A turnover is the few hours between one guest’s check-out and the next guest’s arrival. In that window, the house needs to go from lived-in to looking just like the listing photos.
That’s harder in Vermont ski country. Guests arrive with snow on their boots and leave with wet gear in the entry. Weekends and holiday weeks bring back-to-back bookings. Then mud season tracks a new kind of mess through the house.
This checklist covers what a good turnover includes, room by room, plus the extra steps a ski-area rental needs between guests.
Before You Start: Plan the Turnover Window
Most turnovers fail on timing, not cleaning. Before the busy season starts:
- Know your check-out and check-in times. A 10 a.m. check-out and 4 p.m. check-in gives you six hours. Allow time for laundry, travel between properties and a final walk-through.
- Keep a second set of linens and towels. Then the beds can be made while the first set is washing, instead of waiting for the dryer.
- Store cleaning supplies and guest restocks on site, in a locked owner’s closet, so nothing has to be brought in for each turnover.
- Write down the house’s quirks: the water shutoff, the breaker panel, how the hot tub cover locks, which windows stick. Whoever does the turnover should know them.
Room-by-Room Turnover Checklist
Entry and Mudroom
In a ski rental, the entry takes the most abuse and makes the first impression.
- Sweep and mop away snow, salt, sand and mud
- Empty and rinse boot trays
- Wipe down boot dryers, benches and hooks
- Check for gear guests left behind
- Clean the glass on the front door
Kitchen
- Wash, dry and put away all dishes, including anything left in the dishwasher
- Wipe the inside of the microwave and refrigerator, and remove guest food
- Clean the stovetop, oven front, counters, backsplash and sink
- Empty trash and recycling, and put in new bags
- Restock dish soap, sponges, paper towels, coffee and filters
- Check that the coffee maker, toaster and dishwasher work
Bathrooms
- Clean and disinfect toilets, sinks, showers and tubs
- Clean mirrors and fixtures
- Remove hair from drains
- Set out fresh towels, bath mats and hand towels
- Restock toilet paper, soap, shampoo and conditioner
- Mop the floors
Bedrooms
- Strip every bed, including beds that look unused
- Make beds with clean linens, the same way every time, so they match the listing photos
- Check under beds and in drawers and closets for left items
- Dust nightstands, dressers and lamps
- Vacuum floors and rugs
Living Areas
- Vacuum and mop floors
- Dust surfaces, shelves and TV stands
- Fluff and arrange cushions and throws
- Reset furniture to its listing-photo position
- Check that the remotes are there and the TV works
- Clean glass tables and sliding doors
Extra Steps for Ski-Country Rentals
Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
If your rental has a wood stove or fireplace, make sure it’s safe before the next guests arrive. Remove cold ash only, into a metal container stored away from the house. Restock firewood and kindling, and check that the screen or doors close properly.
Hot Tubs
Hot tubs get heavy use after a day on the mountain. Check the water level and the cover between guests. If your hot tub is serviced by a pool company, note anything unusual so they can take care of it.
Heat and Thermostats
Guests often turn the heat up and leave it there, or turn it down and open windows. Between guests, set the thermostat to your arrival temperature. Make sure every window is closed and locked. In deep cold, a heating problem can freeze pipes in an empty house within hours. Our article on preparing a Vermont vacation home for winter covers this in more detail.
Snow and Access
The driveway, walkway and steps need to be clear before guests arrive, not after. Arrange snow removal ahead of the season, so the plowing happens on schedule even when you’re hours away.
Check the Property Between Guests
A turnover is the best chance to catch a problem before it becomes a bad review or an expensive repair. Each time, look for:
- Leaks under sinks and around toilets
- Water stains on ceilings, especially after snow and ice
- Broken window latches, door locks or screens
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that are chirping or missing. Test them on a regular schedule.
- Damage guests may not have reported, from scuffed walls to broken furniture
Take photos of anything you find, along with the date. They help if you need to file a damage claim with Airbnb or VRBO, and they help whoever makes the repair.
Mud Season Turnovers
In spring, snow gives way to mud, and gravel driveways soften. Expect more floor cleaning, more mat washing and more wear on entry rugs. It’s also a good time for a deep clean after the ski season and a check of your gravel driveway before summer guests arrive.
Doing It Yourself vs. Hiring a Turnover Service
Some hosts handle turnovers themselves, especially if they live nearby. For owners who live out of state, or rent during the busiest weekends of the year, a local turnover service makes more sense. The house gets cleaned on schedule, and someone on the ground can see problems as they happen.
Sugarhouse Property provides Airbnb turnover and vacation home cleaning for rentals near Killington, Okemo, Cavendish, Stratton and Mount Snow. Because we also provide property maintenance, repairs and snow removal, we can fix what a turnover uncovers instead of just reporting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an Airbnb turnover take?
It depends on the size of the house and how it was left. A small condo may take a couple of hours, while a large ski house with several bedrooms and a hot tub can take most of the turnover window. Laundry is often what sets the pace.
Should I keep two sets of linens for my rental?
Yes. A second set of sheets and towels for every bed and bathroom lets the beds be made while the first set is washing. That’s a big help on tight same-day turnovers.
What should I check between guests in winter?
Check that the heat is set correctly, the windows are closed and locked, and the driveway and walkways are clear. Look for leaks, water stains and anything a guest left running. Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
How do I handle damage a guest caused?
Photograph the damage with the date as soon as it’s found, and report it through the booking platform according to its rules. Then get the repair scheduled before the next arrival if you can.
Need Help With Turnovers?
Sugarhouse Property provides turnover cleaning, house cleaning, property maintenance, repairs and snow removal for vacation homes in Vermont’s ski country.
Contact Sugarhouse Property at (802) 342-5053 or use the contact form to talk about your rental.