You’ve bought the furniture, hung the art, even tested the toaster. But are you actually ready to hit “Go Live”? This guide walks you through a 15-point pre-launch checklist to make sure you’re not launching blind.

There’s nothing quite like that electric mix of nerves and excitement when you’re gearing up to welcome your very first guest. You’ve poured your heart into this rental—painted, scrubbed, furnished, and fussed. Now comes the moment of truth. But before you hang that “Open for Bookings” sign, let’s make sure you’re not about to overlook something that could trip you up before your grand debut.

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This episode walks you through a 15-point pre-launch checklist that helps you avoid those oh-so-common rookie mistakes. Whether you’re still setting up the Wi-Fi or wondering if that welcome basket is too much (spoiler: it’s not), this guide has your back.

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So, take a deep breath. Let’s talk about getting guest-ready—with precision, personality, and a pinch of panache.

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1. Double-Check Your Booking Calendar

Start here. Make sure your calendar syncs properly across all platforms—Airbnb, Vrbo, your direct booking site. Double bookings make for double trouble. It’s not a good look when two families show up at once and only one bed’s made.

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2. Confirm Licences & Insurance

Don’t let paperwork be your Achilles heel. Secure any required short-term rental licences, and upgrade from homeowner’s insurance to a proper short-term rental policy. This isn’t just red tape—it’s peace of mind.

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3. Perform a Full Test Stay

Spend a night in your own rental. Use the shower, cook a meal, sleep in the bed. You’ll spot missing essentials faster than any checklist can. Bonus points if you spot the squeaky door or discover the Wi-Fi drops in the kitchen.

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4. Install Smart Tech

Smart locks, thermostats, and security cameras (external only!) help you manage your property even when you’re not around. They also make your place feel high-end without breaking the bank.

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5. Prep a Stellar Welcome Book

Your welcome book should cover house rules, Wi-Fi info, how to use the fancy espresso machine, and local recommendations. Think of it as your digital twin—there when you can’t be.

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6. Create a Cleaning & Turnover Plan

Don’t wait for the first guest to discover last night’s crumbs. Hire a reliable cleaner or create a foolproof checklist for DIY jobs. Consistency earns stars.

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7. Set Up Guest Communication Automations

Automated messages are your friend. Schedule messages for booking confirmation, check-in instructions, and a gentle review reminder. Keep your tone warm and helpful—like you’re texting a mate, not sending a court summons.

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8. Review All Photos & Listings

Go through your listings with fresh eyes. Are your photos bright and inviting? Is your description accurate and appealing? No one books a bed described as “functional and beige.”

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9. Stock Essentials (and Some Delights)

Guests expect basics: toilet paper, shampoo, dish soap. But wow them with a few surprises. Think snacks, coffee, or a note scribbled with personality. A small gesture can mean big reviews.

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10. Set Your Pricing Strategy

Use tools like PriceLabs or Beyond to avoid rookie pricing mistakes. Too low and you’ll be swamped with bookings that don’t pay the bills. Too high and you’ll hear crickets.

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11. Conduct a Safety Audit

Check smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. Think like a risk assessor. Or a mum. Mums notice everything.

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12. Finalise Your House Rules

Lay out your expectations clearly. Noise, pets, smoking, late checkouts—don’t assume anything is “common sense.” Spell it out. Nicely.

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Confirm Payment & Deposit Systems

Make sure your payment process works. Test it. Double-check that you can collect deposits and handle cancellations. It’s easier to sort this now than during a 10 p.m. guest meltdown.

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14. Build a Local Emergency Contact List

Guests should know who to call if something goes sideways. And if you manage remotely, have someone local ready to step in. No one wants to wait until Monday to unclog a toilet.

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15. Celebrate (But Also Do a Soft Launch)

Open your doors slowly. Maybe offer your first weekend at a slight discount to a friend-of-a-friend or a local blogger. Collect feedback. Fix any snags. Then, ramp up with confidence.

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Running a rental isn’t just throw pillows and hashtags.

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The “The 7-Day Vacation Rental Jumpstart” download helps you automate, price smart, and host like a pro.

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Get your copy now! You can find a link in the show notes.

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Which one of these 15 points feels the trickiest for you right now?

Let me know in the comments.

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5 Key Takeaways

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In Conclusion

Launching your first vacation rental isn’t just a business move. It’s personal. It’s about opening your doors to strangers and hoping they leave as fans. This checklist arms you with the basics—but it’s your care, effort, and hospitality that turn a good stay into a memorable one.

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Take these steps, and you’re not just ready for your first guest—you’re ready for your first glowing review.

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Want to go deeper? These strategies and more are covered in detail in the “Mastering Vacation Rentals: Start, Manage, & Thrive in the Rental Business” course. If you’re still on the fence, this course walks you through the whole journey with step-by-step guidance.