Nearly finished with first 5 stays

[Kerry Baird]

My fifth set of guests are nearing the end of their stay.  I have done much of the work myself, with my kids earning a few dollars for a summer job cleaning at change-over.  

I set up VRBO first, and got my first booking, which is still six months off.  So, I am not counting that guest.  Nor the first scammy contact I received.

All of the others have come from AirBnb, largely because of their push to have me lower my pricing, and take the first few with automatic booking.  

I have two sets of sheets for each room (K, Q and 2 doubles), and my biggest concern is the time needed to wash and dry mattress pads, sheets, and quilts. On one of the quick turns, I took everything to the laundromat and spent about $70, and stayed up until the wee hours.  The cleaning itself can be done in the timeframe I have between checkout to check in, from 11 to 4.  I am pondering drop off laundry service, but am concerned about the cost.  Or just blocking out a day after each visit, instead of doing a quick turn.  Suggestions?

I’ve gotten the first 3 5-star reviews on airbnb, but none on VRBO...my first booking on that platform is coming up next. 

A few things have broken: patio screen door handle was pulled off, as well as the spring. Someone got locked out, called me, and then realized they left the slider unlocked.  My Nest has become unplugged so I can’t monitor the lock. I also had a local host “book” a zero day stay, so he could tell me he’s being fined $5000 for having no short term license, and he wants to join together to fight “the man.” So I have had a few bumps.  

I do not feel anything like an expert with just a month under my belt in the short term space. However, I think it is helpful for others to read about the first few steps along the path.