What to Do Between Airbnb Guests: A Turnover Checklist That Saves Time and Stress

Your last guest just checked out. Your next one arrives in a few hours. In between? That crucial turnover window where everything needs to be reset—fast. Whether you clean it yourself or manage a team, a repeatable turnover process is the difference between glowing reviews and refund requests. Here’s a complete, no-stress checklist for what to do between Airbnb guests.

1. Start With the Big Picture: Walk the Unit First
Do a quick walk-through before touching anything.
✅ Check for visible damage (stains, broken items, missing remotes)
✅ Make sure all doors and windows are locked
✅ Look for anything unusual or left behind
Take photos of any issues to document them. If everything looks normal, move forward.

2. Strip and Reset the Bedroom(s)
Comfort starts here. Guests notice the bed first.
✅ Strip all linens (sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers)
✅ Check mattress and pillow protectors for stains
✅ Remake bed with fresh, clean linens (always use backups, not washed-on-the-spot)
✅ Fluff pillows and smooth the duvet for a hotel-like look
✅ Replace blankets or throws neatly at the foot of the bed

3. Deep Clean the Bathroom
Even one stray hair = lost stars.
✅ Scrub toilet, sink, tub/shower
✅ Disinfect all surfaces: toilet handle, light switch, faucet
✅ Replace towels with fresh sets (bath + hand + face)
✅ Restock essentials: toilet paper, shampoo, soap, feminine products if offered
✅ Empty trash and wipe trash can

4. Clean and Restock the Kitchen
Even if guests don’t cook, cleanliness matters.
✅ Empty fridge and trash
✅ Wipe counters, handles, microwave, and stovetop
✅ Check coffee machine and kettle (empty and clean)
✅ Restock:

• Coffee/tea/sugar
• Salt, pepper, oil
• Dish soap, sponge, paper towels
  ✅ Put clean dishware in place—nothing should be left in the drying rack

5. Living Room and Common Areas
Guests relax here—make it feel intentional, not leftover.
✅ Vacuum and dust all surfaces (especially under furniture)
✅ Wipe down remotes, light switches, and handles
✅ Fold blankets, fluff pillows, tidy books or games
✅ Reset furniture layout if it was moved
✅ Check smart TV or Wi-Fi devices are working properly

6. Laundry (If Provided)
If your unit includes laundry:
✅ Wipe machines
✅ Check detergent levels
✅ Clean lint traps
✅ Ensure no clothes were left behind

7. Final Restock and Supply Check
Don’t get messages like “There’s no toilet paper.”
✅ Top off paper products (TP, paper towels, tissues)
✅ Refill soap dispensers
✅ Restock backup supplies in a labeled cabinet (cleaners, extra trash bags, batteries, etc.)
✅ Replace or clean entry mat if dirty

8. Air Out and Freshen Up
Nobody likes stale air.
✅ Open windows briefly if weather allows
✅ Use a light scent spray (no strong chemical smells)
✅ Turn on AC/heat to comfortable temp before arrival
✅ Confirm lights are working in all rooms

9. Final Details Before Locking Up
✅ Leave the welcome card or printed house manual
✅ Double-check Wi-Fi info is visible
✅ Leave any booked extras (e.g. snacks, wine, toothbrush kits)
✅ Lock the door and test the code
✅ Mark the unit as “Ready” in your turnover or messaging app

Bonus: Use a Cleaning App to Track It All
For hands-off hosting or growing your team:

• TurnoverBnB, Breezeway, or Properly can sync your Airbnb calendar
• Cleaners get checklists and photo uploads for accountability
• You can approve cleans, pay cleaners, and keep everything tracked

Turnovers Don’t Have to Be Chaos
With a solid checklist, your unit stays consistent, clean, and 5-star ready—every single time. The more systemized your turnover process is, the easier it becomes to scale, delegate, and breathe between bookings.

Need help building a cleaning system, training your turnover team, or automating your operations? BookedHosts offers full-service and virtual co-hosting to keep your properties running like clockwork. Email info@bookedhosts.com or scroll down to submit your property today.

‍