Below is a brief diary of a home swapper:

12 October 2009

After having a chat last night we decided that it was time to move house - we would like to be closer to my partners parents as the hour long drive to see their grand children is getting quite expensive.  Decided to look at a few areas within 10 miles of the in laws.

13 October 2009

Spoke to the council and they say that there is a massive waiting list and as we would be voluntarily homeless would be a low priority. They suggested that we look on the internet for a home swapping website.

15 October 2009

Registered on a home swap website - there are so many to choose from but have joined one that doesn't charge - some are quite expensive and don't look particularly professional.

17 October 2009

Found a few potential properties and contacted them online.  One answered back quickly butthey aren't interested in my house.

20 October 2009

One more response that appears quite positive - we are to arrange a viewing when we are next up to see the in laws.  They may be able to come and visit some time next week.

22 October 2009

The 3rd one has responded - sounds less positive than the other but they are having a look at our house online and have asked a few questions about it.

3 November 2009

Visited a property today and it is in a good location and is about the right size for the family.  They asked us about our porperty and have agreed to come over in a couple of days to have a look at it.

5 November 2009

After spending a good few hours with us all cleaning and tidying the house the other people came over to see our house.  They were very positive about it as a good friend of theirs lives close by.  We discussed the house swap process and looked online together to work out what to do next.  Neither of us have done a mutual exchange before.

10 November 2009

Spoke to both councils and they are sending out the paperwork.

12 November 2009

Received the paperwork from both councils - just a simple form for both.  Spoke to the other family and they haven't received theirs yet.

14 November 2009

Completed the simple paperwork and sent it back to the council.

24 November 2009

Received a letter from the council confirming that they have received the application and are considering it.

9 December 2009

Wow that was quick - they have approved the swap subject to a couple of visits - to check the electricity and gas, to do a energy survey and to check we haven't trashed the place.  Rang the  other family who had not heard the news.  We discussed a moving date and decided to leave it until after Christmas.

16 December 2009

Had a visit from a couple of people today and they seem to have gone away happy.  Spoke to the council a little later and they are putting all of the documentation together.

21 December 2009

The swap has been approved and we have been asked to come to the council's offices to sign some paperwork - off a bit later.

Documents signed and date for the swap agreed.

27 December 2009

Busy packing all of our things ready for the move - there is so much stuff to pack.

13 January 2010

Finally the day arrived and we moved in - very happy and going out this evening to celebrate - the in laws are baby sitting.  I can't believe how quick and simple the whole process was.