HOLIDAY HOME CHANGEOVER CHECKLIST

Written by

Libby Goodsearles

Head of Marketing

Reviewed by

Emily Young

Content & Digital Marketing Executive

Own a holiday home? Download our useful holiday home changeover checklist to help with maintenance and cleaning between guest stays.

The changeover between guests is always a busy time with routine tasks, checks and preparations that you need to make before the next set of holidaymakers arrive. To be sure that you don’t miss anything, try our handy checklist below!

1. Draw up a cleaning checklist

To ensure that nothing is missed during the regular cleaning sessions, it’s helpful to draw up a list of all the cleaning tasks to be completed.

This can typically include:

• Empty bins, put in new bin liners.
• Collect all bedding, towels, bath mats, tea towels and dish cloths for the laundry.
• Empty the fridge, discarding any remaining food. Wipe the inside with antibacterial spray.
• Check the oven is empty. Wipe the insides with oven cleaner.
• Check the microwave is empty. Take out, wash and dry the microwave plate. Wipe the insides with antibacterial spray.
• Shake the toaster tray out into the sink. (This one often gets forgotten!)
• Wash up any dirty utensils, crockery, cutlery and replace in the drawers and cupboards.
• Wipe all kitchen surfaces with antibacterial spray.
• Spray floor cleaning liquid on the kitchen floor and mop thoroughly with clean hot water. Allow to dry.
• Wipe all bathroom surfaces with antibacterial spray.
• Clean shower with limescale remover and then antibacterial spray. Rinse thoroughly.
• Clean toilet with toilet cleaner. Pour some toilet disinfectant in the pan.
• Dust all surfaces including the skirting boards in sitting areas and bedrooms, and window blinds.
• Check inside all the wardrobes, drawers and cupboards to make sure no items have been left behind. If there are a few forgotten items, remove them and contact the previous guests for retrieval arrangements later.
• Wipe the doors and window frames if there are any marks or grease.
• Vacuum throughout the property, across all carpets and hard surface floors. Move furniture to vacuum underneath in all rooms. (You’d be amazed where people look for dust!)
• Make the beds with fresh linens, and replace towels, tea towels and dishcloths with new ones.
• Check that the outside of the property looks neat and tidy. Mow the lawn, weed the flowerbeds, and sweep the porch to remove leaves or rubbish.

With the cleaning done you should also take the time to double check on a few health and safety issues. This is in your best interests as a business owner, as well as being important to the safety of your guests.

WANT TO KEEP THIS LIST? DOWNLOAD OUR HELPFUL GUIDE: HOLIDAY HOME CHECKLIST PDF

2. CHECK SAFETY MEASURES

Test smoke detectors and check that torches and remote controls have working batteries, and replace if necessary.

Check that the fire extinguishers and fire blanket are all still in the property and haven’t been tampered with.

Check that all the lights have working light bulbs, and replace as necessary.

3. check for missing/damaged items

Check the inventory list and note down any items that are missing from the property. Make a note to charge the last guests for any missing or broken items.

Check that the Guest Book is still in the property and in good condition. Note down any comments that need to be followed up.

Check that your property information and local information leaflets are still in the property and are not in need of swapping for cleaner or newer editions.

4. make sure KEY INFORMATION FOR GUESTS IS IN PLACE

Don’t forget to include emergency telephone contact details for a plumber, electrician, yourself and the local police station.

Check that the keys that have been returned work in the doors. Arrange for the keys to be in the agreed place for collection by your next guests.

5. time for the finishing touches

Put a welcome pack of food in the kitchen: bread, butter, milk, jam, biscuits, tea bags, coffee and sugar.

You could even arrange a fruit basket, a floral display, some chocolates or a bottle of wine for your guests to really make a great first impression.

6. chECK YOUR HOLIDAY HOME INSURANCE

First things first! If your holiday home insurance is due to expire soon, try getting a quote from Homeprotect. .