Compassion, personal space and a spare toothbrush — these are just a few of the things Australian families should consider when opening their homes to Syrian refugees.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott announced earlier this month Australia would accept 12,000 extra refugees affected by conflict in Syria and Iraq.

Advice for those opening their homes Prepare to be flexible with the living arrangements

Prepare to be flexible with the living arrangements Be compassionate

Be compassionate Be mindful of space, ask the refugee family how they would like to live

Be mindful of space, ask the refugee family how they would like to live Don't push for refugees to share their stories

Don't push for refugees to share their stories Balance offers for help with space to allow refugees to find their own feet in Australia

Balance offers for help with space to allow refugees to find their own feet in Australia Put together a small welcome pack

Put together a small welcome pack Do not put too much pressure on yourself

As state and federal governments consider how to accommodate those expected to arrive on our shores before Christmas, some Australian families have taken matters into their own hands.

Darwin resident Brooke Ottley was one of 2,500 Australian residents who had registered their households with the Australian Homestay Network this month to help Syrian refugees.

Ms Ottley's two bedroom apartment has hosted 300 international travellers — a third of those at no cost — since 2010 but she has never had a refugee come to stay in her spare bedroom.

"I am pretty passionate about asylum seekers and refugee issues," she told 105.7 ABC Darwin.

"I would like to see them mixing into the community, making friends, hopefully working and earning their own income."

It is a similar story of bridging cultures and helping others from Adelaide parents Georgina Goodrich and James Rundle, who have registered their home with another refugee accommodation list coordinated by VolunteeringSA.

Adelaide parents James Rundle and Georgina Goodrich are among those South Australians opening their homes to Syrian refugees. ( 891 ABC Adelaide: Brett Williamson )

"It is about making a difference, being a humanitarian and acknowledging their plight," Ms Goodrich said.

Registering does not assure households a Syrian guest.

At this stage the lists have been about gathering community interest while governments finalise where and how the 12,000 refugees will be placed in Australia.

But Melaleuca Refugee Centre director Caz Coleman said Australians interested in refugee homestay initiatives should start to consider their living arrangements, attitudes, and limitations.

"People [could be arriving] in a very vulnerable state," Ms Coleman said.

"People will need to be prepared to be flexible rather than just say 'that is your bedroom'."

Balancing support with personal space

Ms Coleman said the first consideration for refugee homestay households was space — not just whether there is enough room in your household for extra guests but how that space will be used once they arrive.

"Make sure you have enough space and have a conversation about living expectations," she said.

"Sometimes, three kids in a bed is normal for refugees that have lived in displacement camps long-term. They'll be used to pretty cramped living quarters."

It is also important to consider the trauma experienced by those fleeing conflict, with Ms Coleman advising Australians to be ready with an open ear but not pressure people to share their stories.

"Be prepared to understand that people might not want to tell their whole stories," she said.

"We don't have a right, because we take somebody in, to hear their whole story."

Similarly, those opening up their homes should balance offering a helping hand with letting refugee individuals and families take control of their new life in Australia.

"It is a balance between offering guidance — such as 'here is the shopping centre' and 'how about a picnic?' — and asking people their needs, such as prayer or church," Ms Coleman said.

"Do not plan their entire day. Let people make their own decisions."

Ms Coleman said putting together a welcome pack for refugees on arrival was also "a lovely idea" but warned to keep it simple so people had a chance to buy their own things.

This might mean a basic pack of toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, hair treatment, a towel and sanitary products for women.

If the homestay is not successful

Ms Coleman's last piece of advice to potential refugee homestay households was to avoid putting too much pressure on yourself or those coming to stay.

"[Length of stay] is negotiable with support services. It may be six weeks, it may be six months," she said,

"Some people will feel comfortable and some won't. Use support services to help manage relationship breakdown."

Australian Homestay Network executive director David Bycroft told 105.7 ABC Darwin that not everybody who registered their household would receive a refugee placement and that potential households would undergo a selection process.

But Mr Bycroft said those who were selected would feel "part of the solution" in a similar way to a asylum seeker homestay program led by the network several years ago.

"The power of those hosts was they became like a volunteer," he said.

"They adopted the person or the group that came into their home and treated them with love and gave them basic needs of shelter, food, warmth and a community network.

"We still have some of those asylum seekers still living with either their original placement home or friends or neighbours. It has been an outstanding result."