Preparing Your Home for a Round-the-World Trip: Cleaning, Packing, and Renting on Airbnb
Introduction
Embarking on a round-the-world trip is an exciting adventure, but before you jet off to explore the globe, it’s essential to prepare your home for your absence. From cleaning every nook and cranny to packing away personal belongings and transforming your space into a cozy Airbnb rental, careful preparation ensures peace of mind while you’re away. In this article, we will guide you through the process of getting your home ready, allowing you to focus on your travels and make the most of your time abroad.
Cleaning and Organization
Begin your preparations by giving your home a thorough top-to-bottom cleaning. Start with decluttering, as an organized space is easier to maintain. Sort through your belongings, donating or selling items you no longer need, and packing away those you wish to keep. This not only creates a tidy environment but also ensures the safety of your personal belongings while you’re away.
Next, deep clean each room, tackling dust, dirt, and grime. Start by dusting surfaces, wiping down furniture, and cleaning windows. Pay special attention to high-touch areas, such as doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls. Vacuum or sweep floors, and mop hard surfaces to achieve a sparkling clean home.
In the kitchen, clean appliances, countertops, and cabinets. Empty the refrigerator, discarding perishable items and cleaning its interior. Leave it unplugged with the door slightly open to prevent odors. Run the dishwasher, and ensure all dishes are clean and put away.
In the bathroom, scrub the sink, toilet, and shower or bathtub. Polish mirrors and faucets, and replace any worn-out or empty toiletries. Launder and put away towels, ensuring a fresh supply for your guests.
Packing Personal Belongings
To protect your personal belongings while you’re away, consider packing them securely in storage boxes or plastic containers. Label each box clearly, noting its contents for easy retrieval when you return. Store these items in a safe, dry location, such as a basement or a storage unit.
When it comes to valuable items, consider using a secure storage facility or entrusting them to a trusted friend or family member. This gives you peace of mind knowing your cherished possessions are well taken care of during your absence.
Transforming Your Home into an Airbnb Rental
Renting out your home on Airbnb while you’re away can be a practical way to offset travel expenses and ensure your property is occupied. Here are some steps to transform your home into a welcoming and attractive space for potential guests:
- Create an inviting listing: Take high-quality photos of each room and highlight the unique features of your home. Craft an engaging description, emphasizing the amenities and local attractions.
- Set competitive pricing: Research comparable listings in your area to determine a competitive price for your rental. Consider seasonal fluctuations and events that may affect demand.
- Prepare guest essentials: Make your guests’ stay comfortable by providing fresh linens, towels, toiletries, and basic kitchen supplies. Consider adding thoughtful touches like a welcome basket with local treats or a guidebook of nearby attractions.
- Secure your valuables: Ensure that personal items of value or sentimental significance are safely stored away. Install a lock on your bedroom door or designate a locked room for storing sensitive items.
- Create house rules: Establish clear guidelines for your guests, including check-in and check-out procedures, rules about noise and partying, and instructions for using appliances and equipment.
- Consider a co-host: If you have a trusted friend or neighbor, consider enlisting their help as a co-host to handle guest communication, check-ins, and any maintenance issues that may arise while you’re away. This ensures a smooth and seamless experience for your guests.
- Automate check-ins: Utilize keyless entry systems or lockboxes to provide guests with easy access to your home. This eliminates the need for physical keys and allows for flexible check-in times.
- Arrange for cleaning and maintenance: Schedule professional cleaning services between guest stays to maintain a high standard of cleanliness. Additionally, arrange for regular maintenance checks to ensure the functionality of appliances, plumbing, and other essential systems.
- Communicate with guests: Prioritize clear and timely communication with your guests. Respond promptly to inquiries, provide detailed instructions, and offer local recommendations to enhance their stay.
- Review Airbnb policies and regulations: Familiarize yourself with Airbnb’s hosting policies and regulations to ensure compliance and a positive hosting experience. Stay updated on any changes or requirements that may affect your listing.
Managing Your Airbnb Listing while Away
Once your home is transformed into an Airbnb rental, it’s essential to manage your listing effectively while you’re traveling the world. Here are some tips for remote hosting:
- Automate guest communication: Utilize automated messaging tools to send pre-arrival instructions, check-in details, and welcome messages to guests. This ensures prompt and efficient communication without requiring constant availability.
- Hire a local co-host or property management service: Consider enlisting the services of a local co-host or property management company to handle guest check-ins, cleaning, and any issues that may arise during your absence. They can serve as your eyes and ears, ensuring your guests’ needs are met. I used OCDC House Cleaning Orange County but I am sure there are plenty of others. I liked their service because it included scheduled cleaning that could be amended at a moment’s notice, by email or phone.
- Maintain a calendar and availability: Keep your Airbnb calendar up to date with your travel plans to avoid double bookings or unexpected conflicts. Block off dates when your home will not be available for guests.
- Coordinate with trusted neighbors: Inform your neighbors about your Airbnb hosting and provide them with emergency contact information. They can keep an eye on the property and assist with any urgent matters that may arise.
- Regularly monitor and update your listing: Keep an eye on guest reviews and ratings to ensure guest satisfaction and address any concerns. Periodically review your listing’s description and photos to keep them accurate and enticing.
- Secure payments and deposits: Familiarize yourself with Airbnb’s payment and security deposit policies to ensure a smooth financial transaction. Set clear guidelines for refundable deposits and handle payment transactions securely.
- Maintain insurance coverage: Check with your insurance provider to ensure your homeowner’s insurance covers short-term rentals and liability issues associated with hosting on Airbnb. Consider obtaining additional coverage if necessary.

Preparing your home for a round-the-world trip involves a combination of cleaning, organizing, and transforming it into an Airbnb rental. By following these steps and effectively managing your listing while away, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home is well taken care of and your guests are experiencing a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Whether you’re funding your travels or simply ensuring your home remains occupied during your absence, hosting on Airbnb allows you to share your space with fellow travelers while embarking on your own adventure. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a seamless experience for both you and your guests, making your round-the-world journey all the more rewarding.…