What’s the first thing you do when a guest checks out? 🧹✨

[Paula]

Hello everyone,

Once a guest checks out, the key moment begins: managing their departure and organizing the arrival of the next guests.

Some hosts mention that the first thing they do is enter the property for a quick inspection: check that everything is in order, look for any possible damage, and confirm that nothing has been left behind. After that, they coordinate the cleaning and prepare the space to welcome the next guest. 

What about you? What’s the first thing you do when a guest leaves? 🧹✨

I believe those first few minutes after checkout are essential for maintaining quality and catching any details in time. Wouldn’t you say so? 😊

See you in the comments,

[James4521]

We primarily check each room for any immediate issues, then straight away open up all the windows to air out the BnB and make sure all rubbish is taken care of.

[Paula]

Hello @James4521, thanks for sharing this. Do you have a checklist to make sure you cover all the important items?

Regards,

[James4521]

@Paula Yeah we do, we call it a "Living Checklist"; to make sure we continuously update it with anything we've missed.

[Paula]

This is a great practice, @James4521 thank you so much for sharing!

Do you think this works for hosts with a single listing, or is it more suitable for those managing multiple properties?

Keep us posted.

[Abby486]

I’m taking care of my cleanings at this time. After verifying that nothing has been left behind or damaged, I follow the checklist that I’ve made. Starting with tasks that will take the longest (washing bedsheets, washing floors) and working my way to the smaller tasks (fresh bottles of water, welcome flowers etc). 

I include a checkout instruction that has worked really well for having  my guests honestly tell me if anything was broken or damaged during their stay.

“Accidents happen! If something is broken or damaged during your stay, please let me know so I can replace it for the next guest. Thank you!”

[Paula]

@Abby486 This is a great strategy.😊

How often do guests damage something? I guess it depends on the type of stay, maybe broken glasses, for example?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

[Abby486]

I’ve only had small damages (stained dish cloths, chipped mug). 

[Paula]

Great to hear that @Abby486 thanks so much for sharing.

[Lisa10812]

Entramos a la propiedad, revisamos todo y que no falte nada, de a ver algún problema tomamos fotos, de lo contrario procedemos inmediatamente con la limpieza para el próximo huesped. 

---

We enter the property, check everything to make sure nothing is missing, if we find any problems we take photos, otherwise we proceed immediately with cleaning for the next guest. 

[Google translation added by OCM]

[Paula]

Hola @Lisa10812, muchas gracias por compartir tu experiencia. Manejas un inventario para asegurarte que todo esta en su lugar correcto?

Saludos,

---

Hi @Lisa10812, thank you very much for sharing your experience. Do you keep an inventory to make sure everything is in its proper place?

Regards,

[Núzia1]

A primeira coisa que faço é a ventilação total e desinfecção. Abro todas as janelas para renovar o ar e inicio a retirada das roupas de cama e banho para lavagem. Em um ambiente compacto como o quarto que alugo, frescor e a percepção de limpeza impecável são os fatores que mais geram recorrência e boas notas.

---

The first thing I do is thorough ventilation and disinfection . I open all the windows to renew the air and start removing the bed linens and towels for washing. In a compact environment like the room I rent, freshness and the perception of impeccable cleanliness are the factors that generate the most repeat business and good ratings.

[Google translation added by OCM]

[Paula]

Thank you for sharing this, @Núzia1 

Is the process the same for both long and short stays?

Regards,

[Bec3748]

hi @Paula … I do an initial inspection of the property to see if the guests have left anything behind (sometimes they do) and send a message to thank them for staying, leaving the cabin in great shape and that they’re welcome back any time. I’ve only not been able to say that on one occasion.

I think by indicating to the guests quickly there’s no issues it alleviates any review anxiety they may have.

Once the official turnover is done it’s then I look deeper for any problems and then contact them again if there is ie “when the cabin was being cleaned and prepared for the next guest I noticed [etc]” and again I’ve only had to do this once. 

cheers, Bec 

[Paula]

Hello @Bec3748, Thank you so much for sharing this! It’s a great strategy, and as you mentioned, it takes the pressure off reviews and helps guests feel more comfortable leaving one.

If you notice any broken items or similar issues, do you reach out to the guests, or do you just replace them?

Regards,

[Muzammil5]

Welcome them.