Turning your main or second home into an Airbnb can be a profitable side hustle — but it takes more than clean sheets and good WiFi to keep guests happy (and keep those 5-star ratings rolling in). Whether you travel for work, have extra rooms sitting idle, or are looking to earn passive income in retirement, it pays to get your space truly guest-ready — and that includes thinking beyond surface-level staging.
This guide goes beyond the basics. We’ll cover the organisation and storage mistakes that trip new hosts up, how to streamline your space for long-term rentals, and the little details that turn a stay into a 5-star experience. Let’s get into it.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Prepping Your Home for Airbnb Guests
If you’re wondering how to prepare your house for Airbnb or viewing, the key is to think like a guest. It’s not just about aesthetics — it’s about creating a clean, calm, clutter-free space that feels easy to settle into. Done well, it sets the tone for 5-star reviews.
Do’s – What to Always Get Right
Deep clean the space
Go beyond the basics. Scrub carpets, wipe walls, clean inside cupboards and polish every surface. Pay special attention to bathrooms, kitchens and windows — these are the first places guests will notice.
Create privacy for guests
One of the most common complaints from Airbnb guests is a lack of privacy. Even if you’re only letting out a room in your home, make sure it feels like a separate and secure space. Install solid door locks, add curtains or partitions where needed, and if possible, provide private access to outdoor areas. It’s these small details that help guests feel at ease — and more likely to leave a glowing review.
Stock the essentials – and then some
Don’t get caught short. Have extras of everything: towels, toiletries, bin bags, kitchen basics. If you rotate items or need overflow space, use short-term storage so you’re never scrambling last-minute.
Don’ts — What to Avoid If You Want 5-Star Reviews
Don’t leave repairs to the last minute
That dodgy porch light or squeaky floorboard you’ve been ignoring? Fix it. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Check all sockets, taps and fixtures. If there’s a pool, add visible depth markers and remove old diving boards or slides.
Don’t overpromise on amenities
If your listing shows a BBQ, TV, or iron, make sure they’re available and working. Between guests, store away seasonal items using short-term storage to reduce clutter and rotate extras when needed. This helps you tailor the experience and avoids disappointing your next booking.
Don’t hide clutter in cupboards
Guests will open drawers and doors — and a jammed wardrobe screams disorganisation. Store personal documents, sentimental items and valuables somewhere truly secure (or better yet, offsite in a long-term storage unit).
Top Tips to Turn Your Property Into a 5-Star Airbnb
Knowing how to make your house Airbnb ready means thinking ahead. If you’re renting out regularly — or managing more than one property — you’ll need systems in place to keep everything smooth, repeatable and stress-free.
Think Like a Long-Term Host
Once you’ve decided to Airbnb your property, treat it like a business. That means having a clear plan and setup you can repeat.
Lock away anything personal — documents, jewellery, photos — and store them offsite in a long-term storage unit. Then designate a “host cupboard” stocked with spares: lightbulbs, batteries, loo roll, fresh towels and basic cleaning tools.
If you manage more than one listing or switch between guest types, keep appliances or cookware in short-term storage. This makes it easier to customise each space without cluttering your home in the process.
Use Storage to Create Flexible, Guest-Ready Spaces
Wondering how to make your house Airbnb ready without constantly rearranging things? Storage is your secret weapon. Here’s how hosts use it smartly:
- Store spare appliances and bulk items offsite
- Rotate seasonal extras like heaters, fans and garden furniture
- Keep guest-requested gear (baby cots, airbeds, highchairs) in easy-access storage
- Avoid reshuffling your whole house before each check-in
These tricks help you stay flexible and professional — especially during peak season or back-to-back bookings.
Add Personal Touches Guests Rave About
Five-star reviews don’t just come from meeting expectations — they come from exceeding them. And it’s often the little details that guests remember most. Try some of these thoughtful extras:
- A handwritten welcome card or snack tray
- A short guidebook with local coffee shops, scenic walks, and hidden gems
- Access to streaming platforms like Netflix or Disney+
- High-quality linens, fluffy towels and a good hairdryer
- A clean BBQ, a firepit, or fairy lights in the garden
- A washer and dryer for longer stays
- Travel adapters or toiletries for international guests
Most importantly, keep your communication friendly, fast and helpful. Responding quickly to booking requests, keeping your listing accurate, and making check-in a breeze are all simple ways to build trust — and get repeat bookings.
Final Airbnb Prep Checklist
Here’s a quick final run-through before each guest arrives:
- All personal and valuable items stored securely or offsite
- Home deep cleaned, including windows, under beds and behind furniture
- Guest-only items set up and checked (TV, BBQ, WiFi, etc.)
- Printed or digital welcome info available
- Basic supplies restocked (toiletries, loo roll, bin bags, etc.)
- All locks, detectors and appliances tested and working
- Seasonal extras rotated as needed from storage
Ready to Airbnb your house?
If you’re looking for a smarter way to stay organised between guests, we offer flexible personal storage options in London with multiple perks — ideal for hosts who want to declutter, rotate amenities and deliver a seamless experience every time.
Posted on 16th January 2023 by Shanaiqua Desa | Last updated on 7th July 2025
