Airbnb Turnover Checklist: Guest-Ready Every Time

Housekept started with a single Airbnb in the Shoalhaven, so we know how much rides on a smooth turnover. Guests check out in the morning, the next ones arrive in the afternoon, and everything in between has to be spotless, restocked and photo-ready.

This Airbnb turnover checklist covers what to do between guests, in the order that saves the most time, plus the mistakes that quietly cost hosts reviews.

Why turnovers make or break your reviews

Cleanliness is one of the categories guests rate on Airbnb, and it’s often the first thing mentioned in a review, good or bad. A stray hair in the shower or a stained pillowcase is small, but guests notice. A consistent turnover routine protects your ratings, and strong reviews help your listing stand out.

The turnover timeline

1. Walk-through. Check for damage, lost property and anything left behind. Photograph problems straight away.
2. Strip the beds. Start the linen wash (or bag it for collection) before you begin cleaning.
3. Clean top to bottom. Dust first, then wipe surfaces, then clean floors last.
4. Remake the beds. Fresh linen, pillows plumped, decor arranged.
5. Restock. Toilet paper, soap, tea and coffee, dishwashing liquid and bin liners.
6. Final walk-through. Check every room the way a guest would, then take photos for your records.

Room-by-room checklist

Entrance and living areas

• Wipe door handles, light switches and remote controls
• Dust surfaces, shelves and TV screens
• Vacuum sofas, rugs and floors, and check under furniture
• Straighten cushions and throws

Kitchen

• Empty the dishwasher and check the crockery is clean
• Wipe benches, cooktop, sink and the outside of appliances
• Clear the fridge of left-behind food
• Check the microwave, kettle and toaster
• Empty bins and replace liners

Bedrooms

• Change all linen and check pillows and doonas for stains
• Dust bedside tables and lamps, and look under the bed
• Check wardrobes and drawers are empty
• Arrange pillows and decor the way you want guests to find them

Bathrooms

• Disinfect the toilet, shower, basin and taps
• Polish mirrors and glass so they’re streak-free
• Check drains for hair
• Fresh towels, bath mats and a full set of toiletries

Outdoor areas

• Sweep decks and patios and wipe outdoor furniture
• Empty outdoor bins
• Check the BBQ. If it needs a deep clean, note it and take photos

Linen and restocking

Linen is where many hosts lose the most time. Keep at least one full spare set per bed so a turnover never depends on the washing machine finishing in time, and rotate sets so they wear evenly. Keep a stock list of consumables and top it up on every visit rather than when something runs out. If handling laundry yourself isn’t practical, professional linen hire takes it off your plate.

Common turnover mistakes

• Rushing the details. Hair in the bathroom and dust under the bed are what guests notice.
• Inconsistent linen. Mismatched or worn sets don’t look five-star in photos or in person.
• Not documenting damage. Photos and notes protect you if you need to raise a claim.
• Running out of consumables. A missing toilet roll is a review waiting to happen.
• Poor communication. If your cleaner isn’t sure about access, timing or your standards, mistakes follow.

When to hand turnovers to a professional

Doing turnovers yourself works for one property and a flexible schedule. It gets harder with back-to-back bookings, more than one property, or when you’re away. Our Airbnb and holiday rental cleaning covers the full turnover: cleaning, bed-making and linen refresh, restocking essentials and presentation, scheduled around your guest checkout.

Turnover pricing starts from $237 for a studio or one-bedroom and goes up to $688 for seven bedrooms (including GST, correct as at October 2026). A 25% loading applies on Saturdays, 50% on Sundays and 100% on public holidays. Extra time beyond the included hours is charged at $88 per hour, per cleaner (including GST), in 15-minute blocks, rounded up, and supported with photos or notes.

Airbnb turnover FAQs

How long does a turnover take?

It depends on the property size. Our turnovers include from 2.5 labour hours for a studio or one-bedroom up to 8 for a seven-bedroom home, and with more than one cleaner, the time on site is shorter.

Can you handle the linen?

Yes. Professional linen hire is available as an add-on, and other laundry services are quoted separately.

Do you service holiday rentals outside Sydney?

Yes. We look after short-stay properties across the Shoalhaven, Illawarra and Sydney. See our service areas to check yours.

Want turnovers off your to-do list? Book an Airbnb clean or get in touch.