If you scramble to reset your Airbnb after every guest, a solid checkout checklist keeps turnovers on track. But, you don't need to start from scratch. Our free Airbnb checkout list template is a great place to get started. Keep reading to learn more about what to include, and then download our free checkout template for Airbnbs at the end!
Why is an Airbnb checkout template important?
Without simple guidance, it's easy for guests to miss small tasks that matter during turnovers. Small details like these often slip through the cracks, which can then slow down cleaning and delay the next check-in.
That's why having a checkout checklist is so helpful. A well-structured Airbnb checkout checklist makes guest departures easier to manage, especially if time is tight between bookings.
This guide includes a free Airbnb checkout list template at the end that you can customize to share directly with guests, plus simple tips for making it fit your space. It's one of the easiest ways to keep turnovers stress-free and respectful for everyone involved.
Airbnb checkout list template: What to include
Our template covers common tasks you can include to help guests leave your space tidy and ready for your cleaning crew. Not every item will apply to your property, so feel free to edit or remove anything that doesn't fit.
Want a ready-to-go copy? Grab a downloadable Airbnb checkout list template at the end of this guide that includes all of these. Need a check-in checklist? Find ours here!
🛏️ General cleaning tasks
These quick steps help keep the space tidy and ready for cleaning. They also make it easier for you and your team to turn the place around on time.
- Strip all used bed linens and place them in the laundry basket or hamper
- Start one load of laundry (sheets or towels)
- Wipe down counters and surfaces
- Tidy up clutter and check for any personal items
- Sweep or vacuum visible dirt or crumbs
🚮 Trash and recycling
Getting trash out of the property is something your guests should tackle, since leftover garbage slows down cleaning significantly. Doing this as one of the first steps keeps things sanitary and reduces odors, making the rest of the cleaning easier to manage.
- Empty trash bins in all rooms
- Remove kitchen garbage and take to outdoor bins
- Check fridge, pantry, and under sinks for leftover food (and toss any opened, perishable goods)
- Separate recyclables (if required in your rental's area)
- Replace liners if extras are provided
🍽️ Kitchen and appliances
Cleaning the kitchen is time-consuming, and is often something that needs the most time in between bookings, so having a clear checklist here saves precious minutes. Asking guests to take care of these tasks up front helps everything else run more smoothly.
- Load and run the dishwasher (or wash dishes)
- Wipe down all counters, the stovetop, and the sink
- Check and empty fridge and freezer
- Wipe down small appliances (e.g., microwave, toaster, coffee maker)
- Turn off oven, burners, and unplug non-essential items
🌡️ Thermostat and lights
This quick reset helps guests leave your space energy-efficient and comfortable for the next arrival. It's also a simple way to prevent waste and keep utility bills in check. Add your preferred settings so guests know exactly what to do.
- Set thermostat to a default temperature (e.g., 72°F or 22°C)
- Turn off all lights, lamps, and fans
- Unplug unnecessary devices (if required)
- Close curtains or blinds for insulation
🐾 Pet-friendly stays
If you allow pets, your checklist needs to include steps that go beyond the basics. Pet hair and odors tend to stick around even after a quick sweep. But, reminding your guests to address them proactively helps prevent complaints and allergens from affecting future guests.
- Ensure all pet waste is cleaned up (yard, balcony, etc.).
- Vacuum or sweep up pet hair
- Return any provided pet bowls, beds, or crates to their original spots
- Double-check that pets haven't caused any damage and report if needed (check soft furniture and rugs, especially)
- Toss any used pet supplies and leave the area clean and tidy
🧴 Toiletries and bathroom
Having tasks for the bathroom encourages guests to do their part so your cleaner isn't wasting time on small things. It also gives you a chance to spot issues early, like leaks or low supplies.
- Dispose of any used personal items (e.g., razors, cotton pads)
- Place used towels in the laundry basket
- Flush all toilets and check for any leaks or running water
- Wipe down counters if needed
- Let the host know if any supplies are running low
🏊 Pools and hot tubs
If your rental includes a pool or hot tub, a post-stay checklist is non-negotiable. These amenities are usually on the pricier side, you'll want to keep on top of things to protect expensive equipment.
- Remove any pool toys, floats, or towels and return them to their storage area
- Ensure the pool/hot tub cover is properly secured (if required)
- Turn off jets, lights, or heating settings for the hot tub
- Report anything unusual, such as cloudy water, broken jets, or missing covers
- Don't drain or adjust water levels unless instructed
🛋️ Living room and common areas
This is usually the first space guests see when they arrive and the last one they walk through on their way out. A quick tidy-up helps keep things organized and shows that the space was treated with care.
- Return furniture, remotes, and décor to their original spots (and, if provided, return books, games, or entertainment items to their places, too)
- Check for trash or personal belongings under cushions and tables
- Wipe down coffee tables, and shelves
- Straighten pillows and throws
- Power off electronics and other devices
📦 Personal belongings
This step is crucial, so we need to put extra emphasis on it. Before locking up, a final sweep for forgotten items protects you and your guests. It prevents lost-and-found messages and builds trust. So, a few seconds spent here saves a lot of back-and-forth later.
- Do a final check for any forgotten belongings (especially in closets, drawers, and under beds)
- Double-check personal belongings, especially for any items that belong to the rental (chargers, towels, etc.)
- Remove any trash or hygiene items, and toss these
- Place broken items in a designated location, and report them
🔐 Security instructions
Help guests finish strong with a few clear reminders around locking up. It's an easy way to protect your property and avoid follow-up issues after check-out. This section is extremely important in self-check-in homes or high-traffic areas.
- Leave behind any key fobs, garage clickers, or access cards in a designated space
- Lock all the doors and windows
- Double-check outdoor gates or garage entries
- Make sure smart locks engage properly when the door closes
- Let the host know if you notice anything off, like a broken lock or open window
📩 Final steps
This last section is all about tying up loose ends. A quick message or note from guests after check-out can be a huge help, especially if you manage turnovers remotely or use a team.
- Report any damages or maintenance issues
- Do a final walkthrough of the property to make sure nothing was missed, and check hard-to-reach spots like under heavy furniture and behind beds
- Send a quick message to confirm checkout
How to use your Airbnb checkout list
A detailed Airbnb checkout checklist is only helpful if it actually gets used. To keep turnovers smooth, you'll want to make sure your list is easy to follow and relevant to your space.
Here are some tips on how to do that.
1. Customize it to your property
No two Airbnbs are alike, so your checklist shouldn't be one-size-fits-all. Add in anything that applies specifically to your space, like covering the hot tub, local recycling rules, trash pickup schedules, and even noise ordinances.
The more relevant the list is, the more likely guests will actually follow it.
2. Nail the right tone and messaging
The best Airbnb check-out instructions are simple and friendly. Avoid long paragraphs or overly strict language–remember, this checklist helps both you and your guests out, and they are more likely to help when the tone feels respectful and easygoing.
A warm tone encourages guests to follow through without feeling like they're being scolded.
3. Make the list visible
Even the best Airbnb checkout checklist won't help if guests don't see it. Make sure it's easy to find, easy to read, and shared in multiple places. For example, you can print and frame a copy near the front door or leave it on the kitchen counter.
Send a friendly reminder with the list via an Airbnb message the night before check-out. You can also include it in your digital welcome book or house manual–wherever guests are most likely to see it when they're packing up.
Download your free Airbnb checkout list template
When guests know exactly what to do before they leave, turnovers go faster and you avoid the chaos of last-minute issues. A good Airbnb checkout checklist helps set that standard without micromanaging the stay. To use this template, click the link below — you'll be prompted to make a copy so you can edit and customize it for your own needs.
👉 Download Airbnb checkout list template 👈
And, when your turnover process is consistent, everything else runs more efficiently. As a host, that's all you can really hope for. A tool like SummerOS takes it even further, giving you the data and automation you need to optimize not just turnovers, but the entire performance of your short-term rental portfolio.
Ready to simplify your turnovers? Download our free Airbnb checkout list template and customize it for your space to make checkouts easier for every guest today. Then, get SummerOS to make more revenue on your short-term rental property!
