These days, it’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to create both a functional and attractive short-term rental unit, never mind improving or enhancing your space! There are so many suggestions out there for furniture to buy, amenities to offer, and all the other little details that go into a short-term rental. It’s no wonder so many people just throw their hands up in despair and never even get started.

Even on my own site, although I try to keep things simple, I know it can be a lot. I’ve got over a year’s worth of Tuesday Tips alone!

So here’s a super easy suggestion to improve your space:

Stay there for a day or two.

how to effectively elevate your listing

Yup – be your own guest! Every space is going to be different. Rather than trying to make an exhaustive list of everything your guests might possibly need based on intuition alone, it’s much easier to simply experience your space just the same way your guests would. Do what they would do. Cook dinner. Use the shower. Sleep. Watch TV. 

As you go throughout your normal activities, make a list of things that are missing. Did you get out of the shower and realize the bathroom needs a bath mat? Add that to the list. Trying to make a pizza and realize you don’t have a baking sheet? On the list it goes. Are the bed pillows lumpy? You guessed it…put new pillows on the list. 

It’s sad to me how many hosts never take the time to do something so fundamental and super-easy!

How will you know what your space needs without having experienced it?

How will you know how to elevate your listing from your guests’ perspective?

The short answer is: you won’t. 

Sure, you can add things when guests request them. But by then they’ve already had a less than stellar experience. Take the time to do your research – real, practical, hands-on research – ahead of time, and you’ll be able to quickly elevate your space from good to amazing!

(If you cohost multiple properties and this tip isn’t feasible, consider the Dynamic Property pricing tool I’ve put together just for you, to make life easier for cohosts. It lists every item you could possibly need to outfit your space, while helping you stick to your budget!)