As peak season grows closer for many areas, you’ll want to look ahead and make sure that your property is at its best. We’d like to help by giving you a simple list of things you can do to provide your guests with a great vacation rental experience. Happy guests = amazing reviews!
1. Take inventory and restock supplies
Starting out busy season with a full inventory will save guests from having to make a last-minute trip to the store. It’s smart to have a dedicated closet where multiples of items that are necessary for guests are kept. This includes extra towels, blankets and pillows, linens, cleaning supplies, and any paper products that the caretaker keeps stocked for your guests.
2. Test your technology and check appliances
It’s a great time to make sure that all of the appliances and technology are working. Caretakers should do a walk-through and make sure that kitchen appliances, TVs, washers and dryers, and Wifi are all functioning well. It’s the perfect time to replace light bulbs and put new batteries in remotes. Also, all locks and alarms should be checked to make sure they’re in good shape.
3. Make sure your vacation rental sparkles
Because deep cleaning between each guest just isn’t realistic, right before busy season might be a good time to do a thorough cleaning. Take advantage of the off seasons to make sure your home is spotless in preparation for the high season. A good deep cleaning allows caretakers to truly focus on the things that can't be addressed in the regular cleanings between guests. It’s a must-do if you want to score those great reviews!
4. Spruce up the outdoors
What needs attending to in the yard? Does the landscaping need some attention? Many owners focus on the interior, but are a little more lax when it comes to the exterior, which is the first thing that guests see when they arrive. View your yard from the perspective of a potential guest. Is the patio furnishing in good shape? Is the porch dusty? Does the deck need repaired? Does the the patio need a power washing? Much of the time, guests are staying at your property to enjoy the weather. Give them a great outdoor space to spend time in!
5. Give your guests an amazing experience
Do you provide your guests with a unique and appealing vacation rental experience? There’s so much you can do to make guests happy and earn a glowing review. Each busy season is an opportunity to increase your collection of satisfied guests and boost your listing. The vacation rental market is a very competitive, and it’s the small things that make you successful. Things like welcome baskets, board games, DVDs, books, hair appliances, fresh fluffy towels, complimentary breakfast, small kitchen appliances, and beach or outdoor accessories can make a huge difference. Ask yourself what you would appreciate at a vacation rental and apply it to your property! This is your chance to stand out!
Of course, if you have any property prepping questions, let us know! Here's to a great busy season ahead!