How to reduce turnover time?

Reducing turnover time for vacation rentals is crucial for ensuring quick guest turnovers and maximizing bookings. Faster turnovers mean you can accommodate more guests, which is vital for property managers and owners aiming to maximize revenue. Here are some strategies to help you reduce turnover time while maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and presentation:

1. Develop a Streamlined Cleaning Checklist

A detailed and structured cleaning checklist ensures that cleaning teams know exactly what needs to be done and in what order. By following a standard checklist, no time is wasted trying to decide which areas to clean, and it prevents overlooked tasks. A well-organized checklist can help prioritize areas that take the longest to clean (like bathrooms and kitchens) and streamline easier tasks.

2. Use Time-Saving Cleaning Products and Tools

Invest in high-quality cleaning products and tools designed to clean efficiently:

• Multi-surface cleaners: These allow cleaners to work quickly without needing to switch products for different surfaces.
• Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters: These can handle multiple surfaces, such as carpets, floors, and upholstery, without needing separate tools.
• Fast-drying mops or steam cleaners: These reduce waiting time for wet surfaces to dry, allowing cleaning teams to move onto the next area quickly.

3. Schedule Cleanings Based on Check-Out Times

Coordinating your cleaning schedule based on guest check-out times is key to reducing turnover time. Have your cleaning team arrive immediately after a guest checks out to start cleaning, rather than waiting until later in the day. Use property management software to automate cleaning schedules and send notifications to your cleaning staff as soon as a guest leaves.

4. Employ Team Cleaning

Rather than relying on a single cleaner, assign teams to work on different areas of the property simultaneously. For example, while one person tackles the bathrooms, another can focus on the kitchen or living areas. This division of labor can dramatically reduce the time needed to clean a property, especially for larger homes.

5. Simplify Laundry

Laundry can be a significant time bottleneck in turnovers. To cut down on time:

• Use multiple sets of linens and towels so you can swap them out quickly without waiting for washing and drying to be completed.
• Outsource laundry services if the turnover rate is high. Many professional laundry services can handle larger loads and deliver fresh linens back within a short time.
• Use fast-drying fabrics for towels and linens to reduce drying time if doing laundry in-house.

6. Restock Supplies in Advance

To minimize the time spent restocking essentials like toiletries, toilet paper, and kitchen supplies, have these items ready in bulk and organized in an easily accessible storage area. You can also keep a fully stocked supply closet in the rental property itself, making it easier for cleaners to replenish without hunting for items.

7. Inspect and Address Maintenance Issues Proactively

Unexpected maintenance problems can significantly delay turnovers. Reduce downtime by regularly inspecting the property for issues (leaky faucets, broken appliances, etc.) and addressing them promptly before they become emergencies. Having a maintenance schedule and tackling small repairs during low season can also help avoid delays during turnovers.

8. Use Property Management Software

Property management software like Guesty, Breezeway, or Hostaway can help streamline turnovers by allowing you to manage cleaning schedules, automate notifications, and track progress. These tools make it easy to communicate with your cleaning staff, set up automated reminders, and track when tasks are completed.

9. Optimize Guest Check-In and Check-Out Procedures

Use keyless entry systems (such as smart locks or lockboxes) to streamline the check-in and check-out process. This removes the need for in-person key handovers and allows you to start cleaning as soon as guests leave. Encourage early check-out when possible and set a reasonable check-in window to give your cleaning team ample time to prepare the property.

10. Pre-set Guest Rooms and Common Areas

To save time during turnovers, arrange guest rooms and common areas in a simple and consistent manner. This ensures that the setup process (making beds, arranging decor, etc.) can be done quickly and easily. Train your cleaning team to follow the same setup routine, so every area is ready efficiently.

Conclusion

Reducing turnover time is a key strategy for property managers and vacation rental owners to optimize occupancy rates and keep guests satisfied. By implementing structured cleaning processes, employing time-saving tools, and using technology to automate scheduling, you can ensure faster turnovers without compromising on quality. These tips will help you turn over your vacation rental efficiently, allowing you to welcome guests sooner and reduce downtime between stays.