How To Prepare Your Home For an Airbnb or Sublet

June 15, 2021

Millions of homeowners list their properties on Airbnb or as a space to rent each year. Not only is this a great option for making extra income, but it can provide travelers and renters alike with a safe, comfortable place to rest their heads.

It’s no surprise that there is a lot of preparation to be done to get your home is in tip-top shape for Airbnb or to sublet. Not sure where to start? Learn how to prepare your house for Airbnb or a sublet room by room, plus tips on when to get a storage unit.

A kitchen in a house that is prepared for an Airbnb.

Kitchen

Let’s start with everyone’s favorite room of the home: the kitchen. The kitchen is an integral part of any Airbnb or sublet, and with these three tips, you can get your kitchen ready for your guests.

Provide the Essentials

The best Airbnbs and sublets have a kitchen that is stocked with the essentials. While you don’t need to go all out, it’s essential to provide quality essentials, so your guests have what they need to cook a meal. 

Be sure to include basic items they’ll need to enjoy a meal like plates, bowls, cups, mugs, and silverware. Cookware like pots, pans, utensils, oven mitts, and a cutting board will also help them whip up a delectable meal. Don’t forget the basic seasonings like salt and pepper too!

If you already have a fully stocked kitchen and need storage solutions

We recommend safely storing kitchen items in the basement, attic, or a locked closet for the excess. If your home doesn’t have the extra room, storage units are a great option too.

Test Your Appliances

Be sure to thoroughly test your appliances before you list your house on Airbnb or find a renter. This includes big-ticket items like your refrigerator, freezer, stove, and over, as well as small appliances like the microwave, toaster, and (arguably the most important) the coffeemaker. 

Create a Nice Place to Eat

The kitchen isn’t just a place where meals are made, but memories too. Creating an inviting space for your guests to enjoy their meal will go a long way in hospitality and overall satisfaction. 

Living Room

The living room is one of the most important places in a home, so be sure to keep the following tips in mind when you’re researching how to prepare your house for Airbnb or a sublet.

Create a Relaxing Atmosphere

There’s nothing like unwinding on the couch with a good movie after a long day. Create a relaxing atmosphere in the living room with these easy tips. 

Provide Entertainment Options

Netflix anyone? When researching how to prepare your house for a rental, one of the biggest takeaways should not skimp on the entertainment options. Travelers will appreciate creature comforts like television with streaming options to enjoy their favorite shows and movies. Depending on your budget, some Airbnbs also include extra entrainment perks like a record player for a fun vintage vibe or a surround system.

Bedroom(s)

Creating a bedroom that makes it easy for your guests to get a restful night’s sleep ensures you great reviews on Airbnb. Here’s where to start.

Start With a Clean Slate

Of course, your whole house should be spotless before you decide to list it on Airbnb or as a space to rent, but this is especially true for the bedrooms. After all, this is where guests will lay their heads at night, so you’ll want to bedrooms to be clean and free of any clutter to promote relaxation.

Provide Fresh, Comfortable Bedding

Fresh, comfortable bedding can’t be understanding when preparing your home for Airbnb. Invest in a quality mattress, and be sure to thoroughly wash the linens before you have guests over. 

Bathroom(s)

Create a spa-like experience in your home for your Airbnb guests or subletter with these simple bathroom tips.

Provide the Essentials

Providing the essentials is an easy way to improve your guests’ stay at your home. You don’t need to splurge on expensive items, but a quick trip to the drug store for shampoo, condition, and body wash will provide added convenience for your guests.

Provide Fresh Towels

Just like fresh, comfortable linens, be sure to stock up on quality towels as well. Make sure your bathrooms have enough towels for everyone who will be staying at your home, making sure to consider how many days they will be staying there. 

Outside

Now that the inside of your home is Airbnb-ready don’t forget the outside. 

Up the Curb Appeal

Make the outside of your home shine like the inside to wow guests from the get-go. Before listing your home on Airbnb or as a rental, make sure the lawn and other landscaping are maintained correctly. If your home could use a fresh coat of paint or a fresh touch-up, hire a handyperson to help you cross that off your to-do list. 

Perk Up Your Patio

Everyone loves relaxing on a patio, so make sure your patio is in great shape. Not only should your patio be clean and free of any overgrown weeds or dead plants, but adding thoughtful touches to create a relaxing ambiance is key. Invest in durable yet comfortable patio furniture, add string lights 

Bonus Tips

Now that you know how to prepare your house for Airbnb check out these bonus tips to take your home to the next level:

  • Pack away personal items: For the most part, Airbnbs should be free of personal items, so guests don’t feel like they’re staying in a “stranger’s” home. Before opening your home to Airbnb guests or tenants, pack personal away in a locked closet. If you need another storage solution, you can find a storage unit in your area.
  • Include house rules: Including easy-to-follow house rules for your guest will ensure they have all of the information they need to enjoy their stay upfront. 
  • Have your home professionally photographed: The key to a great listing? Great photos! A picture is worth 1,000 words, so make your Airbnb or rental listing shine with quality images.
  • Leave thoughtful touches: The best-rated Airbnb hosts are those who leave thoughtful touches for their guests. This can include anything from a guestbook, local tips for the area, or a small treat.

Looking For Storage Solutions? Contact Storage Locker

If you’re getting ready to list your home on Airbnb or as a space to rent but require storage for your rental home, you’re in the right place. At Storage Locker, we offer competitive self-storage facility rates for your belongings. If you’re not sure what size unit to get, use our convenient storage unit size calculator.

Schedule a tour today and see how our storage units can benefit you!

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