My 5 Top Tips To Ensure A Successful Holiday Home Changeover!

The Dreaded Changeover!

The changeover process between guests can be the most stressful and hectic time for any holiday home owner. I have done many myself over the years and have concluded that a time rehearsed, full-proof system is the only way to guarantee that all is perfect for the new guests arriving. I have listed below some helpful tips that I hope you will find useful in helping to perfect your changeover.

1. Preparation

It really is essential to make sure that you are completely prepared to begin working as soon as you set foot into the property. Nothing wastes more time than aimlessly walking round collecting items that weren’t thought of prior to beginning the changeover. Prepare your own personal Changeover Kit containing all your fresh linen, cleaning products (making sure they are topped up and will not run out mid-way through), cloths and equipment and put them all together in a holdall, large container or trolley – basically whatever works for you. Your changeover kit should contain all the replenishment items that will need checking and replacing during the changeover.

2. Organisation

An organised, methodical approach to the changeover will ensure that everything is completed within the time available and to the highest standard. Working to a Schedule of Tasks is a great way of eliminating the worry of mistakes. The schedule needs to be put in priority order and timed, which will help maximise the quality and efficiency of each changeover. In my experience, by sticking to a strict routine you will not only get faster and more efficient at working your way through the list, there will be less chance of leaving things out or forgetting anything.

Please feel free to download the Schedule of Tasks.

3. Inventory

As a guest, there is nothing more frustrating than not having everything you need when cooking or enjoying your time in the accommodation. Over the years I have used several routines to quickly help me know if there are items missing. If your accommodation caters for 4 people then as a rule I would suggest providing enough cutlery and china for 6 people and so on. A comprehensive list will help you to quickly check and count all kitchen items to ensure nothing is missing or broken.

Please feel free to download the Inventory List.

4. Use your Senses

A guest will very often decide what their opinion is of your accommodation within the first few minutes of entering it. How the property smells when walking through that door is possibly the most crucial point to remember. Creating the right ambiance is essential to creating a perfect first impression. Literally using your 5 senses can help you to judge if you have got it right. Can you answer yes to the following?

Does your accommodation ....

i. Smell fresh and aired?

ii. Look pristine and smart?

iii. Feel clean, are all surfaces polished and sparkling?

iv. Provide a peaceful and relaxing space?

v. Provide at least a basic welcome pack?

Once you have put all your effort into cleaning and refreshing the accommodation, it is essential that you dress and finish it in a manner that showcases all your efforts. Always aiming for that ‘wow factor’ when the new guests arrive is the ultimate goal. Attention to detail and providing the extra little finishing touches can make all the difference and need to become part of the changeover routine. Most of these finishing touches can be prepared in advance and should only take a few minutes at the end.

Please feel free to download the Finishing Touches List.

5. The Welcome

There is a certain amount of preparation needed for welcoming each guest that stays in your property. If you are unable to personally welcome guests it is essential that simple instructions are provided to make the arrival as easy and problem-free as possible. These instructions should be sent to the guest in advance providing contact information should they have any problems. Familiarise yourself with who is staying each time and what their individual requirements are. For example, if they have children maybe additional items such as highchairs, stairgates and a few toys will be needed. If your property allows dogs then some old towels for wet paws and a bowl of water are nice touches to help make all members of the family feel welcome! A book/folder containing all necessary information on how to use equipment, where the nearest amenities are and Emergency contact details in case of accidents or medical needs.

Photo Courtesy: Candlelight Cottage 

I believe that there should be at the very least, a basic welcome pack waiting for your guests when they arrive. Providing the essentials to make a cup of tea and possibly a piece of cake or a biscuit will always help to make your guests feel welcome. I will cover this subject in more detail in my next blog.

Please feel free to download the Guest Information Form.

It would be great to hear any of your suggestions and ideas that you think help to keep you on track when going through your changeover's. Please leave me a comment.

Take care.

Nicky :)