What to do with personal belongings in your Airbnb

Ever paused to consider the balance between showcasing your home's charm and safeguarding your personal items in your Airbnb? It's not about emptying your space of personality but creating a welcoming environment where your valuables are safely tucked away, yet the essence of home warmly greets every guest.

When you host Airbnb guests, there are personal belongings you're better off tucking away and other things you should consider leaving around for your guests to use. This list doesn't include any extras you’ll need to go and buy (we have another post about that): they’re simply things most of you will already have around your home.

What to do with personal belongings before you rent out an Airbnb

1. Make sure to get insurance

One of the first steps you should take before renting out your property is to get insurance. This helps protect you from different types of damage and loss in your property.

And while Airbnb does offer AirCover and a straightforward damage claim process for both hosts and guests, extra-comprehensive coverage wouldn't hurt. Talk to one of our Airbnb management experts to learn more about the best insurance for your short-term rental:

2. Leave out anything your guests might need

By thoughtfully curating the items you leave out for guests, you transform your Airbnb from just another rental to a warm, welcoming home from home. These touches not only elevate the guest experience but also reflect the thoughtful hospitality that can set your listing apart.

Check out our list of key guest necessities:

• Entertainment items: A collection of books, board games, and movies can turn any rainy day into a cosy holiday. It's these small touches that make your space feel lived-in and inviting, offering guests a peek into your world while providing comfort and entertainment.
• Local menus & recommendations: Sharing menus from your favourite local spots offers guests an insider’s guide to the best eats in town. It's a simple way to connect them with the local culture and make their stay memorable.
• Bathroom essentials: The absence of a hairdryer or forgetting basic toiletries can be a minor inconvenience that sticks with guests. Including these items, especially in small bottles, adds a luxurious touch, making the bathroom feel like a mini-spa.
• Kitchen staples: Inviting guests to indulge in a home-cooked meal or a simple cup of tea starts with the basics. Stocking the kitchen with essentials like spices, oils, and coffee not only encourages a homely feel but also shows thoughtfulness.
  • Need help figuring out what you need for the kitchen in your short term rental? Check out our recommendations for Airbnb kitchen essentials!‍
• Comfort items: Comfort doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all. Extra pillows and blankets allow guests to customise their sleeping arrangements, ensuring a restful night for everyone.‍
• Cleaning products: There are bound to be little accidents, and they shouldn’t be a hassle for your guests. Keeping a well-stocked supply of cleaning essentials on hand empowers guests to take care of spills and keeps your space pristine.

3. Hide your personal belongings

Securing your personal items doesn't have to feel like a fortress lockdown. By adding a secure spot in your property, be it a locked drawer, cupboard, or room, you can safeguard your valuables and sensitive information, ensuring peace of mind for you and a comfortable stay for your guests.

Personal belongings you should hide include:

• Money and valuables: We're all for assuming the best in people, but let's not leave temptation at their fingertips. Whether it's a priceless watch handed down in your family or just a bit of cash in a drawer, it's about peace of mind. Consider a secure spot—maybe a locked cupboard or a small, unobtrusive safe that allows you to hide the small things away.
• Your wardrobe: Imagine walking into a space and finding someone else's clothes hanging in the closet. A bit weird, right? Clear out personal clothing and make room for guests' items—think of offering them a blank canvas to settle into. A few empty drawers and hangers can make all the difference in making guests feel at home, not like they're intruding.
• Personal documents: From bank statements to letters, some items are just too personal for guests' eyes. A locked file cabinet or a secure spot out of sight keeps your privacy intact and avoids any awkward moments.
• Prescription medicine: It’s great to be prepared for minor mishaps, but prescription medications are a different story. Secure them away to prevent any accidents. A simple lockbox or a private drawer can be key to ensuring everyone's safety.

Partner with Hometime for a seamless Airbnb hosting experience

At Hometime, we’re here to help you achieve great Airbnb experiences. With our dedicated local hosts, cleaning partners and housekeeping, we ensure your property not only stands out but also provides a seamless and memorable stay for every guest.

• Property onboarding: We’ll help you navigate Airbnb regulations in Australia to list your home on Airbnb as quickly as we can so you can start getting bookings ASAP.
• Listing optimisation: Our team constantly works on improving your listing using Airbnb SEO and Airbnb styling and professional real-estate photography. We also create detailed guides for your guests for a local touch that help you get great Airbnb reviews.
• Airbnb cleaning services: We’ll find the best cleaners for regular cleans and restocking between stays, paid for using the built-in cleaning fee from the booking. No need to pay out of pocket between guest stays.
• Revenue and booking management: Hometime’s pricing analysts and market experts use Airbnb dynamic pricing strategies and customised minimum night settings to optimise your revenue while increasing short-term rental occupancy at the same time. We also list your property on various Airbnb alternatives in Australia to further enhance your reach.
• Guest communication and management: We go the extra mile to ensure your guests enjoy every part of their stay, from making the booking, checking in, checking out, and everything in between. This includes taking care of maintenance issues quickly, providing alternatives for late-night arrivals, and even meeting them in person when needed!‍
• Property maintenance: Hometime’s local Airbnb experts will sort out all your maintenance needs to make both you and your guests happy. We’ll also do our best to get you the best rates for services in the area due to our close relationships with local businesses.
• Access to Hometime's all-in-one property management software to manage your Airbnb remotely.

Thinking of giving your Airbnb that professional edge? Reach out to Hometime today to learn more about our Airbnb management services in Ausutralia and get a complimentary earnings estimate: