Hello to all you homeowners getting into short-term rentals! We're All Seasons Cleaning, and we've had the honor of looking after a lot of these properties and keeping them spotless for every guest. Along the way, we've picked up plenty of tips to help your rental run well.
Here's our top advice for setting up a great short-term rental:
1. The Three S’s: Simple, Straightforward and Streamlined:
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Present your property simply and honestly. Don't over-clutter it. Clutter confuses guests, and it makes cleaning harder. An efficient turnover starts with how you design and set up your space, well before we show up to clean.
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A well-planned space gives guests what they need without overwhelming them. In our experience, guests have always responded well to minimal but functional designs.
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Under-bed storage and wall-mounted cabinets cut down on clutter and make cleaning quicker.
2. Guidance with Labels:
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Remember the last time you were at a new friend’s house trying to figure out which switch ran the fan? Your guests have the same problem. Label light switches, drawers and other utilities, and guests won't have to guess. They'll worry less, and their stay gets a lot easier.
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In a new place, guests can get stuck on basic things that are second nature to you as the homeowner. Labels answer those questions before they have to ask.
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Pick labels that look good and go with your decor.
3. AC Departure Temperature Instructions:
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People set their air conditioning very differently. Help your guests (and your electricity bill) by leaving instructions on what temperature to set the AC to when they leave. Guests stay comfortable while they're there, and you save energy once they're gone.
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It saves energy. It also helps your AC unit last longer, since it won't get overused.
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Think about getting a smart thermostat. Some models can be set to adjust on their own based on whether anyone's there.
4. Linen Choices That Make Our Job Easier (And Your Turnovers Faster!):
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The type and quality of linens you pick can make a big difference in cleaning times. Go with thin duvets and comforters. They dry faster and they're easier to handle. Trust us, our teams breathe a sigh of relief every time we see them!
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Easy-to-clean linens mean you can have quicker turnovers. That's a big help when you have back-to-back bookings.
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Keep more than one set of linens. While one set is in the wash, the other one's on the beds, so there's no downtime.
5. Neutral Linen Colors for the Win:
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Bright, patterned linens can be tempting because they look nice, but white or grey is our top recommendation. They look clean, and they're a lot easier to care for. You can treat stains on neutrals, especially white, with bleach and not worry about the color fading.
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Neutral colors go with almost anything and look polished. They match a wide range of decor and give the room a touch of hotel-like luxury.
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Patterns and textures can dress up neutral linens. Think white linens with grey geometric patterns or a subtle thread texture.
6. An Owner’s Sanctuary - The Locked Supply Cabinet:
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A locked space set aside for cleaning supplies and essentials makes turnovers go faster. Our team can quickly restock items for guests, so restocking stays consistent from stay to stay and we save time on tight turnovers.
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It's also the place to store cleaning supplies, extra amenities or even personal items you want to keep locked away.
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Organize it with see-through containers and labels. Restocking goes faster and there are fewer mistakes.
7. Laminated Instructions – A Guest’s Best Friend:
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A laminated sheet with your main house rules and instructions, from Wi-Fi passwords to checkout times, is a gem. It’s easy to clean and still looks good after many bookings. Plus, guests like having a go-to guide for their stay.
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A good guidebook means fewer calls and messages about simple questions. Guests get to feel more independent, too.
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Update the guide when something in your space changes or when you have new local recommendations to add.
8. Safety First! Equip with Essentials:
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Safety comes first in every home, and rentals are no exception. We advise keeping a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher where guests can easily see and reach them. They give guests peace of mind and can be lifesavers in an emergency.
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Your guests’ safety is the top priority, so first aid kits and fire extinguishers aren't optional.
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You also need smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Check them regularly and replace their batteries.
9. Outside Cameras for Security:
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An outside camera is a smart investment. It isn't about prying. It's about keeping the property and the people in it secure. When you can check the number of guests and watch for anything suspicious, you protect your investment and help keep the neighborhood quiet.
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Indoor cameras can feel like an invasion of privacy. Outdoor ones give you security, and guests can still relax inside.
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Make sure to disclose any cameras in your listing. Being open about them builds trust with guests.
Before Your First Guest
Starting a short-term rental is exciting. There's the chance to earn income and the fun of hosting travelers from around the world. Keep these nine tips in mind and you'll be set up for success, great guest reviews and a property that’s a joy to maintain!