I think financially it sounds like a great idea. From an emotional point of view though I couldn't do it. All the little things around the house that are valuable to me - emotionally, not financially - that I would have to pack away. We've got hundreds of books that have been lovingly cared for that I would hate for someone renting my house to read and dog ear (sounds pretty minor but its one of my pet hates). Would they care for my crockery or break something that would mean I no longer had a full set? Would they care for the furniture? Would they respect my no shoes and no food in the lounge rule? You can only pack up so much before it becomes a major pain in the whatsit.

I look at those exchange holiday ideas where you swap homes with someone in another country and I just can't do it. Someone sleeping in my bed, in my daughters' beds, just doesn't sit well with me.