As hosts, we tend to hyper-focus on the actual experience of a guest staying at our property. However, we need to zoom out and look at the in-between times. The turnover time. The switch that happens between a guest checking out and the next one checking in. While it may seem simple, having a smooth plan in place is part of the guest’s overall guest experience. This blog post explores the most important actionable turnover tips for you to keep in mind to ensure every check-out and check-in goes as positively as possible.
Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!
What is turnover and why does it matter?
Let’s clarify what exactly turnover is. Turnover begins when one guest checks out and ends when the next guest checks in. For same-day arrivals, that tends to be a 6-8 hour window you have to get your property perfectly ready for the next guest. It matters because you never want a guest showing up to an unclean property or seeing the cleaners packing out as they arrive. It leaves a bad taste in everyone’s mouth and could result in negative reviews for you.
Turnover tips
1. Create a detailed cleaning checklist
Whether you’re cleaning the property yourself or you’ve hired a cleaning crew, it’s essential to create and follow a cleaning checklist. Having an established cleaning checklist on hand that you follow time after time is an important tool to ensure you never forget or miss anything on your list.
2. Automate your cleaning crew
We highly suggest automating your cleaning schedule. This way, there is no way that you’re going to miss a scheduled cleaning, and you’re always ready to welcome last-minute guests.
3. Keep your home fully stocked with essentials
Regularly check and restock your inventory of essentials. The last thing you want to happen is to be out of a product and have to run to the store and get some, ultimately cutting into your valuable turnover time. Have a set time that you lay eyes on your stockpile, and ask cleaners to let you know if you’re starting to run low on a product.
4. Do a walkaround after every stay
Whether it’s you or your property manager, have someone walk around and inspect the property after each stay. Look for things like missing items or damages. It doesn’t hurt to test a few things like smart locks and appliances to ensure everything is in tip-top shape.
5. Build relationships with local vendors
A good business practice is to get to know your vendors. Be kind, courteous, and go the extra mile in making connections. If you’re trying to run your business remotely, having people you can trust nearby is key to success. Therefore, always go above and beyond when connecting with your vendors.
6. Go digital
Where possible, digitalize your life. This is things like your house rules and guidebook. This way, you don’t have to worry about continually updating a physical book with outdated information.
7. Allow yourself a buffer
Allow some time between your guests. While you can still offer late check-in or late check-out as an upsell, do so strategically. Ensure that you always have enough hours between guests to handle any unexpected issues that may arise.
8. Integrate with Host Tools
Managing turnovers manually can quickly become overwhelming, especially as you add more properties to your portfolio. That’s where Host Tools comes in. Host Tools automatically notifies your cleaning team whenever a reservation is made, modified, or canceled, ensuring everyone stays on the same page. Calendar syncing keeps your bookings up to date across platforms, while automation eliminates many of the repetitive administrative tasks that eat into your day.
The most successful turnovers are those that are prepared well in advance. With a little prior preparation, you can have a plan in place that makes your turnovers smooth and keeps guests leaving 5-star reviews.
Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!
