Hi Lizzie, thanks for starting this topic. July-September is definitely the busiest time for me and, like last Summer, I will be hosting guests in three rooms, rather than the usual two. I was run a bit ragged last time, so I'm really looking forward to hearing tips from other hosts as I'm sure I could manage my time better.
What I have learnt so far is to make sure I have an adequate supply of bedlinens and towels so as not to be caught short. The used ones go straight in the washing machine anyway, so that there's never a backlog. I try to keep the linen cupboard organised with bedding for different rooms on different shelves, guest towels in another pile etc. so that I don't have to rummage around. Guest toiletries get stored in clear cosmetic bags so I can see what's what.
I store one of each of the products needed to clean the bedrooms in a separate fabric shopper so that I can just grab this each time rather than rummaging under the sink for everything I need. I always have a good stock of cleaning products so I never have to run out for something in the middle of a turnover. I try to buy them in bulk or when they're on offer, which can save quite a bit of cash in the long run.
I'm a bit old school when it comes to calendars though. Obviously there is the calendar on the website, but I also write everything down in a paper desk diary with a week-to-view format. I make sure to write down the details (guest names, nationality, arrival time and which room they're staying in) the moment the booking is made. On top of that, I have a chalk board weekly planner on the wall so I can see at a glance the guests for the coming week, alongside my other appointments. I used to have such an impressive memory but, sadly, with middle age these tools have become a must for me!