How To Setup An Airbnb

Welcome to the world of Airbnb hosting! If you’re new to the game and feeling a bit overwhelmed, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Setting up an Airbnb can be a lot of work, but with the right planning and preparation, it can also be a lot of fun. In this article, we’re going to walk you through the process step by step and give you some helpful tips and tricks to make your journey as smooth and successful as possible. So grab a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and let’s get started on creating the perfect Airbnb!

Staging and Interior Design for your Airbnb

Start by decluttering your space. Get rid of anything that you don’t need or use, and make sure the space is clean and organized. Start by going room by room and taking everything out of closets, drawers, and cabinets. Sort through your items and decide what to keep, what to donate, and what to throw away. Once your space is decluttered, give it a deep clean. This will make it feel fresh and new and will give you a clean slate to work with.

• Look for second-hand furniture and decor at thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces.
• Look for pieces that can be repurposed or refreshed with a coat of paint or new hardware.
• Consider rearranging the furniture or using it in a different room than intended to give it a new look.

Use neutral colors for the walls and furniture. This will help make the space feel more inviting and will be more appealing to potential guests. Neutral colors include shades of white, gray, beige, and taupe. These colors are calming and soothing and will help create a sense of spaciousness in the room. You can add pops of color with accessories such as throw pillows, blankets, or artwork.

• Look for paint samples at your local home improvement store or online.
• Choose a neutral color that will be more appealing to potential guests.
• Consider painting just one wall as an accent wall to bring some color to the space without overwhelming it.
• Read our article on how to decorate your Airbnb

Use high-quality linens and towels. This will make the space feel more luxurious and will help guests feel more comfortable. Invest in high-quality bedding, such as 100% cotton sheets, and fluffy white towels. Make sure to have extra sets of linens on hand for guests, and consider providing a robe and slippers for added comfort.

• Look for deals on textiles at discount stores or online marketplaces.
• Use throw pillows, blankets and curtains to add warmth and texture to the space.
• Use different patterns and textures to create interest and depth in the space.

Add some personal touches, like plants or artwork. This will help make the space feel more like a home and will be more inviting to guests. Plants can help purify the air, and art can add personality to the space. You can add a few small plants to the room, like succulents or herbs, and choose artwork that reflects the style of your space.

• Look for plants in your local community, or ask friends or family if they have any to give away.
• You can also take cuttings from plants you already have and propagate them.
• Place the plants in different areas of the room to create a cohesive and natural look.

Take high-quality photos of your space. These photos will be the first thing that potential guests see, so it’s important to make a good first impression. Use a good camera and take photos during the day when there is plenty of natural light. Take photos of each room, including the kitchen and bathroom, and make sure to capture any special Use natural light: Natural light can be used to create stunning and dramatic photographs. Take advantage of the natural light available in the room, such as sunlight streaming through windows or skylights.

• Use a tripod: Using a tripod will help you keep your camera steady and eliminate any camera shake, which can blur your photos. A tripod also allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without the need for a flash.
• Use a wide-angle lens: A wide-angle lens will allow you to capture more of the room in a single photograph and can also create an illusion of space.
• Use editing software: Post-processing your photos can help you correct color, adjust brightness and contrast, and remove any unwanted elements from the photograph. Some popular editing software options include Lightroom and Photoshop.
• Experiment with different angles and perspectives: Try shooting from different angles and perspectives to create more interesting and dynamic photos. Take photos from above, below, and at eye level to give a good sense of the space.
• Hire a professional photographer: If you don’t feel confident in your photography skills, you can hire a professional photographer to take high-quality photos of your property. Look for a photographer who specializes in real estate photography and has a portfolio of work that you like.

Home Automation for your Airbnb

Home automation can be a great way for Airbnb hosts to improve operational efficiency and enhance the guest experience. Setting up your home with some of the state-of-the-art smart home devices can really help elevate the percieved value of your property. Here are some tips on how to set up home automation in your Airbnb:

Invest in a smart lock. Smart locks allow guests to check in and out of your property without the need for keys. This can save you time and hassle, and it also provides an added layer of security for your property. Some popular smart lock options include August Smart Lock and Nest x Yale Lock. To install a smart lock, you will need to first purchase the lock and then follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

• August Smart Lock Pro: This lock allows guests to enter the property using their smartphone, and it also includes a keypad for guests who prefer to use a code. It also has a feature called “Auto-Unlock” that automatically unlocks the door when the guest is near the property.
• Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt: This lock allows guests to enter the property using their smartphone and also includes a keypad. It also has a feature that allows you to set up to 30 access codes for guests, cleaners, or other people who may need access to the property.
• Kwikset 916 Smart Lock: This lock allows guests to enter the property using their smartphone, and it also includes a keypad. It has a feature called “SmartKey Security” that helps to prevent lock picking and bumping.
• Nest x Yale Lock: This lock allows guests to enter the property using their smartphone, and it also includes a keypad. It has a feature called “Auto-Lock” that automatically locks the door after it’s been opened and left unlocked for a certain period of time.
• Keycafe: In some situations a smart lock might not work for the checkin process. As an alternative consider using a smart key management system such as Keycafe.

Set up a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats allow you to control the temperature in your property remotely, which can save you money on energy costs. Additionally, it provides guests with the ability to control the temperature in the space, which can improve their experience. Some popular smart thermostat options include Nest Learning Thermostat and Ecobee Smart Thermostat.

• Nest Learning Thermostat: This thermostat learns your temperature preferences over time and can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule. It also has a feature called “Remote Control” that allows you to adjust the temperature from your smartphone.
• Ecobee SmartThermostat: This thermostat has a feature called “Room Sensors” that can detect temperature and occupancy in different rooms, allowing you to adjust the temperature accordingly.
• Honeywell T9 Smart Thermostat: This thermostat has a feature called “Geofencing” that can detect when you’re away from home and automatically adjust the temperature accordingly.
• Sensi Touch Smart Thermostat: This thermostat allows you to control the temperature from your smartphone, and it also has a feature called “Vacation Mode” that allows you to set a specific temperature schedule when you’re away from home.

Use smart lighting. Smart lighting allows you to control the lighting in your property remotely, which can save you money on energy costs. Additionally, it provides guests with the ability to control the lighting in the space, which can improve their experience. Some popular smart lighting options include Philips Hue and LIFX.

Install a smart security camera. A smart security camera can provide an added layer of security for your property and can also help you keep an eye on your property while you’re away. Some popular smart security camera options include Nest Cam and Ring Spotlight Cam. Always remember that no cameras should be inside the unit. All cameras need to be exterior cameras and need to be disclosed to your guests.

Use a smart home hub. A smart home hub can be used to control all of your smart devices in one place. This can make it easier for you to manage your devices and can also improve the guest experience by allowing them to control all of the smart devices in the property from one central location. Some popular smart home hub options include Amazon Echo and Google Home.

By implementing these home automation tips, you can save time and money while providing guests with a more comfortable and convenient experience.

Using Vacation Rental Software to Setup & Automate Your Airbnb

Use a property management system (PMS) to streamline your operations. A PMS can help you keep track of reservations, communicate with guests, and handle payments and billing. Some popular PMS options include Lodgify, Guesty, and Hostaway. A good PMS should allow you to manage all aspects of your property in one place, from listing management, to reservations, to guest communication, and financial reports.

• Guesty: This system offers a wide range of features, including reservation management, guest communication, and task automation. It also has a feature called “Integrated Channel Management” that allows you to manage multiple platforms from one central location.
• Hostaway: This system allows you to manage reservations, guest communications, and financial reports all in one place. It also offers automated pricing and inventory management, as well as integrations with popular payment gateways. Read our in-depth review of Hostaway and why we recommend it to everyone.
• Lodgify: This system allows you to manage reservations, guest communications, and financial reports all in one place. It also has a feature called “Website Builder” that allows you to create a professional website for your property.

Implement dynamic pricing software to optimize your pricing strategy. Dynamic pricing software can help you automatically adjust your prices based on demand and other factors, allowing you to maximize your revenue and fill more of your calendar. Some popular dynamic pricing software options include Beyond Pricing, PriceLabs, and Smartbnb.

• Beyond Pricing: This software uses machine learning to adjust your prices based on demand and competition. It also includes features such as real-time price tracking, market intelligence and setting of custom pricing rules.
• PriceLabs: This software allows you to set custom pricing rules based on factors such as occupancy, seasonality and time of booking. It also includes features such as real-time price tracking, revenue forecasting and it supports multiple channels.
• Wheelhouse: This software allows you to set custom pricing rules based on factors such as occupancy, seasonality and time of booking. It also includes features such as real-time price tracking, revenue forecasting, and it integrates with property management systems.

Utilize channel management software to reach more potential guests. Channel management software can help you list and manage your property on multiple vacation rental platforms, such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and VRBO, from one central location. This can save you a lot of time and help you reach more potential guests. Some popular channel management software options include Wheelhouse, Staah, and Rentals United.

Use cleaning and maintenance software to ensure your property is always in top condition. This type of software can help you keep track of cleaning schedules, maintenance tasks, and inventory, and can also help you communicate with cleaning and maintenance staff. This can help you ensure that your property is always in top condition for guests. Some popular cleaning and maintenance software options include Guesty, Hostaway, and Hosty.

By using vacation rental software regularly, you can improve your operations, increase your revenue, and provide a better experience for your guests. Remember to do your research and choose the software that best fits your needs and budget. Also, keep in mind that most of these software offers free trial periods, it’s always a good idea to test them before committing.

How You Setup Your Airbnb Will Dictate How Your Market It

Branding: Create a unique and memorable brand for your property, this can include a catchy name, a logo, and a consistent design aesthetic. By branding your property, it will have a higher perceived value and help it stand out in the crowded vacation rental market.

• Choose a color palette: Pick a color palette that reflects the overall style and theme of your property. Use this color palette throughout the property, in everything from paint and linens to artwork and accessories.
• Use a consistent design aesthetic: Choose a design aesthetic that reflects the overall style and theme of your property. Use this aesthetic throughout the property, in everything from furniture and decor to artwork and accessories.
• Create a unique name: Give your property a unique name that reflects the overall style and theme of the property. This will help it stand out in the crowded vacation rental market.
• Create a logo: Create a logo that reflects the overall style and theme of the property. Use this logo throughout your listing, website, and social media accounts.
• Add personal touches: Add personal touches to the property that reflect the overall style and theme of the property. This can be done by adding artwork, plants, or any other items that will make the space feel welcoming and homey.

Thoughtful touches: Include thoughtful touches like a bottle of wine, gourmet coffee beans, eco-friendly soaps and shampoos, and other amenities that will make your guests feel special and appreciated. This can help create a memorable experience for your guests and encourage them to return.

• Welcome gifts: Provide a welcome gift for guests such as a bottle of wine, a basket of locally-sourced treats, or a small plant.
• Personalized notes: Leave personalized notes for guests in the property to make them feel welcome and appreciated.
• Local guidebooks: Provide guests with a guidebook of local recommendations for things to do, see, and eat.
• Fresh flowers: Add fresh flowers to the property to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.
• Personalized decor: Add personalized decor to the property that reflects the local area, such as artworks, photographs, or other decorative items.

Detailed listing: Create a detailed listing that includes all of the most important amenities that Airbnb offers, such as a full kitchen, wifi, and air conditioning. Ensuring you have a lot of amenities is one of the key factors to ranking high on Airbnb’s search algorithm. Be sure to also include information about the location, nearby attractions, and any special features of the property.

• Wi-Fi: A reliable and fast internet connection is a must-have for most guests.
• Television: A TV with cable or streaming services access is a common amenity.
• Kitchen: A fully equipped kitchen with appliances, cookware, and utensils is a common amenity.
• Bed linens and towels: Clean and comfortable bed linens and towels are a must-have for guests.
• Air conditioning or heating: Climate control is an important amenity that guests expect.
• Washer and dryer: A laundry facility is a common amenity in long-term rentals.
• Parking: Off-street or on-site parking is a common amenity.
• Iron and ironing board: These are amenities that guests often need, but don’t always think to ask for.
• Hair dryer: A hair dryer is a common amenity that guests expect.
• Basic toiletries: Basic toiletries such as soap, shampoo, and toilet paper are essential amenities that guests expect.
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors: these are important for guest’s safety and a requirement by most local laws.

There are so many amenities and items that are needed for your property, that is why we created a thorough amenities checklist that helps you ensure you don’t miss anything!

Conclusion

Setting up an Airbnb property can be a great way to make extra income, but it also requires careful planning and preparation. It is important to pay attention to the details when it comes to staging and interior design, using smart home technology to improve operational efficiency and guest experience and using property management software to streamline your operations. Additionally, using dynamic pricing software to optimize your prices in real-time can help you stay competitive in the market. By following these tips and tricks, you can set up an Airbnb property that is both profitable and enjoyable for guests to stay in. Remember to always be prepared to adapt to the market and guest’s needs, and to always strive to improve your property, and you will be on the path to success.

Lifty Life Can Help Take The Stress Out Of The Day-to-Day Worries Of Operating and Airbnb

Do you enjoy setting up your Airbnb, but don’t actually want to be faced with the daily operational issuing of managing your own Airbnb property? Let Lifty Life take the reins and turn your property into a relatively passive income stream. With our comprehensive Airbnb management services, you can sit back and relax while we handle everything from guest communications to maintenance and cleaning. We’ll even include unlimited homeowner usage, so you can still enjoy your property when it’s not being rented out. Plus, with our advanced pricing strategies, you can trust that you’re getting the most out of your rental. Don’t wait any longer, contact us today!