A successful changeover is a repeatable handover, not simply a quick tidy. Agree this checklist with your cleaning team and adapt it to the property. It describes a practical workflow; your booking confirmation determines which tasks and supplies are included.
1. Check access and assess the departure
- Confirm the guests have left and the team has authorised access.
- Check for damage, missing items and left belongings before moving things.
- Report problems privately to the host; avoid photographing personal information unnecessarily.
- Check clean linen and agreed consumables are available.
2. Prepare bedrooms and linen
- Remove used bedding and towels and keep them separate from clean stock.
- Inspect mattresses and protectors visually; flag stains or damage.
- Dust accessible furniture, headboards, skirting boards and bedside surfaces.
- Make beds with the agreed linen and check the correct sizes and quantities.
- Check beneath accessible furniture without moving heavy or unsafe items.
3. Clean bathrooms
Clean toilets, basins, baths and showers using appropriate products and separate cloths. Pay attention to taps, mirrors, screens, the space behind the toilet and accessible skirting boards. Follow product dilution and contact-time instructions. Never mix cleaning chemicals. Replace towels and agreed toiletries after dirty work is complete.
4. Reset the kitchen
Deal with agreed dishes and dishwasher tasks, clean worktops, sink and hob, and check guest-accessible appliance surfaces. Inspect the fridge for items to remove under the host instructions. An oven deep clean, a full fridge clean or cleaning inside every cupboard should be booked separately if outside the turnover scope.
5. Living spaces and floors
Reset cushions and agreed furnishings, dust surfaces and clean visible fingerprints from suitable glass. Vacuum methodically from the furthest room towards the exit. Move only light furniture that can be handled safely, then mop suitable floors using a method compatible with their finish.
6. Final inspection and handover
- Check beds, bathrooms and kitchen from the guest perspective.
- Confirm agreed consumables and guest instructions are in place.
- Report leaks, broken items or other concerns rather than attempting unapproved repairs.
- Secure windows, doors and keys according to the property instructions.
- Send an agreed completion update and only appropriate photographs.
Allow enough time for a genuine reset
Give the cleaner the real changeover window and a contact who can approve extra work. A longer departure clean or missing linen may affect arrival readiness. Keep a plan for notifying guests if the property cannot be handed over as scheduled.
Need a repeatable service? Explore Airbnb changeovers and linen hire or compare the budgeting guides for Glasgow and Edinburgh.