Running a short-term rental through Airbnb or other short-term rental booking platforms can be an excellent way of generating revenue. However, as with all ventures, creating and managing your rental takes a fair amount of ongoing effort. And as much as short-term rentals are an excellent idea, preparing your home and publishing your listing are only the beginning steps. There are loads of tasks you’ll need to complete regularly, and this is why taking advantage of any hacks will minimise stress and give you back more of your precious time. This article gives you seven of the best Airbnb hacks we’ve found.
#1: Self check-in
There’s no need to hand deliver your keys to your new guests –that’s an unnecessary activity that takes too much time out of your day. Instead, purchase a lockbox from a store like Officeworks or Bunnings and place it near the front door. You could have it mounted on the wall, attach it to a gate or door handle or leave it in a safe space. Guests can simply punch in a code to unlock the safe and access the keys. Job done!
#2: Create a detailed home manual
A detailed home manual will help your guests settle in quickly without them having to bother you on the phone. You can explain where the light switches are, how to reboot the Wi-Fi, how to use the washing machine and other white goods, and more. Additionally, you may want to create small, attractive signs around the home, alerting your guests to where particular items are kept or providing instructions for the washing machine or dryer.
#3: Create a framed sign with all emergency contact numbers
You can minimise calls and messages from guests wanting to know vital info by creating an A4 document with all relevant info (Read: Police, doctors, vet, etc.) and framing it. They’ll appreciate the information and feel cared for.
#4: Use a laundry service
Laundry changeovers take a lot of time — especially when each guest has two bath towels, a hand towel, a face washer, a pillowcase and sheets. Save yourself the grief by hiring a local laundry company – this will not only save time, but guests will be delighted by that hotel feel of pristine, clean, professionally ironed sheets.
#5: Hire professional cleaners
Regularly cleaning your short-term rental property is stressful, physically demanding — and takes a lot of time. Alternatively, for a small fee, professional cleaners can take care of all your housekeeping tasks thoroughly, leaving your property spotlessly clean and giving back your valuable time.
#6: Create automatic messages
Automation will be your new best friend when it comes to saving time. Most booking platforms allow you to create automatic messages, which are a massive help in the time-saving game. For example, you can make a welcome guide (orientating your guests to the building) or a checkout guide listing all the requirements to fulfil before they leave the property. These messages can be filed on the portal and delivered automatically at the most appropriate time. For example, check-in details can be sent a week or few days before arrival, and the checkout guide can be sent one or two days prior to departure.
#7 Enlist a short-term rental property manager
For some, even after taking advantage of all time-saving hacks, managing your Airbnb rental property alone is too much work. If you feel this is the case, taking advantage of a short-term rental property management service may be the best way forward. At Cloudbnb, we can take care of the day-to-day running of your Airbnb listing, answer all guest queries, and take care of housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, and much more.
If you’d like to find out how we can make life easier for you, contact us today.