12 Things You Must Do Before Your First Airbnb Booking

You've set up your listing. Photos are uploaded. Description is written. Price is set.

Now what?

Most new hosts hit "publish" and wait for bookings. Then they panic when someone actually books.

"Wait, do I have enough towels?" "Is the WiFi password written down?" "Did I test the door code?"

Here's the truth: your first booking is your most important one. Nail it? You'll get a 5-star review and build momentum. Mess it up? You're starting with a bad review that tanks your ranking for months.

We've launched 50+ properties in Indianapolis. Here's the exact checklist we use before every first booking.

Do these 12 things. In this order. You'll be ready.

The 12-Step Checklist

1. Test Your Door Lock (Twice)

You set up your smart lock. You programmed a code. Great.

Did you actually test it? From outside? With the door fully closed?

What to do:

• Lock yourself out with just the code
• Test it 3 times
• Make sure backup entry method works
• Write down the code (you'll forget it during check-in chaos)

Why it matters: Guest can't get in = immediate bad review. No exceptions.

2. Confirm Your WiFi Actually Works

"We have WiFi" isn't enough.

What to do:

• Test it in every room (especially bedrooms)
• Check the speed (run a speed test)
• Make sure password is correct
• Put WiFi info in 3 places: welcome guide, text message, somewhere visible

Minimum speed: 50+ Mbps for basic use, 100+ if you're marketing to remote workers

Why it matters: Slow WiFi = most common guest complaint.

3. Stock Basic Supplies (More Than You Think)

"I'll just put out one roll of toilet paper" = rookie mistake.

Must-haves:

• Toilet paper: 2 rolls per bathroom (minimum!)
• Paper towels: Full roll on counter
• Hand soap: Every bathroom + kitchen
• Dish soap + sponge
• Trash bags: 3+ under the sink
• Coffee + filters: Enough for 3 days
• Shampoo/conditioner/body wash: Full bottles in shower

Why it matters: Running out of basics = bad review. Every time.

4. Deep Clean (Then Clean Again)

Your space looks clean to you. That's not enough.

What to do:

• Hire a professional cleaner (not your friend who "cleans good")
• Use a detailed checklist (30+ items)
• Check inside cabinets, drawers, behind appliances
• Look up (dust on ceiling fans?)
• Smell test (does it smell fresh or just "not bad"?)

Pro tip: Walk through as if you're the most picky guest ever. What would you complain about?

Why it matters: Cleanliness = #1 thing mentioned in reviews. Start perfect.

5. Test Every Appliance

Coffee maker works? Stove works? TV turns on?

Don't assume. Test everything.

What to test:

• Coffee maker (make actual coffee)
• Stove/oven (turn on every burner)
• Dishwasher (run a cycle)
• Washer/dryer (run empty cycle)
• TV + remotes (can you actually watch something?)
• Thermostat (can you change temperature?)
• All light switches

Why it matters: Broken appliance on day 1 = frustrated guest = bad review.

6. Create Your Welcome Guide

Don't wing it. Have info ready.

Must include:

• WiFi password
• Door code
• How to work TV/appliances
• Parking instructions
• Your contact info
• Checkout instructions

Print it. Put it somewhere obvious (kitchen counter).

Why it matters: Guests shouldn't have to text you for basic info.

7. Set Up Your Automated Messages

Don't manually message every guest. You'll forget something.

Messages to automate:

• Booking confirmation (immediate)
• Pre-arrival instructions (48 hours before)
• Check-in day reminder (morning of)
• Mid-stay check-in (day 2)
• Checkout reminder (morning of checkout)
• Review request (after checkout)

Why it matters: Consistent communication = better reviews.

8. Take "After Cleaning" Photos

This is your insurance policy.

What to photograph:

• Every room (wide angle)
• Any existing damage or wear
• Expensive items (couch, mattress, appliances)
• Outside areas

Date stamp them. Keep them organized by checkout date.

Why it matters: Guest claims damage was already there? You have proof it wasn't.

9. Check Your Listing for Accuracy

Walk through your space. Read your listing. Do they match?

Common mismatches:

• Photo shows something you removed
• Amenity listed but not actually there
• Bedroom count wrong
• Bathroom description inaccurate

Why it matters: "Not as described" = instant bad review + possible refund.

10. Prepare for Emergencies

Hope you never need it. But be ready.

What to have:

• Backup key hidden (in case smart lock fails)
• Local handyman on speed dial
• Plumber contact
• Electrician contact
• Your schedule cleared for check-in window (first booking only)

Why it matters: Something will go wrong eventually. Be ready to fix it fast.

11. Set Your House Rules (And Post Them)

Don't assume guests know your rules.

Essential rules to post:

• Quiet hours
• No smoking policy
• No parties
• Max occupancy
• Checkout time

Put them in: listing, house manual, and welcome guide.

Why it matters: Can't enforce rules you never communicated.

12. Do a Final Walk-Through (As a Guest)

Pretend you're checking in. Walk through the entire experience.

The test:

• Park where guests park (is it obvious?)
• Use the door code (does it work smoothly?)
• Enter the space (first impression good?)
• Find the WiFi info (is it easy?)
• Use the bathroom (toilet paper? soap?)
• Make coffee (everything you need?)
• Work the TV (can you figure it out?)

Fix anything that's confusing or missing.

Why it matters: If YOU can't figure it out easily, your guest definitely can't.

What Happens If You Skip These?

Real examples from hosts who skipped steps:

Skipped #1 (door lock): Guest arrived. Code didn't work. Stood outside for 45 minutes. Bad review. 3 stars.

Skipped #3 (supplies): Guest ran out of toilet paper day 1. No backup rolls. Had to go buy some. Mentioned in review. 4 stars.

Skipped #4 (deep clean): Guest found hair in bathroom. "Not clean." 3 stars. Killed bookings for 2 months.

Skipped #7 (automated messages): Forgot to send check-in instructions. Guest called at 2:45 PM panicking. Started the stay stressed. 4 stars.

Don't skip steps. Do all 12.

After Your First Booking: What to Track

Your first guest checks out. Now what?

Track these:

• What questions did they ask? (Add answers to welcome guide)
• What did they mention in their review? (Fix any issues)
• What supplies did they use most? (Stock more of that)
• Were your instructions clear? (Update if not)

Every guest teaches you how to improve.

Final Thoughts: Start Strong

Your first booking sets the tone.

5-star review? Momentum builds. More bookings. Higher rates. Better guests.

Bad review? You're fighting uphill for months.

Do these 12 things. Don't skip any. Don't rush.

Get your first 5-star review. Then do it again. And again.

That's how you build a successful STR business.

Ready for Your First Booking?

Need help getting your property ready?

We help Indianapolis STR owners prepare for their first booking with full property setup, systems implementation, and first-guest support.

What we do:

• Property inspection and readiness check
• Welcome guide creation
• Automation setup
• Supply checklist and sourcing
• First booking support (we're on call)

Schedule a Free Property Setup Consultation