The Ultimate STR Turnover Checklist (Room by Room)

A thorough turnover is the single most important operational task in short-term rental hosting. Guests form their first impression within 90 seconds of walking in. Get this right consistently and you get 5-star reviews consistently. Miss one detail and a guest who otherwise had a great stay will dock a star.

Here's a complete room-by-room turnover checklist. Use this yourself or share it with your cleaning team.

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Before You Start: Arrival Protocol

• [ ] Confirm checkout time has passed and guest has departed
• [ ] Check messages — did the guest report any issues?
• [ ] Review next guest's check-in time so you know your window
• [ ] Have all supplies: clean linens, restocking items, cleaning kit

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🛏️ Bedroom(s)

• [ ] Strip all beds: sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers
• [ ] Check mattress for stains — treat immediately if found
• [ ] Make bed with fresh linens (hotel-style with hospital corners)
• [ ] Fluff all pillows and arrange decoratively
• [ ] Wipe all surfaces: nightstands, dresser, headboard
• [ ] Clean mirrors — streak-free
• [ ] Vacuum/sweep floor including under bed
• [ ] Empty and reline all trash cans
• [ ] Check closet: hangers straight, extra blanket folded
• [ ] Dust and properly position curtains/blinds
• [ ] Check lamps and charging cables are functional
• [ ] Restock: tissues, laundry bag, DO NOT DISTURB sign
• [ ] 📸 PHOTO: Made bed from doorway (required)

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🛁 Bathroom(s)

• [ ] Scrub toilet — bowl, seat, lid, base, and behind
• [ ] Scrub shower/tub — tiles, grout, glass doors
• [ ] Clean sink and faucet (descale if needed)
• [ ] Clean mirror — streak-free
• [ ] Wipe vanity top, inside drawer and cabinet
• [ ] Empty and reline trash can
• [ ] Mop floor including behind toilet
• [ ] Replace toilet paper (new roll, fan-folded end)
• [ ] Set out fresh towels (bath, hand, washcloth)
• [ ] Restock: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bar soap
• [ ] Restock: lotion, Q-tips, cotton pads
• [ ] Check hair dryer — clean lint filter
• [ ] Clear shower drain of hair
• [ ] Squeegee glass shower doors
• [ ] 📸 PHOTO: Full bathroom from doorway
• [ ] 📸 PHOTO: Toilet paper + towel presentation close-up

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🍳 Kitchen

• [ ] Run dishwasher if full — empty and put away all items
• [ ] Hand wash remaining dishes, pots, pans
• [ ] Wipe all appliances: microwave inside/out, toaster, coffee maker
• [ ] Clean stovetop — burners, grates, drip pans
• [ ] Check oven interior if it was used
• [ ] Wipe refrigerator exterior; check inside for guest-left food
• [ ] Wipe all countertops thoroughly
• [ ] Clean sink — scrub, polish faucet
• [ ] Wipe cabinet fronts — remove fingerprints
• [ ] Check all utensils/cookware are clean and stored correctly
• [ ] Restock: coffee pods/beans, tea, sugar, creamer
• [ ] Restock: dish soap, sponge, paper towels
• [ ] Empty and reline trash — take to outdoor bin if full
• [ ] Sweep and mop floor
• [ ] 📸 PHOTO: Full kitchen counter + appliances
• [ ] 📸 PHOTO: Coffee station setup

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🛋️ Living & Common Areas

• [ ] Fluff and arrange all sofa cushions and pillows
• [ ] Fold throw blanket and place decoratively
• [ ] Wipe all surfaces: coffee table, side tables, shelves
• [ ] Clean TV screen (microfiber cloth only)
• [ ] Check remote controls — working, batteries ok
• [ ] Dust decor, picture frames, lamps
• [ ] Check under cushions and remove debris
• [ ] Vacuum upholstered furniture
• [ ] Vacuum/mop entire floor area
• [ ] Wipe windows/sliding doors inside
• [ ] Empty trash and reline
• [ ] Place welcome book/house guide on coffee table
• [ ] 📸 PHOTO: Full living room from entrance

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🚪 Entry, Laundry & Exterior

• [ ] Wipe front door inside and outside
• [ ] Clean welcome mat or entry rug
• [ ] Check door lock — codes functioning correctly
• [ ] Sweep/mop entryway
• [ ] Start laundry: all guest linens and towels
• [ ] Clean dryer lint filter
• [ ] Fold and store clean linens for next turnover
• [ ] Sweep/clean outdoor area: patio, deck, furniture
• [ ] Empty outdoor trash and recycling
• [ ] Check parking area
• [ ] Set thermostat to welcome temperature
• [ ] All lights functional; set to welcoming level
• [ ] Lock all windows, secure all doors
• [ ] 📸 PHOTO: Front entrance / curb appeal

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✅ Final Inspector's Check

Stand at the doorway of each room. Ask yourself: "Would I be comfortable if my most demanding family member stayed here tonight?"

If yes for every room → send the done message to your host with all required photos.

If no → fix it before you leave.

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Making This System Automatic

Sharing this checklist with your cleaner verbally doesn't work. Texting it as a screenshot gets lost. The most reliable system is a printed checklist — one per turnover, checked off as they go, with photos sent to you when complete.

The 5-Star Turnover System includes this full checklist in a beautifully formatted printable PDF, plus a cleaner SOP template, inventory tracker, photo verification guide, seasonal deep-clean schedule, and maintenance log.

Get the 5-Star Turnover System →