{"id":4035,"date":"2025-07-18T09:45:32","date_gmt":"2025-07-18T09:45:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.schofields.ltd.uk\/blog\/?p=4035"},"modified":"2025-07-18T12:00:24","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T12:00:24","slug":"holiday-cottage-changeover-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.schofields.ltd.uk\/blog\/4035\/holiday-cottage-changeover-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Clean a Holiday Let, Cottage or Airbnb"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 8<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

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It often feels like changeover days must be carried out with military precision, or they end up chaotic and stressful. Especially during the high season, when you have one guest checking out, then the next guest checking in a few hours later. You\u2019re up against the clock to do a diligent clean, the laundry, check for damage, restock supplies, and round up discarded items from the last guests.<\/p>\n

With so much to do in such a short amount of time, preparing your property for guests can be a huge task to undertake. To help you, we\u2019ve put together this comprehensive changeover and cleaning checklist to ensure you don\u2019t miss any of the essential touches that will make your holiday let the perfect home-from-home for your next guests.<\/p>\n

While we list items per category below, at the bottom of the page, you can download the checklist to use for every changeover.<\/p>\n

Why a holiday let cleaning checklist is essential<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

First impressions mean a lot, and if your guests arrive to find your holiday cottage has not been suitably cleaned, there is a stain on the bedding, or they can\u2019t find a bottle opener – then your guests are likely to give you a negative review.<\/p>\n

The benefit of having a cleaning and inventory checklist<\/a> is that it provides a consistent standard for your changeover processes. It helps you check that items aren\u2019t missing or damaged, ensuring that guests have everything they need for a positive experience.<\/p>\n

Are you going to clean yourself or hire a cleaner?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

The first decision you need to make is whether you\u2019re going to do the cleaning yourself or hire a holiday let cleaner.<\/p>\n

Although doing the cleaning yourself can cut down on expenses, it only makes sense if you have the time to commit to a thorough clean after every rental. If you can\u2019t, you need to think about hiring a cleaner.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s an art to cleaning a home well, and hiring a cleaner who has experience cleaning holiday cottages can take the stress out of the process. They can follow your cleaning checklist and even use a cleaning app with step-by-step instructions. This post has some useful tips on\u00a0how to choose a holiday let cleaner<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Allocate tasks for efficiency<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

If your changeover team consists of more than one person, then each person should be allocated tasks before they arrive to ensure there is no delay in making decisions on who does what.<\/p>\n

One person should manage the maintenance, check for damage, fix anything and tackle the deeper clean tasks like the barbeque, oven and replenishing of products. That allows your other team member to get on with the main tasks at hand \u2013 beds, bathrooms, floors, etc.<\/p>\n

If you have tasks, such as gardening or window cleaning, these will add quite a bit of time to your busy schedule. In this case, it\u2019s a good idea to get an extra pair of hands and outsource to a local company. These chores only need to be completed every couple of weeks, but schedule these visits when guests aren\u2019t around.<\/p>\n

Invest in the best<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Investing in tools like a steam cleaner can really save you a lot of time during changeover cleans and leave your home looking cleaner and fresher than just using mops. Plus, at the end of the season, you can use them to clean curtains, carpets, and upholstery.<\/p>\n

The changeover checklist<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

If you only have a 3-4 hour changeover window (or less), it\u2019s essential you tackle the biggest and most important tasks as a priority.<\/p>\n

The first thing most owners do is read any new reviews in the guestbook to identify any issues, then it\u2019s time to get started.<\/p>\n

Do a visual check of the property for any damage, stains, missing items or if your holiday cottage was left excessively dirty. Take photos as evidence, as you may need them at a later date if you are deducting from a security deposit.<\/p>\n

Kitchen<\/span>
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