Tips for my first booking in my personal home

[Nneka24]

Hey all! I just had my first booking after listing last week! It is my personal home not a rental or proper business so hoping anyone could give any tips? My personal stuff will be locked away in one of the bedrooms but of course I can’t do this for everything.

here’s my listing too, feedback is welcome! 

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/1347116379998298231?viralityEntryPoint=1&unique_share_id=E88C329A-623...

[Julia-And-Simon0]

Hey @Nneka24 ! Congrats on your first booking! 🎉 A few quick tips:

• Take photos of your home as it is before guests arrive in case of any disputes.
• Keep valuables and sentimental items in a locked room or safe.
• Set clear house rules to avoid misunderstandings.
• Consider adding a simple guidebook with WiFi info, local tips, and house quirks.

[Nneka24]

Hi Julia and Simon, thank you so much for taking a look! Your tips are greatly appreciated, working on the guidebook now!

[Julie6165]

HI @Nneka24 ,

I agree with all of the advice the first response gave you.

Another tip is to have an inventory for everything in your property and have this pinned up in the property. This way you have a check list that everything is still there after your guests leave. I say this as I think I've had some guests taking my towels as my supply seems to have dwindled. It's not as if towels are like the dreaded socks situation in my own house where you end up with odd ones and not their matching counterpart. Does the washing machine mangle them up do you think lol!

Anyway, for 5 star reviews it is best to:

1) have written instructions up showing exactly how each appliances works as it really isn't obvious to people even if you think it is something obvious.

2) Put up a cleaning schedule to show that you cover everything. It is also a good check list for yourself so that you don't miss anything (or your cleaner if not yourself). You can be marked down a star if someone finds one single hair. 

3) Everytime you have a booking send a message welcoming them and giving them instructions for arrival. I usually ask what their ETA is too even if there is a lock box. I give my mobile number as you are allowed to after they have booked. I tell them to contact me if they have any questions when they arrive. If you have written instructions above the fire, cooker or wherever needed, you probably won't hear from them. People like to feel cared for.

The above points are something I learnt as I went along but to the expense of getting a few 4 star reviews. If you do the above you might only receive 5 star reviews which is what we are all aiming for as hosts.

Good luck.

Julie x

[Helen3 · Accepted solution]

That's interesting I've been a homeshare host for nine years and have never felt the need to put up an inventory. Personally I don't feel it feels particularly warm or welcoming . @Julie6165 

Nor do I put up a cleaning schedule .

i would know immediately if any items go missing as I only have one sets of guests in my home. 

I always make time to chat to guests during their stay and we often have hot drinks or a glass of wine together . It's part of what I love about being a host 😀

@Nneka24  If you haven't done so already put together a guide for your home . Ask guests to confirm a check in time and where possible show guests around on arrival. 

and create a visitor guide on the platform .

[Nneka24]

Hi Julie, thank you for your helpful comment, agree defo having a ‘how to’ guide is helpful, it’s easy to assume everyone will know how to use the things in your home!

I will definitely have an inventory I will keep but will try to minimise personal belongings left out to avoid any mishaps.

Aiming for all 5 star reviews so you tips are greatly appreciated! 

[Jon5060]

Congrats on Your First Booking, @Nneka24 ! 🎉

That’s exciting! Hosting in your personal home is a big step, and I totally get the concern about personal items—I did the same when I started, locking things away in a second bedroom. In my experience, guests are generally respectful of the spaces they have access to, especially with clear house rules.

Your listing looks great! The decor is inviting (love the plants!), and you’ve got key amenities like Wi-Fi, a washer, TV, and added security—huge pluses for guests. A few quick suggestions to enhance your listing:

• Expand on amenity details—Wi-Fi speed, Smart TV features (Netflix, etc.), and highlight that towel warmer!
• Clarify the hot tub listing if it’s actually a soaking tub, since guests might expect a jetted spa.
• Make the vanity more versatile—it could double as a beauty station or workspace.
• Consider small convenience items like a coffee maker, tea kettle, or handheld steamer.
• Refine your photos—quality over quantity, and your first five should highlight the best features.

You’re off to a strong start, and I have no doubt guests will love your space. Wishing you the best on your hosting journey! 🚀

[Nneka24]

Hi Jon! 

these are great tips thank you! Will definitely have a look through the photos and fine them. Great tip about the convenience items too, I find these are the small differences between a 3,4 and 5 star hotel so will do as much as I can! 

[Jirigarthe0]

Hi @Nneka24 , Congrats on your first booking! How exciting. Your home is lovely, warm, and inviting! I add  boxed tissues in each bedroom and living room for my guests. I find that it makes it convenient to easily reach for a kleenex whenever needed in those rooms.

The fact that your seeking advice shows your destined for success and Superhost status.

Wishing you the best of luck!

Jiri

[Nneka24]

Hi Jiri,

great idea about the tissues! I think the personal touches are what really wins guests over.

thank you for you kind words they are really appreciated 

[Alex]

Hello @Nneka24! 

Hope everything is going well and you are having a nice day. Congratulations for you first booking🎉

I'm happy to see you got a lot of comments in your post. Did you check all of them? There's really good advice on them. 🙂

Let us know what do you think! 

Alex

[Nneka24]

Hi Alex! 

thank you for your message everyone has been really helpful what a lovely community!

[Marcin65]

Hi @Nneka24  . Your listing looks great, nice cozy place in warm colors. A few more photos are necessary, I miss showing the kitchen area. At least take two photos from the outside, a floor plan would be great, any sketch can be. Two bathrooms are a great treasure, especially since you have a bathtub and a shower. Check all the amenities that are in the AirBnB amenities list, I'm sure you haven't added them all yet. Small amenities that are not expensive can be added to your apartment equipment. Add "essentials" (sheets, towels, soap, shower gel and shampoo) without these things I wouldn't rent your place. Remove the jacuzzi, I don't think your bathtub has this feature (be honest in the description of the space).
Set discounts for long-term stays +7, +14, +21, +28 definitely higher than the ones you have now. Search and check what your competition offers and for what price for different lengths of stay. You can easily do this in the "incognito" option in your browser, without logging in.

Good luck.