Guest Post - 10 Undeniably Useful Tips for First-Time Airbnb Hosts

Renting out your free room or property via Airbnb can be a very lucrative business for you. That is if you know what you’re doing.

Since there are a lot of travelers nowadays, a lot of them likely want to find affordable accommodation. This explains why Airbnb is such a strong competition against hotels and resorts.

On that note, if you’re new to the Airbnb hosting game, then you can try and read the ten tips listed below to find out how you can get that “Super Host” badge.

Be responsive to inquiries

First things first, your guests are likely going to have several questions before deciding whether to book your space or not. Thus, make sure that you respond as soon and as concise as possible.

Remember to have patience when it comes to receiving repetitive questions. Believe me, hearing the same question over and over is something that you will encounter once you have your place listed on Airbnb.

Nonetheless, being an accommodating host will be something that your guests will appreciate and will reflect on your reviews.

Produce great photos of your unit

When people are browsing Airbnb rental, the photos are what attracts them the most. Therefore, you should invest in high-quality images of your space to catch the eye of your potential guests.

A quick note on the photos: Only take pictures of your space and the amenities that come with it.

A lot of Airbnb hosts tend to upload brochures or images of their front door, which some guests deem irrelevant.

Be honest

Although marketing your rental is an excellent way of getting more guests, that doesn’t mean that you should fabricate it. Doing so can bite you back when the reviews come.

Make sure that you don’t embellish your space’s description so that you could entice the guests.

Highlight the key features of your space instead. For example, you own a studio unit, but it comes with an ergonomic design that provides the guests with a lot of storage.

Don’t forget to caption each photo appropriately so that people know what to expect with your rental.

Get organized

Once you get the ball rolling, you’re going to end up with bookings after bookings. So if you’re not used to things, then you might lose valuable guests or get negative reviews.

This is why you must organize the bookings that you receive. Make sure that you make enough time to clean up and prepare the rental for a good turnover.

You wouldn’t want your next guest to come into your rental only to find that it’s messy and have traces of the previous guests.

Set some house rules

One way to avoid taking a long time trying to tidy up your Airbnb for the next guest is by setting up house rules.

These rules will ensure that nothing terrible happens to your rental while other people are occupying your space. At the same time, your guests know what their limits are when they’re staying in your place.

Although these rules aren’t set in stone, it still helps your guests know what your expectations are.

Add personality to your space

To make your Airbnb listing stand out from the rest, you should find a way to add some personality to your rental.

One way to do that is through how you decorate your entire space. Sticking to a single theme will help.

Although it’s important to add personality to your space, make sure that you don’t add any personal memorabilia in it. Not only will it feel a bit like the guests are intruding on someone else’s place, but there’s no guarantee that your memorabilia will be safe.

Ensure your space is squeaky clean

Ensuring that your space is clean is one of the most basic rules of renting out your space on Airbnb.

Cleanliness is the first thing that your guests will notice. If you don’t end up keeping a clean Airbnb, your guests will have a bad impression of the space, no matter how great your decor or interior design is.

You should consider short-term cleaning services and establish a relationship with a reliable service provider so that you get efficient with your turnover.

Fix potential hazards

You want your guests to stay at your place without any worries. You also want to let guests stay at your space without worrying whether or not they had to deal with some hazardous parts of your space.

Whether you have any exposed wiring or you have a leaky faucet, make sure that you address these immediately.

Engage with your guests

As their host, you should be welcoming without being too nosy about their personal space. You want to be as helpful as possible without having too much direct involvement.

You can do that by leaving special gifts that your guests can use during their stay. Each guest is different, so try and feel out how much involvement they may want from you.

Ask guests for their feedback

Before your guest leaves and checks out for the day, try and tell them to leave a review for your rental. As well as their overall experience with you.

The more reviews you get with as much detail as possible, the better it is for you and your success as an Airbnb host.

There are a lot of simple changes and tips that new Airbnb hosts can keep in mind. Not to mention that it can significantly improve how you can manage your listings. At the end of the day, as long as you keep a well-maintained property and respond to guests promptly and adequately, you should be fine.

About the Author - Jacky Xu is the Chief Operating Officer for MaidSailors.com, an Airbnb cleaning service provider in New York. Maid Sailors provide a wide range of cost-effective, yet high-quality cleaning services that are sure to delight their customers.

Guest Post - How to Puppy-Proof Your Home & Backyard

Getting a new puppy is one of the most exciting times in life for just about anyone. There is almost nothing better than bringing a new dog into your home and making them a new member of the family. But before the time comes to bring in your new furry friend, it is crucial to make sure your home and backyard are ready. Much like babies, puppies will find a way to get into anything and everything. By going around and making sure everything is nice, safe, and welcoming, you will also make sure that your puppy stays safe and happy.

Puppy-Proofing Basics

Much like your own children, there is a good chance that puppies will find their way into all of your home’s nooks and crannies and start playing with whatever is laying on the ground. Baby gates may be used to block off any areas they are not allowed and loose wires should be kept hidden and securely tied to deter puppies from chewing on them. If you have medications, vitamins, food, or cleaning products around, they should also be kept secured away in a cabinet.

It may seem silly, but one of the easiest ways to puppy-proof your home is to get everything you would to child-proof your home. Put locks on the counters, cover up sharp corners, make knives and sharp objects out of reach, and use fasteners to make sure that all large and heavy objects won’t accidentally fall while you’re puppy is playing.

Keep Doors and Windows Closed

It might take some getting used to if it is not already a common practice at your house, but with a new puppy in the picture, it is crucial to keep all of your doors and windows closed. If an untrained puppy gets out, there is a good chance they will not be able to find their way back home. There is also a good chance that they could get seriously injured by a car, that somebody will steal the puppy, or even report them to animal control. 

To prevent this, only keep your windows and doors open when you are monitoring the area and are with the puppy. The last thing you want is for the little one to jump out when you have your back turned or their barking to irritate the neighbors. You can even consider installing window and door alarms so you know if your puppy happened to get out. Accidents do happen, after all, and it’s better to be alerted to the situation as quickly as possible.

Make Your Home Easy to Clean 

One of the biggest frustrations people come across when they have a new puppy is how messy they are. Those who have fabric sofas, carpets, lots of rugs, or lots of stairs may find it difficult to maintain the upkeep of their home. The puppy will likely shed and as their claws grow, they can definitely damage furniture around your home, especially pieces that are made of fabric and not leather or something similar. 

Baby gates are a great deterrent for any areas of the house that you want off-limits to the puppy. And along with immediately starting the puppy training process, it is also a great idea to amp up your home design. Consider replacing rugs with ones that are stain resistant and purchase protective sprays and treatments for your furniture so it is less likely to stain. Also, make sure to have plenty of floor cleaner for any spills or drips your puppy may cause. 

Protect the Puppy from the Pool 

Spending time in the yard with your pup can be some of the best times for bonding, playing, and training. However, if you have a pool, it can also be very dangerous. Puppies may not be the strongest swimmers right away, and even if they seem like they can handle themselves, they should never be in water unattended. 

It’s totally understandable that you cannot keep an eye on your puppy for all hours of the day, which is why it is important to safeguard your pool. Having a pool fence or sturdy cover makes for a great start. Unlike traditional chain link pool fences, a mesh pool fence ensures that no matter how tiny the puppy may be, they won't be able to fit through any gaps in the fence. And just in case they manage to dig a hole under the fence, the pool cover will ensure that they cannot get into the pool water when nobody is around. 

Fence in Your Yard

Your pool is not the only area that needs a protective barrier either. Essentially, any spot of your house that has open access to others’ homes, the road, or any other part to the outside world needs to be protected. Consider fencing in the perimeter of your yard with appropriate material and sizing so that your puppy will not be able to escape through. Not only will this make playtime a little more fun and a lot less stressful when playing catch, but will also allow you to train your pup on how to be outside alone without too much cause for concern. 

A Safe Home is a Happy Home 

At the end of the day, bringing a puppy home is a great opportunity for a little extra love and companionship. But even the smallest form of love needs to be nurtured. Consider installing these safe home practices before your new friend arrives and you will be sure to live a long, happy life together that is stress-free and ready for fun.

Author Bio: Aaron Smith is a writer and copy strategist for several companies and non-profits. He often covers topics important to pet owners, and is a dedicated dog dad to his three pups: Buddy, Roxy, and Kaya.

Guest Post - How to Be a Conscious Consumer

With as much news as there currently is about climate change, we should be incredibly conscientious about the products we are consuming. This can range from not buying as many products to making sure you support companies who are ethically-minded. 

In a world that is as big as it is and with a problem as large as climate change, it can feel daunting to reverse many of the effects that we have had as a people on our world. Many times, people get overwhelmed at the thought of climate change and typically do not know what to do in order to help.

It is also common for people to feel like the problem is so big that there is nothing they can do to change it or make it better. That is not the case. There are many things that we can do to help avoid making our environmental conditions worse. 

Education

Probably the best thing you can do in order to be a conscious consumer is to educate yourself. Through education you are able to learn what problems we face and what you can do in order to help.

When you understand a problem it typically makes it less scary. Looking at climate change as a problem to be solved rather than an insurmountable problem comes with becoming more informed. 

Not only should you be taking the time to educate yourself on the climate issues themselves, but you should take the time to educate yourself on the products that you use regularly and their impact on the environment.

Daily Actions 

Reducing consumption and waste is a big part of being a conscious consumer. It does not mean that you have to totally reduce all of your consumption, since that would be unrealistic for many people. What you can do is find ways to reduce what you are consuming.

For example, a great way to reduce needless waste is to have a reusable water bottle and coffee thermos. By having reusable items, you will reduce your consumption levels. Reducing your consumption levels requires some creative thinking, but your quality of life does not have to suffer. 

Think Before You Buy

Be aware of what you are consuming. Taking the time to think before you buy is a great way to make sure you actually buy what you need. It does not mean that you cannot treat yourself to something nice, but it does mean that you purchase things in a mindful way. 

Buying second hand or thrifted clothing is a great way to be able to get new clothes without contributing to the fast fashion industry. There is a massive problem with fast fashion in our world, and the fashion industry is one of the top contributors to pollution. Try to support brands that use sustainable materials, like hemp or bamboo fabric. 

Being Smart About Your Consumption

While you may not be able to single-handedly change the state of our environment, you can try to not make the problems worse. Through research, education, and awareness you can make sure you are supporting brands that are ethical and responsible when it comes to our environment.

Talking with your friends and family is also a great way to help. Share with them what you have learned about consumerism and share your tips with them on how to become a more conscious consumer. Our environmental problems are big, but together we can make a difference that starts at home with the items we consume. 

Author bio: Madison Adams is a beauty and lifestyle blogger from Cincinnati, OH. Using her psychology degree, she likes to draw on human insights to make her writing (and life) more impactful. 

Guest Post - Cleaner Home and Cleaner Environment in 7 Easy Steps (Recycling Infographic)

Plastic waste is a massive issue at the moment affecting communities, oceans and the majority of our natural environment. We have a love hate relationship with plastic. It is extremely useful for everyday life but with an estimated 5 trillion pieces of plastic in the world’s oceans today, this is a huge issue which cannot be ignored. Luckily, we can all play a part in helping to solve this plastic crisis. In addition to cutting down on the amount of plastic we purchase, we can make sure that for that plastic we do use, we recycle as much of it as possible! By recycling more at home, this has the benefit of leading to a cleaner home and a cleaner environment!

BetterCleans is a premium house cleaning services company in Milwaukee and as recycling is a hot topic amongst our customers and with plastic waste being such a major issue; we wanted to help make things easier for people to have a cleaner home and a cleaner environment. Our new infographic looks at how you can recycle at home in just 7 steps and do your bit for the environment! 

The major takeaway here is that, if you learn more about your local recycling initiatives, and ensure you are recycling more effectively at home, you can have a major impact on the environment. When U.S recycling levels reach 75%, it will have the equivalent impact of removing 55 million cars from the roads each year!

Author bio: David Hardwicke is a Director at BetterCleans, a home cleaning services provider based in Milwaukee, WI.