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!

[Steven596]

i like the paper pen and scissors.

does anyone pay for pens with name phone number etc?

apt a Sacramento

[Mary-Ann147]

The personalized pen sounds like a great idea.   
Mary Ann

[John1902]

Sometimes you just can't do anything no matter how hard you try.  I've lost count of how many people ask me for more toilet roll, yet I keep a big stash right opposite the toilet not hidden and on a shelf.  Some people are neither inquisitive nor observant.  I just try to have everything organised on open shelves and not behind closed cupboard doors so they are visible but put away too.  Beyond that they're on their own lol

[Gerry68]

When I greet a guest,  the first thing I do is to show them around the house. I show them where everything is in the kitchen ( drinks / glasses / cups, milk etc) , where  they'll be having breakfast, the toilets and bathroom and  where everything is in 'their' room  -  extra pillows, blankets,  accessories, hair dryer, phone charger, wi fi code, books,   lighting,  door lock, blackout blinds etc, etc. Finally I tell them to 'ask  me'  if there's anything else that hey need or want!

Gerry,

Glastonbury UK

[Karen1627]

Exactly!  That's what I do.  It seems to work, or rather, most guests seem to listen. 😉  I love being able to open a door and say 'yes, right here', when someone asks for something.

[Peter1831]

I've noticed people treat the property much better when they've met you too and had a little interaction, know they can contact you for anything etc, as opposed to getting in with a code where they treat the property like you're just another faceless motel room or something.

[Stewart28]

Same here. Provided "value add" stuff like wine etc. No thanks in most cases. Hello. We are running businesses here. Pricing Tips I think is code for Cutting Prices. Expedia, TripAdvisor et al have been following the same "low low prices" approach for years. Boring. What happened to "value for money" being a differentiator?

[Margaret253]

I take the stance that people are coming to MY home and if they don't like it then they can book elsewhere.  I a not going to alter my home as I am living there.  they come for the experience of Airbnb and therefore should be prepared to share someone's home.  this is why we travel to experience another  culture.  My home is clean and I am not going to declutter and if a guest is  missing something they can ask me.  Airbnb cannot keep telling me to reduce my prices when I am well located in an upmarket area in London.  How can they compare my home with something cheaper when they have not even visited me.  

[Lynda-D-0]

I so agree with you!  I am really tired of "automated emails" from Airbnb telling me the same thing and in fact, one comment in a automated email from Airbnb said "your prices are unrealistic"!!  Just because surrounding properties supply "a  room" with  1 bed and bathroom" - doesn't make them a 5 Star and that is what my 1200 sq.ft. Executive Suite, 2bed/2bth with a view is actually being compared to with the comment!  Please Airbnb look at the entire listing before you group us all in the same category and price range!  It is insulting at best...

[Steven596]

exactly 

what is a level 2 vs 10

[Margaret253]

Having read through a lot of these comments I think a differentiation from renting out an accommodation is to be made from letting out a room in YOUR OWN HOME.  This was how Airbnb started and now it is becoming ridiculous and you are supposed to be more like a hotel. I am not removing the beautiful Mahogany antique wardrobes to make a space for cases, I have removed the silk bedspreads as they are normally just bundled up and thrown on the floor.  I am friendly, supply Tea /Coffee/ whenever it is needed.  I give two towels and a facecloth, supply kleenex/shampoo/conditioner/shower gel.  If the guest needs something else all they have to do is ask.  My home has character and is going to remain MY HOME and not turned into a Bnb.  It is priced extremely  low for the standard of accommodation  and location and am often told so.  I think Airbnb are alienating themselves from their original concept and even ifI lose my Super Hostess status because I do not rent out for the required number of nights, then sobeit.  It is my home and I use it to receive my friends and family and like to have it to myself sometimes and will rent out when I want to.

[Jose4463]

Very  useful this article, I will bear in mind all these recommendations for when my guests arrive 

[Lisa644]

Excellent advice, there is a fine line but neat and clean matters.

[Wendy1057]

I don't like a lot of pillows on the beds; several folks bring along their own pillows.  2 pillows with extra in a closet works well.   Guest may just throw extra pillows on the floor to get them out of the way...so have them available but not in the way.

[Paul300]

We have a little sign on our Refrig to use anything and leave anything... People love it! Who remembers to bring ketchup, mustard, mayo, bbq sauce, butter,flour, cooking oil etc.  We have then had guests leave us pies, cookies etc, etc 

We have had some guests say that they had a contest to think of something that we didn't have in our four bedroom lakefront home in Fitzwilliam, NH. No one has ever won the game!