Prepare your home for guests

Get your home ready by prioritising comfort, cleanliness and tidiness. Guests appreciate the character and warmth of a real home.

Start by stocking the essentials: toilet paper, soap, one towel and pillow per guest, and linen for each bed. It’s helpful to think carefully about what guests might need during their stay and to review every room. Some key rooms include:

• The kitchen. Along with cookware, basics like coffee and tea, condiments and spices can make it much easier for guests to make meals and enjoy your home. 
• The living room. Adding cosiness – soft lighting, comfortable throws or even fresh flowers – goes a long way. Guests often search for homes with a TV.
• Bedrooms. Guests appreciate a comfortable mattress, with a bedside table and lighting that’s accessible from the bed.
• Bathrooms. In addition to soap, you could add shampoo, conditioner and lotion. White towels are easiest to maintain and can always be bleached.

You don’t need to remove every personal item. Art, books or scatter cushions help make your space feel welcoming. 

• Store important items. If you have jewellery, passports or similar belongings, you can keep them in a locked room, cupboard or safe – or leave them with family or friends.
• Clear surfaces. To keep things looking tidy, you can put away small appliances. For example, place appliances like a toaster or hairdryer in a cupboard.
• Offer storage. Guests need places to put their clothes, toiletries and luggage, so you could empty some drawers and make cupboard space available.

Cleanliness is one of the top factors in guest reviews. Whether you’ll do it yourself or hire someone to help, making sure your place is cleaned thoroughly before guests arrive is a crucial part of hosting.

• Establish a routine. Cleaning checklists help ensure nothing is missed between guests.
• Refresh every room. Dust all surfaces, sweep or vacuum, and mop floors.
• Focus on high-traffic areas. Pay special attention to bathrooms and kitchens. 

If you want guidance on setting up your space, you can get free one-to-one support from a Superhost Ambassador or find a co-host to help with everything from setting up your listing to hosting your home.

Information contained in this article may have changed since publication.