My first experience with Airbnb hosting!

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Airbnb hosting

So, you might be thinking…what?! Didn’t she just write about her first Airbnb experience as a guest? Why, yes…yes I did. You can read about it here…My first experience with Airbnb! To explain my life right now would take a bit more time than just this blog post, so let me be brief.

My husband and I are embarking on a new adventure, starting a business that combines both our love for travel together with all of our life experience and training. I’m excited and scared as crap!! (Please excuse my lack of a better word.) You’re probably wondering by now, unless you know me personally, what does this have to do with Airbnb?

Well, let me just say that Airbnb hosting is all a part of the plan to gain the experience for this business endeavor we plan to start very soon. We don’t necessarily need this experience, but it is definitely beneficial. Okay, so here’s the break down so far:    

Airbnb hosting:Get your house in order

Thankfully, our house is on the market. So, I had already done a lot of de-cluttering. We also had photos of our home ready to use because of it being listed for sale. (Yes, we are moving…location will be announced soon!) The following is a list of things I would suggest doing in addition to Airbnb Hospitality Standards (Click on the link provided for details).

-Remove all personal items such as family photos and any important documents (such as bills, mail, etc.). Also, all items that have personal value should be stored away (such as jewelry, heirlooms, etc.).

-Purchase bed bug and waterproof mattress covers for all beds! Better safe than sorry, right?! Also, consider buying new pillows. I bought very inexpensive ones, and plan to wash them in between each booking.

-Quality linens are a great way to make guests feel pampered. At the very least, use sheets that are well taken care of (no holes or tears).

-Buy a few sets of plush towels to make guests feel that you’ve thought of everything down to the minor details to make them feel welcomed. 

 List your home on Airbnb

Okay, now that you have your home mostly in order, upload quality photos of your home and list away. Click on the following link…How to host on Airbnb! Once you confirm your first booking (it took us about a week), prepare for your guests arrival:-)

Tip- Airbnb suggests responding within 24hours, my husband has put the expectation for us to respond within an hour. As a frequent traveler, I agree with him completely!

-Clean, clean, and more cleaning!!!!

Airbnb suggests cleaning, obviously, but doesn’t specifically get into the details. Clean in and under stove, couches, under couches, under beds, windowsills, fans, check for ceiling and wall dust or cob webs, clean out the fridge thoroughly, down and around the toilet (why do people forget this at times? Gross!), bleach or buy a new shower liner, clean out drawers and under sinks….yes, the list goes on and on and on!!!! My OCD friends are getting excited, I can tell, haha! For the rest of you, maybe you should hire a professional, lol! Cleanliness matters and to get excellent cleaning reviews, you have to be completely thorough.

Thanks, mom, for teaching me your ways…they have been very useful!! *Kisses*

-Stock your home with toilet paper, napkins, hand and dish soap, etc. Also, consider leaving some toiletries such as shampoo, soap, toothbrush, etc. just in case they have forgotten these items. Again, anything that would make your guests feel welcomed and cared for. We want excellent reviews, right?!

-Buy bottled water, coffee, or tea (or all). We left a small supply of these along with a welcome pineapple for our guest. We also left a thank you note with some details about our home to include the wifi code.  

 You’ve welcomed your guests to your home upon arrival, now you can breathe! Good job! Go treat yourself to a coffee, you deserve it! Don’t get too relaxed though, communications are important. Check in with your guest the following day to see how things are and ask if they need anything.

Okay, so now you might be wondering how things went? Was it a successful first booking? Did they trash the place? Well, I’m not completely sure yet. They actually asked for a two day extension (yes, this made me feel like a hospitality genius, haha!). So, I will find out tomorrow when they check out. Eeek!! I’m so eager to see how things went, and hoping for a good first hosting review!! I’ll let you know in next weeks post.   


Do you or would you consider being an Airbnb host? What questions do you have? Comment below…

15 Comment

  1. Wow, I love your welcome baskets! Great idea to do all of those things to make them feel welcome. I know that I expect a thoroughly cleaned room when I stay in a hotel so it makes sense to do that to your home before renting it out. I’m still unsure how I’d feel about strangers staying in my home though. I guess it’s a good idea, especially for people who like to travel a lot, to rent it out during those times. At least you can make a little money while you’re away!

    1. andelec says:

      Thanks, girlie!! I love getting baskets full of goodies;-)

      Yes, making a little extra income while you are away traveling is definitely a good idea:-) That’s how we are going to pay for airline tickets to see our very dear friends during thanksgiving!! Excited!

  2. Dede says:

    You are a super host! Anyone would be lucky to be able to stay at your place. I’m eager to hear how things went! Congrats!!! (Also, can’t wait to hear about your new endeavour.. exciting!) Hmmmm…. opening a B&B, perhaps? A travel agency? *stays tuned*

    1. andelec says:

      You are so kind, Dede! Thank you! I’m excited to share my experience with everyone…hoping it turns out to be a good fit for us;-) Happy Travels, friend!!

      1. Dede says:

        Good luck! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!

        1. andelec says:

          Thanks!!! 🙂

  3. Lisa K says:

    I would have loved to stay in a place like yours with a host who is accommodating and seems to actually care about her guests! Cleanliness is definitely important and heavily impacts the way I write my reviews, so good for you for checking nooks and crannies that typically get overlooked.

    1. andelec says:

      Aww, thanks Lisa! What a lovely comment:-) I really do care how my guests feel when visiting…whether it’s friends or family and even now for my Airbnb guests:-) I have my mom to thank for that…she is a hospitality queen!

  4. This is just plain awesome! I plan on using Airbnb a LOT next year as I travel solo through Europe for 2 months. I love seeing things from the host’s perspective and your guests will surely love your space 🙂

    1. andelec says:

      What an awesome adventure you have ahead of you…2 months in Europe!!! So excited for you! Yes, Airbnb is a great way to find unique places to stay giving guests a more authentic travel experience:-) Thanks for your lovely comment and happy travels, Kara!!

  5. This is so incredibly helpful! I’ve always wanted to host my apartment, but I wasn’t sure if I was 100% prepared. I’ve used the app just as a guest though and it was great!
    Those welcome baskets are so stinkin’ cute!

    Alessandra | The PumpUp Blog

    1. andelec says:

      I’m SO glad to hear this post was helpful to you, Alessandra! Please don’t hesitate to ask me any other questions that you might have about hosting…I’m not a pro yet, but I definitely can help you get started:-) My email is in the contact page. Thanks again for reading!

      I love getting welcome baskets, so they were a must for my listing;-)

  6. Cole says:

    I’ve heard of this before and it sounds so interesting! I don’t know if I would like people staying in my home, but I would for sure stay in someone elses! Especially if they go above and beyond like you guys!

    1. andelec says:

      Cole, I was totally with you on this one before my husband talked me into it;-) It helped that I had already prepared my home to sell. I understand hosting is not for everyone, though. Thank you for your comment and happy traveling!! (Hope you find some really awesome Airbnb listings to stay in for future travels!)

  7. Maggie says:

    We use Airbnb all the time – such a great way to travel. I agree – having little niceties in the house for guest really makes a difference between a good and a great stay.

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