There are thousands of people all over the world who are now making money by renting their spare rooms, homes or other spaces through Airbnb. This is a great opportunity for homeowners to generate some additional income to help with the ever-rising cost of living. If you have a space to rent out to visitors, you can host either long-term or short-term guests. However, as many Airbnb hosts will tell you, it is not only easier to make your space available to the short-term market, but it is typically also more profitable.
One of the most attractive things about Airbnb for those looking for accommodation is the opportunity to stay in a homely, lived-in space rather than a generic hotel or guesthouse. Your guests will also have a chance to meet and interact with you, a local from the area, where they can get some insight about the area. To find an Airbnb, most travellers and holidaymakers will look at previous guests’ reviews, so you must go above and beyond to impress any guests staying at your property. Going the extra mile will let your guests know how much their custom means to you, which will lead to better reviews, more bookings and ultimately more cash in your back pocket.
Let’s take a look at just a few ways that you can prepare your home to ensure it is ready for the Airbnb market.
Get Some Help
First of all, before you start renting out rooms on Airbnb, it’s important to note that there is quite a bit of work involved, especially for those short-stay guests. Cleaning your space, doing the laundry, changing the sheets and towels and restocking the room all takes time. You will also need to reply to emails and messages before, after and during their stay. Consider seeking out a company that specialises in Airbnb management in Melbourne to help you out and take the pressure off your new venture.
Keep It Stocked
Whether your guests are staying for just one night or for a few days, you need to ensure that you provide them with everything they will need to get the very most out of their stay. Items to pay close attention to are bathroom essentials such as soap, shampoo, body wash and handwash. If you have a kitchen area in your space, you also need to ensure that you have enough dish soap, sponges, tea and coffee in the cabinets. Finally, it’s always a good idea to leave some cleaning supplies so that your guests can access them should they spill something or need to clean up in a hurry.
Consider The Arrival
Some Airbnb hosts like to meet their guests face-to-face when they arrive; this is typically the best way to make a positive impression from the outset. However, there are other hosts that prefer to allow for self-check-in, which can also be a great option. Allowing for a self-check-in means that your guests can arrive when they are ready and you can get on with your day uninterrupted. To set up your space for self-check-in, you will need a secure key lock box where you can store the keys to your space. Simply give your guests the code for the lockbox so they can access the keys when they arrive and let themselves in.
Offer Information
When your guests arrive at your property, they might not be very familiar with the area. As you are the local expert, they will often turn to you for ideas as to what there is to do in the area. Visit your local tourist office and grab a bunch of flyers, brochures and maps that you can have to offer your guests. Setting up a little space in your Airbnb rental where these can be found will ensure that your guests always have the information they need to enjoy their stay to the full. It’s also a good idea to leave a manual or handbook about the space that outlines simple things like how the TV works, how to operate the shower, the Wi-Fi password, how to use the washing machine and other details your guests might need during their stay.
Decorate Tastefully
To ensure that your guests feel at home from the moment they arrive, make sure that you put a little effort into making the space feel welcoming and inviting. Investing a little time and money in the decor can have a huge impact on the experience that your guests will have. You only get one shot at making a first impression on your guests, so make sure that you wow them from the moment they walk through the door. This is typically the best way to ensure you get the best reviews possible too.
Get Your Home Ready For Your Future Airbnb Guests
Following the tips outlined above, you can ensure that your home is ready when your guests arrive. With the right approach and a little TLC, you can ensure that you make the best possible impression on your guests, leading to a successful side income for you to enjoy moving forward.
