The Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Setting Up An Airbnb.
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Welcome to Get It Rental Ready, your go-to resource for transforming vacation rental properties into exceptional guest experiences!
When it came time to sit down in front of my laptop and write the first Get It Rental Ready blog, I was waiting for the inspiration to flow out of me.
I’m normally full of ideas, advice and opinions when it comes to setting up vacation rental properties (just ask me!) but I was stumped about what I wanted my first message on the subject to be…
I hear it from my clients all the time - setting up an Airbnb from scratch can be a daunting task. It can be time-consuming, with an overwhelming number of details to consider, and so many options and choices to make! What do you need? And how many do you need of everything?
So I thought about the core concepts that underpin everything I do to help vacation rental home owners and property managers created successful spaces for themselves and their guests. They are pretty simple concepts when you take a look at them, but they are the 5 Key Philosophies that have shaped my checklists and my approach to short term rental decoration.
Key Philosophy #1
VALUE OVER PRICE
Value is not just about price. It's tempting to save money by putting the the cheapest items you can find in your vacation rental home to save on costs, but this can be a false economy.
The cheapest option is not always the best value. For some items, it's worth investing a little extra to buy better quality items that are going to be better value in the long run, or look for quality items at a discounted price - shop those sales and outlets!
Understand the importance of investing in quality items that provide long-term value - will they be durable or need regular maintenance or replacement? Is it suitable for functional for your space?
Recognizing the significance of investing a little extra in items guests interact with the most. My rule of thumb is that if people sit on it or sleep on it, you definitely want to spend a little extra on it. Be strategic in where you choose to allocate a little extra in the budget - my top two recommendations for this are mattresses and sofas.
Key Philosophy #2
FORM & FUNCTION
Discover the power of pieces that serve double duty, providing both function and decoration.
Functional pieces that are also decorative maximize the use of your space, and give some versatility to your décor choices. And it can also be a really efficient use of your budget!
Creating a cohesive and visually appealing environment without compromising on practicality
What do I mean when I say 'double duty'? Here's some examples:
* A center table with extra storage helps hide away items that can make your surfaces look cluttered;
* Decorative oil/vinegar/salt/pepper shakers do two jobs in decorating your dining space and also providing guests with small consumables that they appreciate;
* A decorative wall mirror with a shelf and some hooks underneath both decorates your entry way and gives guests a designated spot to hang their coats and hats or put their keys on.
* A pretty photo frame can be used to not only decorate surface but include the WiFi details or other important information for your guests
Key Philosophy #3
BROAD APPEAL
To maximize Airbnb bookings, you want your property to have broad appeal to as wide a market as possible, without being generic and boring. But how to do that?
Look for pieces that give a comfortable modern aesthetic - my general rule of thumb is to stick with contemporary neutral pieces for the big ticket items, and bring in some pops of color and personality with easily changeable decorative pieces like wall art, cushions and paint.
Balance your personal preferences with the tastes and preferences of a wide range of guests. We all have things we like a certain way, but if your property is being offered up as an Airbnb you may need to rethink some of your personal likes to provide a more generally appealing guest experience. For example, you may not want to put window treatments in your bedroom so that guests can enjoy the spectacular view unobstructed and because you like waking up at sunset, but if your guests are anything like me, they want to sleep in a little on vacation and not be woken up at the crack of dawn by the first rays of sunshine!
A word of caution - you want your vacation rental property listing to stand out on Airbnb and show some personality but avoid going overboard with a theme or you risk crossing over from 'fun' into 'cheesy'. Just because it's a beach vacation rental, doesn't mean you have to decorate it with every beach and ocean themed decorative item you can lay your hands on!
Key Philosophy #4
AFFORDABLE EXCELLENCE
To get 5 star reviews, you need to make your guests feel exactly that - like a valued guest, and not a rental transaction.
And you don’t need to spend a fortune to get that result. Small, inexpensive additions to your short term rental can make all the difference in putting your guests in the mood for a 5 star review, and even give a touch of luxury without breaking the bank.
Some easy and inexpensive ideas for your Airbnb guest experience are:
A welcome gift - a bottle of wine; some local specialties to your area
Small individual toiletries;
Some beach chairs if you have a beachside property;
An up to date, informative local guide to restaurants, home delivery services, supermarkets, public transport and other amenities your guests may want to use
Some luxurious feeling bathrobes.
So get creative and make your guests feel the love, and give you 5 star reviews in return!
Key Philosophy #5
WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER
Look for ways to automate and organize the running of your vacation rental home so that you can keep getting 5 star reviews with less effort.
* Review your vacation rental inventory checklist and figure out any items that you need to regularly restock and replace (like toilet paper, cleaning supplies), and then sign up to a subscription service that will send you those items. It's one less thing for you to think about, just put it on auto-pilot.
* Use technology to make your check-ins and organization as streamlined as possible - digital Smart Lock keypads with changeable codes, automated services like noise monitors and energy monitoring, or apps for streamlined communication and organization. There are some fantastic services out there designed specifically for Airbnb hosts once you start looking.
* Anticipate your guests needs and their Frequently Asked Questions during the stay and make that information easy for them to access and find, either before their stay or on arrival at your Airbnb property. Have QR codes for an easily updateable information guide that you can send via message or within an app to your guests. Let's face it - you love your guests, but the less they need to contact you during the stay, the better!
Remember that your vacation rental home is a business and look for ways to Work Smarter, Not Harder.
So make these 5 Philosophies the framework in which you make decisions about what to put in your Airbnb for greater success. At Get It Rental Ready, we're dedicated to helping Airbnb hosts and property managers overcome the challenges of furnishing vacation rentals. Our proven formula ensures that you can create exceptional guest experiences without the overwhelming stress.
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Together, let's Get It Rental Ready and transform your vacation rental into a sought-after destination that guests can't help but rave about.
