Check-out checklist
A smooth check-out sets up a faster, cleaner turnover for whoever's cleaning next.
What to actually ask guests to do
Keep guest-side check-out tasks short — a long list gets ignored. Reasonable asks: strip the bed if you have time, put used towels in the bath, take out any food rubbish, turn off appliances, and leave keys in the agreed spot.
What not to ask guests to do
Don't ask guests to fully clean, do washing-up, or vacuum — that's what the cleaning fee is for, and asking for more reads as cheap rather than considerate, which shows up in reviews.
Send the reminder the day before, not the morning of
A short message the evening before departure — checkout time, what to do with keys, a thank-you — gets followed more reliably than one sent while a guest is already packing and rushing.
Your own check, separate from the cleaner's
- Confirm keys were actually left where agreed
- Note anything that needs maintenance, not just cleaning, before the next guest
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms periodically at this point — it's an easy moment to build the habit into
Close the loop
A short thank-you message after checkout, and a prompt, genuine review of the guest in return, keeps the relationship positive and often nudges a guest to leave their own review sooner. See our guide on getting more five-star reviews.