Home Preparation

Transform your home into a memorable experience for your guests with this all-inclusive guide.

Shopping List for Each Guest Stay

Essential items in each stay:

Pre-made packages:

Boulder food products:

Colorado Gifts:

Sparkling Water:

Flowers:

Let's Prepare your home!

  1. Storing all personal belongings
  2. Providing separate, white guest linens and towels
  3. Dust A/C vents, grids, and fans; test A/C and fans
  4. Check and clean all windows (interior), AND close and lock all windows before leaving
  5. Check for pest control service needs
  6. Check for stains on carpets, rugs, furniture, or curtains
  7. Disinfect high-touch surfaces such as handles, doorknobs, and counters
  8. Discard paper plates, plastic cups, plastic cutlery, and paper/plastic bags
  9. Walk through and check the home is not only clean but staged attractively
  1. Remove trash and recyclables; clean and sanitize trash can and replace trash bags
  2. Clean and disinfect counters, cabinets, tables, and chairs
  3. Clean range top and wipe inside of oven
  4. Clean, scrub, and sanitize sinks and backsplashes
  5. Clean and disinfect appliances (interiors and exteriors), including the inside of toaster oven, microwave, coffee maker, and phone
  6. Empty and clean inside and outside of refrigerator and freezer (check ice quantity and quality) – we recommend adding a mini fridge in your garage and moving your fridge/freezer items there
  7. Wash floor (sweep or mop)
  8. Wipe down windows and windowsills
  9. Refill soap dispenser(s) – see instructions here
  10. Put out clean dish towels, and a new sponge
  11. Ensure all dishes, utensils, pots and pans are clean and arranged in a visually appealing way
  12. Clean and disinfect flatware, tableware, glasses, and mugs
  1. Change sheets and pillowcases — use “hotel-quality” sheets and bed making
  2. Check for wear and tear and clean/replace mattress pad, pillows, pillow protectors, sheets, and blankets
  3. Vacuum floor and under beds
  4. Remove trash and clean trash cans
  5. Check for personal belongings or trash left in drawers, closets, under the bed, behind the headboards, and behind nightstands
  6. Dust window sills and ledges
  7. Dust furniture, knickknacks, ceiling fans, blinds, and windowsills and clean mirrors
  8. Ensure clocks are on correct time and outlets are available for phone charging
  9. Clean and disinfect stereos, game systems, TVs, and remotes
  10. Ensure closets are emptied and stocked with appropriate number of hangers, floors fans, humidifier (if applicable), extra-clean blankets, and pillows in plastic storage bag/bin
  11. Wash linens at highest temperature and dry completely before storing
  1. Clean and disinfect stereos, game systems, TVs and remotes
  2. Ensure welcome sheet/book is in a visible place and is in good condition
  3. Sweep, vacuum, and mop floors/carpets as applicable
  4. Check under cushions and couches for debris and other items
  5. Clean and straighten decor like pillows, blankets, etc.
  6. Dust window sills and ledges
  7. Dust and clean furniture, blinds, picture frames, knickknacks, ceiling fans, and lamps
  8. Make sure all board games, movies, and books are in good condition and neatly organized
  9. Wash windows (interior) and sliding glass doors
  10. Sweep
  11. If applicable, check fireplace has no ashes and firewood is neatly stacked
  1. Clean, scrub, disinfect, and sanitize showers, bathtubs, vanity, sink, and backsplashes
  2. Clean mirrors
  3. Clean and sanitize toilets (inside, outside, under the front, around the base, and behind)
  4. Sweep and mop floors
  5. Remove trash and clean trash cans
  6. Wash tile walls.
  7. Replenish soap, bathroom liquids, and amenities
  8. Replenish toilet paper (2 extra rolls under the sink)
  9. Set clean towels and shower mat — use “hotel-standard” staging
  10. Check for wear and tear or stains on towels
  11. Ensure shower curtains or doors are free of mold and water spots
  12. Wipe down windows and windowsills
  13. Clean dust and debris on vents and fans
  14. Clean and place hair dryer neatly under sink or in a drawer
  15. Ensure tissue box is sufficiently full
  16. Clean out drawers and cabinets
  1. Dispose of all trash and recycling
  2. Sweep
  3. Ensure all owner items stored in the garage are secure
  4. Sweep porch and dust off entry door
  5. Wipe off patio set and straighten; ensure cushions are in good condition and are out for upcoming guests
  6. Wipe down BBQ grill, ensure grilling tools are clean and that there’s enough propane (if applicable) for upcoming guests
  7. Ensure all outdoor lights are functioning
  8. Walk around the property to make sure all cigarette butts and pet scat have been removed
  1. Be sure washer and dryer are empty; clean out and wash lint trap
  2. Wipe down machines (including seal areas) 
  3. Wash floor (sweep or mop)
  4. Remove trash and clean trash cans
  5. Ensure laundry provisions are stocked (e.g., laundry detergent, dryer sheets, or fabric softener)
  6. Ensure iron, ironing board, and distilled water are available and easy to locate
  1. Store all valuables in a locked area
  2. Zip ties for cabinets
  3. Label personal areas (label maker)
  4. Use masking tape to secure drawers you don’t want guests to access – place HHC stickers over masking tape

 

Download Home Preparation & Setup Checklist here.

Setting you up for success

  • Mattress protector
  • Fitted sheet
  • Flat sheet
  • 4 pillows
  • 4 pillows protectors
  • 4 pillow cases
  • Comforter + Duvet cover
  • Optional: 2 decorative pillows
  • Mattress protector 
  • Fitted sheet
  • Flat sheet
  • 2 pillows
  • 2 pillows protectors
  • 2 pillow cases
  • Comforter + Duvet cover
  • Optional: 2 decorative pillows
  • Mattress protector 
  • Fitted sheet
  • Flat sheet
  • 1 pillows
  • 1 pillows protectors
  • 1 pillow cases
  • Comforter + Duvet cover
  • Extra: 1 decorative pillow
  • Bath towels (2 per guest)
  • Bath washcloth (2 per guest)
  • Hand towels (2 per guest)
  • Bath mat (1 per shower/tub)
  • Hairdryer 
  • Toiletries (Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap)
  • Toilet paper (new)
  • Extra: Robes and slippers (1 set per guest)
  • Hand towel 
  • Hands soap (Filled ‘like new’ and closed) 
  • Toilet paper (new)
  • Hand soap (Filled ‘like new’ and closed) 
  • Dish soap (Filled ‘like new’ and closed) 
  • New sponge (wrapped) 
  • Dish towel 
  • New paper towels
  • Basic Coffee Maker
  • Kitchen food essentials: Coffee, Cream, Sugar.
  • Alcohol of any kind (including wine!)
  • Bicycles, skateboards,  e-bikes, or outdoor equipment of any kind – for liability reasons.

 

Any questions? Don’t worry… We’ve got you covered!

Damages

Take photos/videos of every inch of the property BEFORE the guests check in to provide evidence of the condition beforehand. The process takes anywhere from 15 to 40 minutes.

We recommend to set aside approximately 5-10% of each booking to cover normal wear and tear for minor occurrences:

 

    • Upholstery cleaning
    • Replacing linens and pillows
    • Bleaching linens
    • Replacing chipped/missing water glasses
    • Replacing misc kitchen item
    • Others

AirCover for Hosts is top-to-bottom protection for Hosts. It includes guest identity verification, reservation screening, $3M Host damage protection, $1M Host liability insurance, $1M Experiences liability insurance, and a 24-hour safety line. Here’s how to get reimbursed if damage does happen during a stay: 

 

    • Gather evidence of the damage (photos, videos, estimates for repairs or cleaning, and/or receipts).
    • Within 14 days of the responsible guest’s checkout, file an AirCover for Hosts request through our Resolution Center.
    • After you submit your AirCover for Hosts request, your guest will have 24 hours to pay. If they decline to pay the full amount or don’t respond, you’ll be able to involve Airbnb Support. Keep in mind that if you want to involve Airbnb Support in your AirCover for Hosts request, you will need to do so and submit evidence of the damage within 30 days of the damage or loss.

HHC always collects $5,000 for insurance protection (charging the guest $119 through VRBO) for any and all damages. Damages above $5,000 will be placed towards your homeowners insurance. Maximum VRBO coverage $5,000.

Additional information here.

Let's get in touch

E-mail

info@hhctravel.com

Call us!

303.817.6668

Location

Boulder, CO

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