Whether you have one property or 100, I’ll always encourage you to work smarter and not harder.
While that may be a cliche, it really IS the only way you’ll be able to scale your business (if that’s your goal) or at least enjoy your business (which really should be!).
And, you’ve heard me say it time and again, the best way to do that is through checklists. I have a terrific one here that you can use with your cleaners, but you can also use it as a template to craft a spring checklist!
“What’s a spring checklist?” So glad you asked!
The beautiful thing about checklists is that you can get everything that’s in your brain down on paper, and then never have to worry about forgetting or overlooking a task again! Is that sweet or what? I know you have enough on your plate, thankyouverymuch, and this can make your life oh-so-much easier.
And no – I’m not trying to sell you anything!
- You know your property/properties best.
- You know what things look a little tired or worn down or sad and gray from the winter weather.
- You know what things can also “work” in your space to bring a smile to your guests…
Plus, while this may be a tad late for spring, it’s NEVER too late to be preparing for your summer guests! They’ll be here before you know it – are you ready for them?
So to that end, here are some general considerations and locations to freshen things up, whether you’re really spring deep-cleaning or getting ready for the summer crowds:
1 – What items need to be replaced or updated?
What condition are the sheets, bath towels, kitchen towels, etc? How ‘bout decorative pillows, whether they’re on the living room couch or the patio furniture? Look around as if you were going to stay there, or enlist the help of a friend or family member. And this would be a great time to swap services with a host in your network or ask your backup host for a hand. Just sayin’
2 – What items need a deep clean?
How about that aforementioned patio furniture? Winter rains and spring pollen can sure take their toll, even if you have indoor/outdoor fabric on the cushions. A good pressure wash and some touch-up Rustoleum can make patio or porch furniture look good as new. And don’t neglect the outdoor fire pit or the grill, either! Have a conversation with your cleaners and see what areas or items inside your unit/s could use a deep clean and go from there. (Think: cleaning the oven, behind the fridge, under the bathroom sinks, just to get started.)
3 – How could you spruce up some areas?
What about that potentially cute little area in the garden? Or upgrading the street appeal or the front porch? DO IT! If you’re not feeling exactly creative enough for the task, open up YouTube and search “Frugal outdoor sprucing up” or “backyard ideas on a budget”. You’re welcome 🙂
4 – What’s ONE project you’ve been putting off for a while?
OK, this one might not be something you’d do every spring, but while you’re at it…why not do it NOW?
5 – Do you need new listing photos?
If you do, schedule your photographer now so you can give yourself a deadline to get all these things done. Just imagine how terrific the place is gonna look! (And reach out to me if you’re in the Atlanta area and need a photographer – I am TOTALLY over-the-moon crazy about mine!)
Then take that checklist you’ve created and add it to a spreadsheet.. Or even just write them down on a piece of looseleaf and stick it in a sleeve, and…voila! You’ll never have to rethink this again. And you can add to it as you come up with other ideas – that you’ll never have to rethink again, either.
See? That wasn’t so hard, was it? And while you’re immersed in planning and carrying out those projects, I promise you one thing. Before you know it, the summer guests will be here – giving you rave reviews about the great time they had at your spotless and snazzy place!