety items: I used to pack things that made me feel "prepared" but that I never used—a sewing kit, a full medical kit, backup phone chargers. Trust that you can solve problems as they arise.

The 24-Hour Pre-Departure Check

The night before I leave for any home swap, I do a final review:

Check the weather forecast for my destination and adjust layers accordingly.

Confirm all travel documents are in my bag—passport, insurance, swap confirmation.

Review my host's instructions one more time for anything I might have missed.

Charge all devices fully.

Remove one item from my suitcase. There's always something I can leave behind. Always.

Weigh my bag if I'm near the limit. Nothing ruins a trip's start like overweight fees.

This ritual takes maybe 20 minutes and has saved me from multiple packing disasters.

The Mindset Shift That Changed My Packing Forever

I'll leave you with this: the best home swap packing advice isn't about lists or rules. It's about trust.

Trust that your host has created a livable space. Trust that you can buy forgotten items abroad. Trust that you need far less than you think to be comfortable.

Home swapping through platforms like SwappaHome isn't just about free accommodation—it's about stepping into someone else's life for a while. The lighter you pack, the more fully you can inhabit that experience.

My overstuffed suitcases used to be a security blanket. Now they feel like a barrier. Every unnecessary item is weight I'm carrying instead of experiencing.

So pack light. Trust the process. And maybe leave room in your bag for whatever treasures you'll find along the way—that vintage scarf from the Barcelona flea market, those olive oils from the Tuscan farm stand, that ceramic mug from the Copenhagen design shop.

Those are the souvenirs worth making space for. Not another "just in case" cardigan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I pack for a home swap that I wouldn't pack for a hotel?

The main addition is a small host gift—local treats from your hometown costing $15-25. You should also pack a notebook for house notes, a portable door lock for peace of mind, and a reusable tote for shopping. Beyond these home swap specific items, you'll actually pack less than for hotels since your host provides linens, toiletries, kitchen supplies, and entertainment.

How much clothing should I bring for a two-week home swap?

Follow the 5-4-3-2-1 rule: 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 layers, 2 pairs of shoes, 1 nicer outfit. This works because home swap accommodations include washing machines—plan to do laundry once per week. This approach lets most travelers fit everything in a carry-on, even for trips up to a month.

Do I need to bring toiletries for a home exchange stay?

Bring only specialty items: prescription medications, specific skincare products, contact lens supplies, and preferred sunscreen. Most home swap hosts provide or allow use of basics like shampoo, conditioner, soap, and hairdryers. Message your host through SwappaHome beforehand to confirm what's available and what you're welcome to use.

Should I pack bedding or towels for a home swap?

No—fresh linens and towels are standard home swap etiquette. Your host will provide clean sheets, bath towels, and typically beach towels if relevant. This is expected in the home exchange community, and SwappaHome members know they'll be reviewed on these basics. Save that suitcase space for items you actually need.

What's the biggest packing mistake first-time home swappers make?

Overpacking as if staying in a hotel. First-timers bring hairdryers, beach towels, excessive toiletries, and multiple books—items their host's home already provides. The key mindset shift: you're borrowing someone's fully-equipped life, not checking into an empty room. Communicate with your host beforehand to learn what's available and pack only what's truly necessary.