Put your heirlooms, valuables, important/private papers and personal items (things that you don't want to have destroyed/rifled through/missing upon your return) in a locked closet, or better yet in offsite storage.

Leave sufficient closet/drawer space open so that folks can easily put their clothing away without disturbing your items.

Leave a list of emergency contacts, descriptions of where the breaker, water and gas shutoff are, basic instructions on how to operate appliances and any specific care instructions for items in your home - such as "Don't get citrus juice on the marble kitchen countertops", "Don't use the vacuum on the Flokati rug" or "Don't put the knives/cast iron skillet/etc. in the dishwasher".

Make sure the insurace is paid, including liability for guests - and if the swap includes the use of a car, ensure that your policy includes others using your car and that you have sufficient funds in the bank to pay the deductable - and leave contact info for your preferred garage as well as your insurance agent.

Let your neighbors know that you're swapping your house and for how long - They might wonder who the strangers are.

I've done it a number of times and it has always been great. I leave a complete dossier for my guests, which includes important phone numbers, how to work the appliances including instruction manuals, any dos and don'ts (i.e. don't smoke), information on the neighborhood, maps, instructions on plant and/or pet care, etc.

I put away important or sensitive papers and valuables in either my safety deposit box or locked cbainet or closet. I consolidate my drawers and closets to leave some room for my guests belongings, put clean sheets on the beds and leave out clean towels. I inivite them to use whatever food is in the cabinets or refrigerator.

I ask that they not make long-distance calls on my phone.

Happily, I've never had a problem and usually find that they have made similar arrangements for me in their home.

Sometimes, I leave a bottle of wine or fresh flowers for my guests, either at my home or at theirs.

Good luck.

Also:

Let your building manager know that you're going to be swapping apartments too - and give your guests a place to deposit any mail or packages that will arrive while you're gone such as a drawer or basket in the hall.

How did you arrange your swap? I'd like to do this, but it makes me nervous.

I don't get it.... is this for a vacation? You go and live in someone elses home?

weird...

does this happen in Canada, or is it just a US thing? I am totally baffled.

revolution9 --

It's a worldwide vacation thing: Folks can swap homes for a week or even a month with folks in France, Italy, etc.

It generally works for folks in places that are in demand as tourist destinations such as San Francisco, New York or Miami - rarely are folks wanting to swap for a place to stay in the flyover states.

http://www.homeforswap.com/ or Google "Apartment Swap"

A really picky neighbor has done this several times and no longer bothers locking things up. He spends a fair amount of time getting to know the "candidates" and dumps anyone who gives any indication of being a problem.

These are all great suggestions. I planned to put my sensitive paperwork (files on investments, SS#, etc) in a box and leaving with a next door neighbor. Someone suggested I rexchange checks with the person I'm swapping with - say $200 just to cover any mishaps from either end. If we both find our places in good shape we mail the checks back. Does that sound like overkill?

Pixie, I posted on Craigslist both in SF and here in NYC (under Housing Swaps). I was very clear about when I was planning my trip, that I have cats that will need to be tended to, a non-smoker and I included photos of my place. I got several responses and finally decided on one person because of the location (he lives a couple of blocks from where I used to work out there). His place looks nice so we talked on the phone and exchanged a lot of emails and then considered it a done deal. And it's great that you can look at the 'hood on google street views.

I'm using my freq. flier miles and staying in a free apt. I can spend all my money on great restaurants and artwork at the Sausalito Arts Festival. I can't wait.

oops, rexchange = exchange

When I first considered moving to NYC from Oakland, I started out by swapping with another artist--a great experience. bepsf's tips are excellent, also, consider collecting manuals for appliances, instructions, maps, etc., in a binder. My host thoughtfully left menus for favorite restaurants that deliver (not so common in SF, but in NYC...a gift from heaven), discount spa coupons, notes about best wash & fold, dog parks, bookstores, etc. What I wish my host had done: clean out more space for my stuff; I was there 3 months and had only 1/3 of a tiny closet for everything. Have fun!

Wow, this sounds cool!
I'd hate to live in a 'flyover' state... it makes it sound so sad.