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!

[Belinda113]

I am a Superhost and I have put wine/champagne, chocolates etc and have gotten no thank you from most guests.  Airbnb are constantly telling me to lower my price and they base me on properties in Ipswich.  I am nowhere near Ipswich!  Where I live there is a shortage of accommodation too.

[Leon78]

a chalkboard? luxury

[Emily451]

Hi Kristin. I am a Plus host, & unless I’ve missed something, you are not required to be listed exclusively with Airbnb. There are some limitations to being a Plus host, but hopefully Airbnb is working these out. I don’t think that I’ve been encouraged to lower my rate, either. In fact, they say you should be able to raise your rate, though so far I haven’t felt that is the case at least with my listing. But sounds like you are doing a great job of taking care of your guests already & I’m sure your rating will speak to the value you offer. So you keep doing you!! 🙂

[Peter1831]

I agree, airbnb is constantly trying to make me lower my price too... 'you'll get 17% more bookings if you lower your price to half price'... The algorithm is having a laugh!! I'm in a tourist spot and for cheaper than a travelodge you get to rent a whole house to yourself.     Or is it that they want you to lower your price so that their fees don't seem so high??? Hmmmmmmm...    If I went any lower there wouldn't be any difference between renting it through an estate agent...

Ok rant over, destress... ahhhhhhhhh.

[Marcus21]

I don’t get upset about air bnb trying to lower my price anymore.. waste of energy..it’s in their interests to try it on in this way I guess..just don’t fall for it and keep doing what we all do so well for a price that makes sense! 

[Marcus21]

I went off the idea of air bnb plus very quickly..I’m a host who thinks about the environment,   I spotted in the mandatory criteria for selection “providing bottled water” (pressumably the single use plastic kind). How can air bnb be not just encouraging but insisting on single use plastic with the state of the world?? Shortly after I noticed “beds on the floor” were a no no..and yet in many cultures such as japan sleeping on the floor is not second best..How insulting on a platform that is supposed to discourage discrimination and be accepting of other cultures! what it seems to me is homogenising hospitality to the norms of the west! Air bnb’s are  supposed to be “not a hotel” certainly lets  not end up a HILTON hotel!

[Steven596]

exactly , my cost of doing business just keeps going up

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i had a bad review last year by a crazy lady and i lost my super host status.

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i recently raised my rates and continue to be filled all the time

[Steven596]

And now back to super host 

[Heather-And-Siggy0]

Our AirB&B apartment was originally where our son and family lived. They moved out and left a number of personal items such as photos, books and wall hangings. Its a great pad in a rural area where kangaroos and kookaburra's come visit outside the window/door. The majority of our guests have made extremely positive comments about how lovely the place is but there is always that one person who finds the personal knickknacks far too "confronting and even weird." You can't please everyone!! Will be interesting to see the reactions now that our son has come back and stripped everything of his from the apartment leaving it "decluttered" with only a few generic non personal items.  I am expecting to get comments from those same guests about how the place looks so sterile and like just another boring overpriced "motel" room which  is too far away from the hustle and bustle of the city and its convenient services. 

[Steven596]

the tough part is balancing homes vs pushy 

Who knows 

[Stephen1012]

This is just the most amazing wake up call. Thank you so much.

[Russell222]

a bit of common sense comes in handy, my guests don't complain , all positive feedback, u cant please everyone all the time , but I have so far,  nothing special, just common sense. cheers russ

[Leon78]

was it a Fawlty Towers sketch that introduced "Stating the bleeding obvious" into the venacular

[Andrew1892]

I think everyone has valid comments and was most interested - I do believe cleanliness to be essential as this is paramount !!! I would prefer a faded towel than a brand new dirty towel .... I think we are all striving to keep guests happy so that we get repeat business or referrals from our clients and of course to make money in the process . I try and balance a little bit of personal type items , flowers or a sculpture here and there as I dont want to be seen as a sterile hotel enviroment , however I agree clutter is not good and I am guilty of that ..... 

Kind Regards

Andrew

Port Elizabeth

South Africa

[Toetsie0]

yep, but dont overdo it: its a HOUSE where people share a part, thats the charme of Airbnb as a B&B. When you need a pen, paper and scissors, they are there, and also paperclips, things to draw with and books to read 🙂 

I do sometimes point out where the hairdryer in the shared area is. Then i also point at the: left for sharing basket with lots of left overs from guests in the travel area. Do forget that sometimes.. Most guests who need it will ask on the app is my experience.