If you have ever considered listing your home as an Airbnb property, you should know that there are several things to prepare before you do. Of course there are the standard features, such as making sure you have a sufficient number of comfortable sleeping accommodations, but there are other things, ranging from basic considerations to details that will really set your listing apart.
1. Make Safety Your First Priority
As you prepare to invite guests to your Airbnb property, you must ensure that the property is safe. This means repairing frail steps and restoring exposed wires. It can’t hurt to have a professional safety inspection performed to be on the safe side.
You should also take steps for guests to keep themselves safe during their stay. You should keep first aid kits and fire extinguishers visible and easy to access. Make sure there are plenty of carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms to keep your guests informed of any potential danger. Post your phone number and that of emergency agencies like poison control.
2. Locked Up Tight
One key feature (if you’ll pardon the pun) of keeping your guests safe at your Airbnb property is to make sure the building is equipped with efficient locking systems. The most common systems for Airbnbs are keyless. Keyless entry makes check in and check out much simpler because the host has remote access and no keys need to be exchanged.
Keyless locks use a code for entry, and that code can be changed out with each guest. You never have to worry about lost keys or unauthorized duplicates. There are even systems in place that can warn you of failed entry attempts.
3. Make Your Airbnb Property Sparkling Clean
If you want to list your home as an Airbnb property, you must first make sure that it is deeply clean. This begins with removing everything that is not up to standard. Any mattresses or couches that have lost their spring or linens with stains or tears should be replaced. You can donate these if they are not too worn.
Your Airbnb property will have better success if it is clean and uncluttered. It is advisable to clear away everything but the basics. In this case, less is certainly more. In addition to the decluttering, your home needs a deep and thorough clean between every guest’s stay. If you plan to attend to this yourself, make a checklist so you don’t miss wiping down the windows or mopping the floor. You can also hire a cleaning service to handle everything.
4. Keep Your Maintenance Up to Date
Vacation is not the time to discover that your refrigerator or furnace is out of order. Do a thorough walkthrough of your home before opening it up to Airbnb guests. Make sure all the lights work, that the HVAC system is in order with clean filters, and that all the appliances work as they should. Double check for any leaks in your plumbing. If you offer a pool, inspect the filter, skimmer, and pump to ensure they’re working properly.
5. A Good Impression
When it comes to an Airbnb property, image isn’t quite everything, but it’s pretty close. If your home doesn’t look appealing, people simply won’t stay there. You can do wonders to spruce up your property by adding a fresh coat of paint, maintaining the landscaping, and polishing your floors. Make sure all driveways and walkways are clear.
6. Well Stocked
You can set your guests’ stay apart by making sure they have everything they need to have a safe and pleasant vacation. Your guests should have access to flashlights, radios, and batteries for them. It is also wise to have a supply of nonperishable food and water. If you live in an area that gets snowfall, make sure you keep shovels and ice melt on hand. More humdrum things to keep stocked include linens, soap and dishwashing detergent, trash bags. Snacks and treats are a nice touch.
7. Prep the Kitchen
A full kitchen is one of the things that sets Airbnb properties apart from other home-away-from-home accommodations. You should make sure the kitchen of your Airbnb property is ready for guests. Make sure you have plenty of silverware, dishes, and cups. The full kitchen also includes pots and pans, utensils, oven mitts, dish towels, and cutting boards. If you really want to treat your guests, offer a full array of condiments and spices.
Your kitchen appliances should also be in good working order. Double check your range, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and coffee maker to make sure they are ready to go. Having a full table that can seat all your guests is also a good idea.
