Welcoming guests into your home, be it for a weekend escape or longer, can certainly be an experience that entraps those you host. As a host, offering the right amenities and getting your home ready can set the tone for a great stay. When it comes to sprucing up a holiday rental, it’s all about the details — from freshly washed linens to well-stocked kitchens. 

This must-have host checklist will help you get the basics in each area like laundry, bedrooms, bathrooms and cooking essentials. We’ll also touch on things you can do to prep your home so that your guests have an easy and effortless low-stress time. Whether you are new to hosting or interested in refining your approach, this checklist has you covered.

Laundry

When hosting guests, supplying the appropriate laundry basics guarantees a convenient stay. Your guests will come with no more than suitcases, so make sure your house is stocked with everything they need during their stay.

Make sure your laundry room has an iron and ironing board to help  your visitors keep their  best clothing crease-free. Another useful addition is a clothes airer: this enables guests to dry their clothes indoors if they do not have anywhere to air them outside. If you can, leave a few laundry detergent tabs or pods; many guests will be grateful they won’t have to buy their own.

It’s also useful to provide an instructions manual for your washing machine and tumble dryer (if you have one). Having these laundry essentials prepared will help your guests feel at home, making their stay as stress-free as possible.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms

As for the bedrooms and bathrooms, having the right complimentary amenities will guarantee your guests a comfortable and pleasant stay.

In the bedrooms, you could ensure  each bed has a mattress protector, pillow protectors, and a minimum of two pillows per person. Duvets (one should be provided for each bed, including any temporary or sofa bed). If your home sleeps multiple guests, be sure to provide enough hairdryers — a hairdryer per bedroom is a good rule of thumb. Bedside lamps and clear bedside tables are signals of convenience, and drawers (two minimum per room for short stays) are appreciated  by our guests.

Offer hanging space — a half-wardrobe with about eight hangers per room, or a hanging rail where appropriate. If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, be sure to include a fan in every bedroom so that you’ve got a comfortable stay in the summer months.

In the bathrooms, make sure guests have fresh towels, a bath mat and toilet paper. You can also stock a few toiletries for them to use once they arrive. It’s a good idea to remove or tidy up your personal toiletries and keep laundry baskets and door hooks clear for guest use. These thoughtful details will allow your guests to settle in easily.

Cooking & Eating

One of the most important things is making sure your kitchen is up to standards for your guests’ cooking plus dining needs. Begin with enough plates, bowls, glasses and cutlery for 1.5 times the maximum occupancy of your home. If your home accommodates four guests, you should have at least six of each, so everyone has a meal’s worth of anything.

Your kitchen should also include a variety of pots and pans, such as a frying pan, milk pan, wok, and a large pan suitable for cooking pasta. Remember all the basics, too: colander, steamer, baking trays. Having access to baking sheets or an oven dish, will be appreciated by guests too.

You should also have chopping (or cutting) boards, a good set of knives, a garlic press or grinder, a measuring jug for food preparation, utensils (such as wooden spoons, large cooking spoons, slotted spoons, turners, and so on). These will be great for guests to cook with ease.

Although it’s not a requirement, basic cooking ingredients such as cooking oil, salt, pepper and spices can go a long way.. A fully stocked kitchen will make your guests feel at home and help them enjoy whatever meals they have planned.

What Home Preparation am I Responsible for?

There are a few preparatory things that you will need to take care of to make it easy for your guests. In terms of how much prep work you will have to do really depends on how you utilise the space, but there are some general rules of thumb.

You can begin by clearing out the fridge so it doesn’t smell. Housekeeping staff will confirm this has been done as part of our quality assurance process, but it’s best to leave it clear yourself in case anything is thrown away incorrectly. Clear out some space in the freezer and clear an empty cupboard for guests to store dry food.

In the bedrooms, remove the bedding and pack your personal linen in a dedicated bag or out of reach. Always clear your bedside tables and make sure the top drawer is empty and available for guest use.

If surfaces in your home are prone to clutter, do a quick declutter before the guest arrives. Following these steps helps create a warm and spacious environment for your guests and ensures their stay is comfortable and trouble-free.

Summary

Preparing your home for guests is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay. From clearing the fridge and providing adequate storage in bedrooms to tidying up the bathroom and decluttering your space, these small efforts can make a big difference in your guests’ experience. By following these steps, you’ll create a welcoming environment that guests will appreciate. 

For an effortless hosting experience, Veeve will always handle the cleaning post checkout and carry out all quality assurance checks while you focus on the essential preparations. Ready to start hosting with ease? Get in touch with Veeve today and make your home guest-ready!