A successful vacation rental is not simply clean—it is ready. Guests should be able to arrive, settle in and find the essentials without contacting the host for missing items.
Use this checklist before every arrival.
Bedroom
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Clean, high-quality linens
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Mattress and pillow protectors
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Extra pillows and blankets
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Bedside lighting
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Blackout curtains or blinds
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Hangers and luggage space
Bathroom
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Fresh towels, hand towels, facecloths and bath mat
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Toilet paper plus an easily located spare supply
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Shampoo, conditioner and body wash
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Hand soap
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Body lotion when appropriate
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Makeup remover wipes to help protect towels
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Hair dryer
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Wastebasket with liner
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Clean toilet brush and plunger stored discreetly
Individual hotel-size toiletries or clean, maintained dispensers can both work. Whatever format is used, every product should be full, tidy and ready for the new guest.
Kitchen
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Coffee maker, coffee and tea
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Kettle
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Cookware, utensils and dinnerware
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Sharp knife and cutting board
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Dish soap, sponge and dishwasher detergent if required
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Paper towels and garbage bags
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Basic pantry items such as salt, pepper and cooking oil
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Clearly labelled recycling and waste instructions
Cleanliness and Safety
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Sanitized high-touch surfaces
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Empty garbage bins
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No food or personal items left by previous guests
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Working smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms
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Fire extinguisher and first-aid kit
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Clear emergency contact information
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Secure doors and windows
Connectivity and Entertainment
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Fast, reliable Wi-Fi
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Simple Wi-Fi instructions
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Smart television or streaming access where advertised
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Charging access near beds and seating areas
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Instructions for remotes, heating and air conditioning
Guest Information
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Check-in and checkout instructions
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House rules written clearly and respectfully
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Parking information
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Local restaurant and attraction recommendations
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Contact instructions for urgent and non-urgent issues
The Final Walk-Through
Enter the property as though you were the guest. Check the temperature, lighting, smell and overall presentation. Turn on taps, test the Wi-Fi and confirm that toiletries and paper products are stocked.
A thoughtful final inspection catches small problems before they become public reviews. Guests remember properties that feel prepared, comfortable and easy to use.