Guests judge your Airbnb the moment they walk in the door. A rushed turnover is the fastest way to earn a bad review, and a great turnover is one of the easiest ways to earn a five-star one. This free checklist is built for Austin hosts who want a fast, reliable way to reset a short-term rental between guests.
Why Turnover Quality Matters
On Airbnb and Vrbo, cleanliness is its own star rating category. A single bad cleanliness score can drag down your overall rating for months, and guests read those scores before they book. A tight turnover checklist protects your rating, your reviews, and your income.
Kitchen
- Wash, dry, and put away every dish, pot, and utensil
- Wipe down counters, stovetop, and the outside of appliances
- Clean the inside of the microwave
- Empty the refrigerator of any leftover guest food and wipe shelves
- Restock coffee, tea, sugar, and any other supplies you provide
- Take out all trash and recycling, and replace liners
- Check that the coffee maker and toaster are clean and working
Bathrooms
- Scrub the toilet, tub, and shower
- Replace all towels with fresh ones, folded or arranged the way guests expect
- Restock toilet paper, soap, and shampoo
- Wipe down the mirror, sink, and counter
- Check the trash can is empty and lined
- Sweep and mop the floor
Bedrooms
- Strip and replace all bedding with fresh, wrinkle-free linens
- Check under the bed and in drawers for anything a guest left behind
- Fluff pillows and arrange them the way they appear in your listing photos
- Vacuum or sweep the floor
- Dust nightstands, dressers, and lamps
- Check closet hangers are in place
Living Areas and Common Spaces
- Fluff and arrange couch cushions and throw blankets
- Dust surfaces, shelves, and electronics
- Vacuum or mop floors
- Check remote controls have working batteries and are visible
- Wipe down light switches and door handles
- Check windows and mirrors for smudges
Before You Leave
- Reset the thermostat to your standard guest setting
- Check that all lights work and replace any dead bulbs
- Walk through with your listing photos open, so the space matches what guests booked
- Lock up and confirm the door code or lockbox is reset for the next guest
- Take a few quick photos in case any damage needs to be reported to the previous guest
Print this list and tape it inside a cabinet, or save it on your phone so it is ready every time you have a turnover coming up.
