Items that can be left in my property

[Sophie2376]

Hello, I am new to hosting and just trying to get things set up before I go travelling in a few weeks time. Please can you advise, do I need to store away all of my personal items including books and video games. Or would it be wise to leave these out for guests to use whilst I'm away?

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Sophie2376 I would work on the basis of locking away anything I didn't want stealing or damaging particularly if the item has sentimental value.

[Sophie2376]

Thank you @Mike-And-Jane0  I did wonder that, would it be too much if a property is empty bar the essentials e.g. bed, sofa, TV, Kitchen utensils etc?

Also, I currently don't have a table and chairs indoors there is one on the balcony. How essential is it to have table and chairs do you think?

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Sophie2376 you need somewhere for people to eat. If its a small flat then a breakfast bar is fine - just make it clear in the listing. If its big enough for a table then Facebook marketplace should have one.

[Helen3]

You absolutely need a table with enough chairs for your number of guests.

lock away your clothes and any sentimental or precious items 

clear your fridge/freezer and lock away alcohol. 

[Ann72 · Accepted solution]

@Sophie2376 You can leave books on shelves or in bookcases, but make sure surfaces - like dresser tops and table tops - are free of clutter.

In my house manual I note:  “Feel free to read the books, but leave them at the house for the next guests to enjoy.”

You can do the same with video games.

The most important thing is that guests feel you made the place ready for them.  I’ve read some reviews where guests note that it feels as if the host had just walked out the door leaving everything as it was without making an effort to clear space for guests.

[Sophie2376]

Thank you @Ann72  for your advice, I will not be in the property for many months and will just have a friend managing it for me so all advice is welcome. Do you think if the property was bear with just essentials like TV, Bed, empty bookshelf, kitchen utensils etc. Would be ok?

Also, I currently don't have a table and chairs indoors there is one on the balcony. How essential is it to have table and chairs do you think?

[Ann72]

A table and chairs is essential @Sophie2376.  The table can be small, but you need as many chairs as there are guests.

Also your plan above sounds just fine.