8 Steps to Prepare A Space to Become an Airbnb Property

Listing your home as an Airbnb property is a relatively straightforward form of passive income. It certainly requires some initial preparation and occasional maintenance, but it also provides a service to those who are on vacation or otherwise away from home. In this article, we will discuss the steps needed to make your home ready for Airbnb guests, excluding the basics of accommodating for the number of guests on your listing and how to list your property on Airbnb’s site.

Consider the Curb Appeal

The way your Airbnb property looks may determine whether or not guests choose to stay there. First impressions matter, as human beings tend to make decisions based on what they deem appealing to look at. Consider freshening up the appearance of your property with a new coat of paint, on the inside and definitely on the outside. Your landscaping also needs to look fresh. Make sure the lawn is mowed, the flowers watered, the mulch rotated, the fence painted, and the hedges trimmed. Keep the driveway and all walkways free of debris and weeds.

Squeaky Clean

Making sure that your Airbnb property is clean before the guests arrive is essential for both impressions and safety. Airbnb’s see a lot of turnover traffic, so you must make sure the place is cleaned in between guest stays. We recommend having a checklist so all cleaning tasks—including cleaning the windows, scrubbing the walls, mopping the floors, dusting the shelves, scouring the bathrooms, and shampooing the carpets and furniture—are attended to.

You should also declutter your home before listing it as an Airbnb property. Clear away anything the guests won’t need. This will help maintain your privacy and make your home more inviting. Consider replacing any old mattresses or couches that sag uncomfortably.

Prep for Emergencies

Safety should be a high priority for your Airbnb property. Take care of any hazards like exposed wires or loose stairs before listing your property. Install an adequate number of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home and make sure they all have fresh batteries. Make safety features like first aid kits and fire extinguishers easy to see and to access.

You can never be too prepared. We recommend storing nonperishable food items and water in your basement or cabinets just in case. Keep flashlights, radios, and extra batteries in a visible place. If you live in a place where snow is common, keep shovels and ice melt on hand. Make sure your guests have access to both your phone number and those of poison control and the fire department.

Under Lock and Key

In order for guests to feel safe and to protect the security of your Airbnb property, you will need to install adequate locks. Airbnb properties often use keyless entry systems. Doing so accommodates for guest-specific entry codes that change when the guests’ stay is over, as well as inherent alerts for failed attempts at entry. Keyless systems make check-in and check-out easier, and they remove the worry that your personal key will be lost or copied.

Get the Kitchen Ready

The convenience of a full kitchen is one of the appeals of staying in an Airbnb. Accordingly, it is important that you make sure your kitchen is clean, functional, and stocked as you have advertised. Ensure that all appliances—stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, and coffeemaker—work correctly and that your countertops are clear. It is common to stock kitchen cabinets with enough plates, bowls, cups, and silverware to accommodate your guests, as well as things like utensils, pots, pans, oven mitts, cutting boards, and dish towels. Having basic spices on hand can’t go amiss.

Conduct Regular Maintenance

Regular upkeep is essential to make sure your Airbnb property is in good condition that guests are getting what they pay for. Make sure that all your lights, appliances, and locks work properly. Have the HVAC system inspected, and replace the air filters. Unclog your drains and check to make sure that your sink and other plumbing fixtures don’t leak. If you provide pool access, make sure the pump, filter, and skimmer are all in working order.

Other Considerations

Any finishing touches that can make your guests’ stay more comfortable are advisable. These include having extra linens, handsoap, dish soap, trash bags and even snacks available. Blackout curtains are a good addition, especially if your Airbnb property is in a well-lit area. Your listing will be more appealing if you offer quality wifi access.

In order to keep your own privacy intact, it is wise to store away personal items in a safe or locket closet. Consider having locks installed on your wine cellar or china cabinets.

Stage Your Airbnb Property

If you really want your Airbnb property to stand out, craft a high-quality listing. You can leave the staging process to the professionals. Invest in a good real estate photographer, someone who will take pictures from multiple angles. Provide thorough descriptions so people know what they are walking into. A good Airbnb listing will make or break whether or not people choose to stay there.