Preparing your home for guests.
This booklet is designed to give you ideas of the possibilities to consider when styling your home. Remember that each home is different, and the expectations of your guests can vary depending on location, property type, size and style. Whether you’re hosting for short stays or longer-term rentals, the best nightly rate comes from the best preparation. It is our intention to help you maximise your return and make the investment in your Escapes property enjoyable and rewarding. Visit our Sitchu website, www.sitchu.com.au, or pick up a Sitchu magazine to get your creative juices flowing. We can also help supply details of property stylists and furniture hire companies if you would like some assistance. Keep in mind the type of guest you would like to stay in your property. If you want to attract a premium daily rate, then your furnishings need to reflect this. Anything you supply with the property such as glassware and decor, should look lovely but be easily replaceable as accidents do happen from time to time. The best outcome for your property is to have guests who want to return for their holiday every year. What would make you want to keep coming back? Is it a welcome gift basket with lovely local food or quality cotton pillows and bedding? Keep your budget in mind because the options are endless. By following these tips and guidelines, you can create a welcoming and comfortable environment for your guests, ensuring a positive experience for everyone who visits your home. Remember to personalise the space and make your guests feel welcome and comfortable throughout their stay. We’ll discuss other set up possibilities that are unique to your property but here are our tips for setting up your Belle Property Escapes home. Where do you begin? Preparing your property to become a holiday home can be a lot of fun but also daunting. 1
Simplify and declutter The first step in preparing your home for guests is to simplify and declutter the space. Remove any unnecessary items and clutter to create a clean and inviting environment. Focus on creating open and spacious areas that allow guests to move freely and comfortably throughout your home. Neutralise and freshen Create a neutral and inviting atmosphere by choosing a cohesive colour scheme and adding personal touches to enhance the space. Freshen up carpets, soft furnishings and curtains regularly to keep the space smelling clean and inviting. Styling and atmosphere Add warmth and personality to your home with thoughtful styling and decor. Incorporate elements like fresh flowers, candles, and artwork to create a welcoming atmosphere that reflects your personal style. Lighting Use ‘warm-white’ light bulbs for a brighter appearance in your space. Soften potentially offending views, but always let light into your rooms. Consider replacing heavy curtains with something lighter. Living area Ensure the TV and entertaining area are functioning well, and all cords are as hidden as possible. Clean and organise all storage spaces to reflect stylish, easy living. Dining room Like the living area, your dining room should be an inviting part of your home. Consider setting the table for an informal meal and add an attractive centerpiece arrangement, like fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit. Interior. 2
Kitchen and bathroom care Create a clean and functional kitchen and bathroom for your guests to enjoy. Keep counter tops and surfaces clear and organised and provide essential amenities like fresh towels and toiletries. Bedroom comfort Make your guests feel at home by creating a comfortable and inviting bedroom space. Provide cosy bedding, ample storage, and personal touches to enhance their stay. Safety and functionality Prioritise safety and functionality throughout your home to ensure your guests’ comfort and well-being. Inspect stairways, lighting, and security features to minimise risks and hazards. Finishing touches Simple additions, such as a vase of flowers, an open book on the coffee table, or a basket of logs by the fireplace can make a room more attractive and appealing. 3
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Exterior. Maintenance Make a great first impression by maintaining your home’s exterior. Keep gardens and outdoor areas well-maintained and inviting, and ensure that driveways, pathways, and entryways are clean and clutter-free. We can assist with a professional maintenance service for lawns, gardens, and guttering. Entrance If the property has a driveway, it should be clean and easily accessible. Check for loose or missing tiles in walkways and clean any mildew or stains on exterior walls. Windows and doors Check to see that all doors and windows are in good working order from the exterior and inspect all locks to ensure they are functioning properly. Remove dust and cobwebs. Garage Sweep and wash the floor to remove dirt and stains. Organise tools and gardening equipment and bicycles, etc. A clean and organised garage always appears more spacious. The pool Make sure you give special attention to a pool – it must be sparkling clean. Also, make sure all safety signs are clean and easy to read and that gates and latches are working. 5
Three sets of keys • One set for our office – a full set of keys with keys to all locks. • One set for guests – this should have access keys only. • One set for cleaners – a full set of keys with keys to all locks. Key safe box / coded door • A coded key safe box on the property is the most convenient for guests and allows them to check in without worrying if they are running late. The box should be in an easily accessible, well lit location but not obvious to anyone walking past the property. • We can assist with having a lock box installed by a qualified installer. • Coded doors are also becoming popular and are an alternative. • Entry codes will only be supplied to your guest on their check-in day. Internet • Providing internet for guests is highly recommended. • The password will be kept in the property compendium for your guests to access. • Having apps available on smart TV’s or other devices allowing guests access to Spotify etc. can provide your guests extra offerings to make their stay more enjoyable. Foxtel, streaming services, movies • You can elect to allow guests access to Foxtel and Streaming Services. • Supplying DVD’s is another way of providing guests with options to relax and feel at home. The essentials. BBQ • If you have a BBQ at the property, please ensure you have appropriate utensils and cleaning products for guests to use. • A BBQ cover will help to keep your BBQ looking great. • If your BBQ needs bottled gas, please ensure you supply a full bottle. It’s a great idea to also have a second gas bottle, in case your guest runs out mid-BBQ on a Sunday afternoon. Fire extinguisher / fire blanket • In the event of a fire, these items will prove invaluable. • They will need to be checked regularly by the appropriate authority to ensure they remain compliant. 6
First aid kit Accidents happen and your guests will love having a basic first aid kit for such needs. Smoke alarms • There may be a legislative requirement for short term rental accommodation fire safety standard, smoke alarms, evacuation diagrams and STRA register. Please ensure you check with your property manager for what requirements are needed. • We have access to professional smoke alarm & fire safety compliance companies that can assist with keeping your property legislatively compliant. Pool and spas • If your property has a pool and/or a spa, there may be legislative requirements. • We have access to professional companies that can assist with keeping your pool safe and crystal clear. Heating and cooling • If your property has air conditioners, please make sure they are serviced and cleaned regularly. • Supplying heaters and/or fans can help to make your guests stay comfortable if no air conditioning is available. Other • Supplying a torch is helpful if the power goes out or if you have grounds around the property that your guests might like to explore. • Spare batteries for remotes or torches. • Any appliance supplied with the property will need to be in good working order and safe to use. • Operation manuals should be left on the property but make sure you either keep a copy - or keep the originals and supply a copy for the property. Insurance • You must have building, contents, and liability insurance. • Please make sure you speak to your insurer to understand their requirements around using your property for holiday rental and make sure you let us know what those requirements are. Inventory Have an inventory of everything at the property. We can assist with this, however, if you would like to supply your own inventory, please ensure you note everything at the property including Make and Model of appliances. Your insurer will rely on this document in the event of a claim, so, more detail is better along with clear photos that are dated. Linen and bedding Supplying good quality linen and bedding will give your guests a full holiday experience. You can supply your own or may be able to assist with a linen supply package. • All seasons quilt for each bed. • Pillows with protectors. • Mattress protectors. • 3 sets of linen for each bed in the property. • Extra cosy blankets and cushions are a great touch. 7
The kitchen. We recommend that any item supplied for guests to use in the kitchen be easy to replace and not of personal value. Anything valuable should be locked away for your personal use, if you choose to stay at any time, or removed from the property. Crockery and cutlery For each guest the property can accommodate: • 2 sets of general use cutlery. • Salad servers and general use utensils. • 2 sets of general use glassware. • 2 sets of cups/mugs. • 2 sets of white and red wine glassware and champagne flutes. • 2 sets of each type of plate/bowl. Cooking • 1 set of pots and pans of various sizes. • 1 set of oven pans/racks. • Mixing bowls of various sizes. • General use utensils – tongs, ladles, spatulas etc. • If the cooking facilities require specialist cleaning products, please ensure you supply a care document and appropriate cleaning products. Condiments • Salt and Pepper. • Sugar. • Butter. • Tea and Coffee. • Milk. • General use condiments – sauces and seasonings. • Tasting basket from local suppliers. Whitegoods • Fridge/Freezer. • Microwave. • Coffee machine. • Kettle. • Toaster/Sandwich maker. Other • Cookbooks. • Bin liners. • Storage containers / Tupperware. • Foil, baking paper, cling wrap. • Paper towel, tissues. • Soap, dishwashing liquid, dishwasher tablets. Bathroom • Hair dryer. • Bathrobes. • Toilet paper, tissues. • Soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner. Laundry • Washing powder and softener. • Iron and ironing board. • Washing machine and dryer. • Vacuum and/or broom. • General purpose cleaning items – cloths, sprays. • Air drying facility. 8
Added extras Providing little extras can add to the holiday experience and keep your guests coming back again and again. • Help your guests to enjoy the outdoors. • Beach/Pool towels. • Beach umbrella. • Picnic basket and rug. • Sunscreen, insect repellent, hats. • Outdoor games, balls etc. • Emergency raincoats. • Shopping bags. Of course, everyone has a budget, and you can easily overspend in trying to create the best space possible for your guests. This list is purposefully generic, we will work with you personally to tailor the best options for your property and your target guests. Insurers, local planning laws, strata by-laws and state legislation may also be impacted by offering your property as a short-term rental, so please be sure to consider this and undertake any investigation needed. As your local expert, we can assist you with understanding and compliance with these requirements. 9
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