How to Prepare Your Home for Airbnb Guests

Preparing your home for Airbnb guests is one of the most important steps in creating a successful short-term rental. Whether it is a newly-built house or a serviced apartment in the CBD, a well-presented property not only attracts more bookings but also encourages positive reviews, repeat guests, and higher nightly rates.

In this post, we will walk you through everything you need to do before welcoming your first initial guests, from furnishing, cleaning, safety, amenities, lockboxes and those thoughtful finishing touches that leave a lasting impression.

Start with a thorough deep clean

Cleanliness is one of the biggest factors influencing guest satisfaction. Before welcoming your first guests, give your property a thorough deep clean. Every room should feel fresh, hygienic, and ready for someone to move straight in. We highly suggest hiring professional cleaners to do this. They have more industrial grade equipment, products and knowledge than most investors do. Paying the initial fee can save you more cleaning headaches in the long run.

Pay particular attention to:

• Kitchens and appliances

• Bathrooms and showers

• Windows and mirrors

• Floors and carpets

• Ceiling fans and light fittings

• Inside cupboards and drawers

• Outdoor entertaining areas

• Balconies and entryways

Create a home away from home

Guests are sometimes not looking for a casual quick stay, those types of stays are what hotels are more suited for. Staging your property with appropriate furnishings can be make or break for them leaving a good review. Consulting a professional Airbnb management company can help with this process as this can be a subjective topic for many.

Invest in Quality Bedding
There is something about a good bed that always leaves a good impression. That feeling of checking into your Airbnb and immediately flopping onto your bed is unmatched.

White bedding remains a popular choice because it creates a fresh, hotel-style appearance and gives guests confidence that everything has been professionally cleaned.

Stock the Kitchen
When arriving at an Airbnb you are also paying for the amenities to be able to cook meals. Especially for families coming from overseas. Having a kitchen checklist is essential to ensure all the correct items are stocked.

At a minimum, provide:

• Plates and bowls

• Glasses and mugs

• Cutlery

• Pots and pans

• Cooking utensils

• Sharp knives

• Chopping boards

• Toaster

• Kettle

• Microwave

• Coffee maker if available (everyone loves a good morning coffee)

Ensure Fast and Reliable Wi-Fi
Reliable internet access has become one of the most requested Airbnb amenities. Whether guests are working remotely, streaming movies, or planning their next day's activities, dependable Wi-Fi is often considered essential.

Display your Wi-Fi network name and password clearly inside the property to make connecting simple. This can be in your guide book that should be printed and clearly displayed on check in.

Lockboxes
Installing lockboxes and in the appropriate spot might sound like a simple task, but get the location wrong, then you will have a rough check in experience for the guests which is never a great first impression. Also bare in mind that the codes for these lockboxes need to be changed after each check in for security purposes.

if you are having trouble installing lockboxes, professional management companies provide this service within the on-boarding process.

Creating a good welcome guide
A thoughtfully prepared welcome guide is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to enhance your guests' experience. It not only helps visitors settle into your property quickly but also reduces the number of questions you'll need to answer during their stay. A comprehensive guide demonstrates professionalism, builds confidence, and can significantly contribute to earning positive reviews.

Think of your welcome guide as your personal concierge. It should answer the questions guests are most likely to ask before they even need to ask them. Contact us for more information about creating these welcome guides.

Feeling Prepared?

Preparing your home for Airbnb guests involves much more than cleaning and making the beds. Every detail—from comfortable furnishings and reliable Wi-Fi to thoughtful welcome touches contributes to the overall guest experience.

The more effort you invest in presenting your property, the more likely you are to earn five-star reviews, attract repeat bookings, and maximise your rental income.

Whether you're launching your first Airbnb in Perth or looking to improve the performance of an existing listing, creating a welcoming, comfortable, and well-equipped home is one of the smartest investments you can make. With careful preparation and ongoing attention to detail, your property will be well positioned to stand out in Perth's competitive short-term rental market.