Same-Day Turnover Planning: Managing Back-to-Back Bookings
Back-to-back bookings maximise revenue but leave zero margin for error. If the outgoing guest checks out at 11am and the incoming guest checks in at 3pm, you have a four-hour window to clean, restock, air out and photograph the property. This guide covers how to plan for tight turnovers without risking guest satisfaction.
Setting Realistic Time Buffers
A standard one-bedroom Airbnb turnover takes 60 to 90 minutes. A two-bedroom takes 90 to 120 minutes. A three-bedroom takes 2 to 3 hours. Add 30 minutes for linen changes and restocking. Add 15 minutes for photography and reporting. Add 15 minutes for travel and access. If your total exceeds the checkout-to-checkin window, you need either a later checkin time or an earlier checkout time.
Access Coordination
The cleaning team needs access the moment the guest leaves. Use a lockbox or smart lock rather than relying on key handovers. Set up departure notifications through your booking platform so you know exactly when the guest has left. If the guest is late checking out, have a contingency plan — either a courtesy message at 30 minutes past checkout or a direct call.
Linen Logistics
Same-day turnovers require fresh linen to be delivered before or during the clean. If you use a linen service, coordinate the delivery timing with your cleaning schedule. Having fresh linen arrive at the property before the outgoing guest has left causes confusion. The ideal sequence: guest leaves, team arrives with fresh linen, strips beds, cleans, remakes beds, photographs, leaves.
Emergency Contingency
Things go wrong: late checkouts, unexpected damage, a team member calling in sick. Have an emergency cleaning provider on standby. Know how to extend your checkout window through the booking platform. Keep a spare linen set at the property for emergencies. The cost of maintaining a backup plan is far less than the cost of a cancelled booking and a bad review.
Last updated: