First time hosting, what to do with all our stuff?

[Stacey171]

We are first time hosts renting out our home while we are on a trip.  Just wondering if it's absolutely necessary to clean out all closets, or do some people just make room for guests to hang some things.  I will definately clear out all our drawers, but what about medicine cabinets? coat closets, etc.  Any advise would be very appreciated.  Thanks,

Stacey

[Roberta2]

@Stacey171  Lock in a room or cabinet everything that is valuable or that you do not want the guest to gain access to.

it is ok to lock a cabinet, guest will not be offended 

maybe leave valuables / medicine / alcohol with a friend / neighbor/ family members.

[Linda108]

@Stacey171   So your plan is to hand over  the keys to your home to a stranger and go away on  a trip?  There are hundreds of posting about how that is not a good idea and how poorly the home is treated.  You need to protect your belongings by locking them up.  You need to remove important, sentimental, expensive furnishing to protect from theft and/or damage.  You need to have a property manager or co-host available to handle issues that come up so you can enjoy your trip.

From the guest perspective, it is nice to have a sense that the space has been prepared for the guest with clear closets, drawers and of course clean new linens and towels.  Your bathroom and kitchen should be scrubbed to sparkling, but be prepared to find them unclean.