Leverage Self Storage

Opening your home for Airbnb or VRBO is a great way to earn money this holiday season. It may require some preparation, but it’s worth it, especially if it means meeting people and seeing how happy they are in your home. Learn how to leverage self storage for your vacation home preparation.

Leverage self storage: Tips to Prepare Your Home for Holiday Vacation Rentals

Remove Personal Valuables

The first step to preparing your house for an Airbnb or VRBO guest is to remove personal or valuable items. These can be anything from picture frames, to jewelry, clothes, and family heirlooms. You can pack them in a box and store them in your storage unit.

Sort your items and create an inventory. Pack your items well, especially if most are sensitive to humidity and heat.

By removing valuables, you won’t have to worry about your items getting damaged or stolen. Additionally, this gives your guests enough space to make the best use of your home. For example, you can give them plenty of closet space by storing clothing and personal belongings.

Clean Your Home

Once you’ve removed all your valuables, leaving only items necessary to make your home presentable and livable for guests, it’s time to clean your home.

Deep clean your home. This means you need to dust, wash, and vacuum light fixtures, rugs, shelves, and more.

Clean every room in the house. If you want your place to receive great reviews, make sure you clean every nook and cranny. You can also hire professional cleaners to make sure every corner of your home is clean.

Getting regular maintenance is one way to make sure your house is ready for guests. They don’t just clean, they also check to see if lights are working, windows are washed, grime is removed, and your HVAC system is working properly.

Prepare for Emergencies

Whether your home is located in an area where it snows or experiences hurricanes or typhoons, you need to have an emergency kit and tools in your home. Disasters are inevitable, and it will be good if your guests have something they can use when they strike. Here are several ways you can prepare your home for emergencies.

• Place a fire extinguisher in an easy-to-see spot near the kitchen.
• Have fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor level of your home.
• Prepare a first-aid kit in the bathroom.
• Have a snow shovel on hand.
• Prepare an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, and nonperishable food.

Update Your Home’s Locks

Instead of giving your guests keys to your house, why not access codes?

Update your home’s locks with keyless, digital, entry. You can personalize the lock code for your guest, as it offers them a faster way to get inside. It’s also easy for you and your guest to monitor your security.

Have Basic Kitchen Essentials Available

One of the reasons why many opt to stay at an Airbnb is the kitchen. They can cook whenever they want without always having to go to a restaurant. Make sure to have kitchen essentials for your guests.

• Make sure kitchen appliances are working.
• Have stock pots, pans, cutting boards, utensils, and other kitchen items on hand.
• Have condiments and spices available.
• Prepare plates, bowls, cups, and utensils.

Make Your Bedroom Cozy

Make guests love their stay by making your bedroom relaxing.

• Empty your closet to give your guests room for there clothes.
• Stock extra sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and pillows.
• Cover the bed with clean, fresh linens the day before your guest arrives.

Opening Your Home

Your home can be someone else’s “home away from home” even for a few days. To help you prepare your home, here are some additional tips.

• Have a climate-controlled storage unit to store your belongings or additional essentials for your Airbnb.
• Spruce up your home’s curb and front porch to make it picture-perfect and inviting for guests.
• Prepare your laundry area with detergents your guests can use.
• Stock up on toiletries and extra towels in the bathroom.

Give guests a homey experience when they stay at your rental this Holiday season.