Decluttering your space: What hosts need to know

[Airbnb]

Do your guests really need three bottle openers? What about all those trinkets on the bathroom vanity? Chances are some of the things you’ve been holding on to are just taking up valuable space. And although clearing clutter may be time-consuming, overwhelming, or even emotional, it can go a long way toward making your space more comfortable for guests and more manageable for you.

Whether you welcome guests in a private room or an entire home, get inspired by these host tips for tidying up.

Make your space cleaner than ever

Even if you don’t take a minimalist approach in your personal life, it’s helpful to embrace one when you host. “I find that the less clutter there is, the more clean and tidy the space looks,” says host Kath from Albany, Australia. And guests care a lot about cleanliness—according to Airbnb data, it’s one of the top reasons for a negative review. Less clutter can also make things easier to clean between stays since there’s less to dust or put away.

Free up room for your guests’ things 

Most guests need a place to put some of their clothes, toiletries, and other personal items. So if your own wardrobe has spilled over into the guest’s bedroom, it might be time to let a few things go. “If I haven't used it or worn it in a year or two, it gets chucked,” says host Sarah from Sayulita, Mexico. You may want to free up even more space, especially if you welcome guests for long-term stays like host Jessica from Seoul, South Korea. “I’m sure they’ll have books, souvenirs, family pics, and their own ‘clutter’ of stuff they want to keep on the bedside table or desk or on a shelf,” she says.

Streamline your kitchen and bathroom

Kitchens and bathrooms need to be super functional, and yet they’re often the first areas to accumulate unnecessary items. “I personally don't like it when it looks like everything in the kitchen in the listing is from a jumble sale or stuff that was discarded from elsewhere,” says host Alexandra from Lincoln, California. Think about what guests will really need in those spaces, and remove the rest. Most will appreciate a bottle opener in the kitchen, but they likely won’t need a banana slicer. Conditioner is a nice amenity in the bathroom, but guests probably don’t expect to have four different brands to choose from.

Check regularly for leftover items

Sometimes, guests leave behind perfectly usable supplies (think plastic bags, canned food, or condiments). You might be tempted to hold on to these, especially if they’re unopened. Keep in mind that guest leftovers can add up and that future guests may not feel comfortable using them. Host Michelle from Chicago only keeps “sealed-as-originally-purchased” food and drink items, like “bottled water, soda, single-use condiments, etc.” Consolidating certain things can also help control the clutter: For example, move extra plastic bags into one dispenser, or combine salt from different containers.

Keep amenities organized and easy to reach

You don’t want guests to miss out on all the wonderful amenities you provide simply because they can’t find them. Host Kelly from Austin, Texas, says to “let the space dictate what is there” and not the other way around: “So, if the shelf can artfully hold five towels, then you should not own six towels.” Go through linens and other supplies regularly, and donate or discard anything that isn’t in great shape. Once you’ve streamlined your amenities, think about the best way to display them. Host Chantal from Yvignac-la-Tour, France, has a guest-dedicated cabinet: “It's got everything from small water bottles to toilet paper … all arranged by shelf and category in separate baskets.”

Find the balance between cozy and clutter-free

“Everything in the room should have a purpose with no clutter or unnecessary frills,” says host Kelly from Austin, Texas. “Having said that, it doesn't mean the room shouldn't be stylish or have a lovely, warm, cozy feel.” Of course, there’s no one-size-fits all approach to this—the right balance can depend on your space, property type, and host style. But here are some guidelines to consider:

• Don’t get too personal. Try to keep guest areas free of your family photos, kids’ artwork, or other very personal items.
• Personality, on the other hand, is welcome. Framed local artwork, a quirky piece of furniture, or a one-of-a-kind mirror can make your space stand out.
• Add decorative objects—just not too many. Whether it’s plants, throw pillows, or small sculptures, three-dimensional items can help give your space a homey feel. The trick is to use them sparingly and to arrange them in an intentional way.
• Get inspired by Airbnb Plus hosts, whose spaces are known for cohesive design full of personality. Browse their listings or watch the how-to videos they helped create.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to a tidier, more welcoming space guests will love. Happy decluttering!

[Oprah2]

What about neatly placing them on the bed. So, if say each guest gets 2 towels, 4 rolls of tissue, soap, toothpaste etc. Neatly place them on the spread bed, kind of how hotels do it. Or, on the cabinet closest to them. So it's in their line of sight. Of course they will have to keep them away when they get into bed  or need to use the cabinet eventually,  but then they will keep them in places they know.

[MaryLynn3]

I rent my cabin at a huge lake region.  I usually get the city folks who need to get away (last minute)for a few days so what I have noticed is that not all renters read the welcome book sometimes until the end. What I do, and it seems to work great, is I cut pieces of color tape (or masking tape) but cut it so it looks nice and I neatly write on it (label) and stick it to the cabinets its designated to.  Renters can't miss it and it looks neat and after using certain items they know where to put it back because everything is labeled.  Works like a charm every time and they love it because they aren't wasting time looking for things PLUS I have a TP stand in the bathroom that holds 4 extra rolls.  Just little conveniences that makes hosting less stress. 

[Eileen160]

I have put labels on all the cabinet doors and switch plates to help guests find things and I have received numerous comments that this was appreciated.

[Susan60]

One thing that has been of help to myself, and the guests coming from other countries, is translating my amenities and such on a single sheet in their language.  Naturally it's off Google translation, and they get a good laugh from that!  The guest may say they understand English but I have found that one may understand  to a degree, but the other guest probably doesn't. It helps to breach the language barrier that can exist.

[Cathleen36]

This a great idea!! I’ve recently had 2 guest from South Korea Any future I will do this! Thanks! 

[Cathleen36]

You could  using a nice fonts framed  in each area for Guest i.e. 😊I include WiFi /password, cable service, tv manual,  emergency contacts  etc.. for each specific area I.e.  bathroom ~ kitchen etc. 

[Anita291]

Hi I provide my guests with a lamanated 4 page internary in their room which explains where everything is, how to use it. 

[Steven596]

guests are oblivious

 i put notices in the  check in routine.

but put spares in the open just like  the hyatt.

trust me they will look at it and not see it.

suerte 

apta sacramento ca 

[Sally6]

I have seen labels on the outside of cabinets that were small and decorative.  I didn't mind it. Thought it was helpful and then I didn't feel strange opening the drawers to find what I needed

[Barbara387]

My guests have said they appreciate the little nicely printed notations I've made throughout the bathroom, bedroom and food area to assist them. I think it can feel homey if it's worded in a light, friendly manner. Keep it short and specific.

Example:

On the front door, eye level...

Remember to turn on the porch light if you're going to be returning after dark!

Next to the cabinets...

Fire Extinquisher in cupboard below.

[Bill80]

I have an old cabin and I put little notes printed on photo paper with nice type and brown ink. My notes are in specific areas to help guests navigate their way through the cabin without a book. People love them and I am shocked how many people comment about the notes.  

You just have to design something that matches your decor. 

[Helen427]

Thanks @Airbnb for your contribution.

I was expecting to see those Hosts listings in Plus who have made contributions to your article alas it took me to primarily Chinese Host's listings where I understand there's currently a ban imposed there due to Corona virus by World Health Organization.

It appears as if many of those Plus listings may be the same Host as the apartments tend to look the same style.

Perhaps it would be helpful to include a wider cross section of listings from multiple countries so as to not have one country dominating over others.

Thanks in advance

[Maria2527]

Thank you for sharing your ideas to improve our accommodation with no expense and make our guests feel more at home.

[Kristin108]

I have decided that the whole idea of Airbnb Plus,  although it may work for some, is a scam...

I have a very unique and stylish 5 star lising, well actually 4 listings outside Portland, Oregon. I also live on site. It's a farm actually... And the idea of listing exclusively with Airbnb to achieve 'Plus' status, is unrealistic. 

As a designer, I am rarely inspired by the 'Plus' spaces in the U.S. They all looked staged to me... Nothing very original, unique or special about them... And the nightly rates are way too low to make a profit.

I am a full time professional host. My expenses are HUGE. I spend at least $60. per booking for on flowers, wine, bathroom amenities, etc... And airbnb wants me to lower my rates?

[Anonymous]

I tried that and got no thanks from guests, so I stopped doing it.  Waste of money.

A chalkboard saying welcome (name) is my limit now.

Lower your prices are they kidding. Mine prices are already low.

Good luck