I love to travel, and visit new and unique places. One of the travel trends that seems to have popped up lately allows people with spare rooms to rent those spaces out to vacationers. I mean, even Beyonce is utilizing services like Airbnb and VRBO! Hello!!
As a result, homeowners can earn a bit of income and travelers get a comfortable and unique place to rest. If you’re thinking about making a room in your home available, there are several things you can do to prepare it for guests.
Keep a Basket Stocked with Toiletries
Head to a discount store and buy basic toiletry items such as oral care supplies, tissues and bars of soap. Then, keep all those products in a basket on the nightstand in your guest room. That way, if a weary traveler realizes he or she forgot something essential, a replacement item may not be far away.
Maximize Available Storage Space
People commonly use guest rooms as storage spaces for items they don’t use consistently, such as seasonal clothing. If that’s a usual practice in your household, make sure to store things in an organized way so your houseguests still have as much room as possible for their own items.
If possible, keep personal possessions on high shelves or under the bed. Then, they’ll be well out of the way when people are residing in the room.
Provide Helpful Information
Remember that renters from Airbnb or HomeAway may not be familiar with your area. Consider creating a laminated information card that gives tips and insight for your guest room occupant. For example, does the shower normally take at least a minute to fully heat up? Do you have a home security system that must be disarmed with a code? Providing information that answers these questions and others could cut down on anxiety and uncertainty.
Offer Enough Towels and Blankets
Since sleeping and bathing habits vary, it can be hard to predict how many towels and blankets a guest might need. When it doubt, supply more than you think is necessary.
It’s also useful to buy towels and blankets that you use specifically for guests in a distinctive hue or pattern. That way, you can open your linen closet and spot them with a glance, making it possible to quickly get the room ready for someone who’s about to arrive.
Take Pest Control Measures
Whenever you have guests regularly staying in your home, the chance of pest infestations, such as bed bug problems, rises. A bed bug infestation does not necessarily mean your home is unclean. Even four-star hotels occasionally deal with bed bug issues.
Bed bugs can get transferred from one place to another by crawling into suitcases or onto articles or clothing. If there’s a chance a houseguest recently stayed in a place with bed bugs, you may find them in your home, too.
Frequently welcoming guests into your home can allow you to enjoy good company while possibly earning a little money. The tips you’ve just read make it simple to create a home-like environment during short-term stays.
