How to optimise your hosting routine

Hosting can take a lot of time – but once you get the hang of it, you might also find that you can optimise many aspects of your routine. That way, you can focus on the fun part: creating a memorable experience for your guests.

If you think about your cleaning routine now, you can find a simple way to reset your space. Here are some tips:

• Consider hiring a professional and adding a cleaning fee* to your listing, but note that higher fees can increase expectations and discourage shorter stays
• Make sure all your bedding and towels are the same colour so that you can wash them all at once
• Have at least one extra set of bedding and towels so you don’t have to wait for a washing machine load to finish to remake the bed
• Plan for a regular deep clean to make cleaning easier between stays

You’ll always need to supply basic amenities and make sure guests are comfortable – so why not make it easy? Here are some tips:

• Try stocking up by buying in bulk
  
• Consider scheduling a recurring order of your go-to cleaning products and other essentials so that you never have to take the time to reorder or run out if you forget
• Superhost Omar of Mexico City suggests letting technology do the work: “Equip your space with technology – smart locks, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, noise detectors – that can be easily managed remotely”

You don’t have to spend a long time responding to every message from a guest – in fact, our tools can speed up the process. One of Omar’s top tips? “Set up automated templates to communicate with your guests”, he says.

What does this entail?

• Download the Airbnb app to reply quickly
• Try our scheduled messages tool to answer with lightning-fast speed
• Set up quick replies (formerly known as saved messages) to respond without writing a word
• Once you have these shortcuts set up, don’t forget to add a warm, personalised greeting to connect directly with your guests

It’s easy to make your guests feel welcome while also simplifying check-in. Here are some tips:

• Consider self check-in, which allows Hosts to provide great hospitality from afar
• Add check-in instructions to your listing, and create an easy and visual step-by-step guide with pictures
• Confirm that your guests received check-in instructions 24 hours before every stay, and ask if they have any questions (this could be with a scheduled message!)
• Consider enlisting a co-Host or working with a property manager to save time

*Excluding Hosts who offer accommodations in mainland China. Find out more