Checkout instructions are one of the cheapest ways to protect your turnover and your reviews. A guest who knows exactly what to do on the last morning leaves the place in better shape, and your cleaner starts from a better baseline.
Keep the list short
Guests skim. A list of three to six clear actions gets read; a page of rules does not. Ask only for what saves you real time or money.
- Turn off lights, heating or air-conditioning if that is your preference.
- Put used towels in one place, such as the bathtub or a basket.
- Load dishes or leave them in the sink, whichever suits your setup.
- Lock up and return keys or confirm the door will lock itself.
- Message you if anything was broken or left behind.
Say why, politely
A short reason improves compliance. “Towels in the tub helps our cleaner start faster” sounds better than a bare rule. Avoid threats and fines unless the platform rules and your listing allow them.
When and where to send them
Include a short version in your listing and house manual, then send a reminder the evening before checkout. A scheduled message does this without extra work; the guest message schedule builder helps you plan the timing.
Build yours quickly
Our checkout instructions builder turns your preferences into a clear message. Pair it with a turnover checklist so your cleaner knows what to expect.
What not to ask for
Do not ask guests to strip beds, run laundry or clean surfaces to a professional standard unless that is clearly agreed and appropriate. Over-asking tends to annoy guests more than it helps. If checkout time is a recurring issue, see early check-in and late checkout requests.
Want checkout messages to send themselves?
We set up and manage guest messaging remotely so every guest gets the right instructions at the right time.
See guest messaging support
Bruce J is the CEO of Thrive Hosts and leads the short-term rental team. He works on the operations and performance side of STR: guest communication, pricing and calendar discipline, turnovers, issue tracking and owner reporting across Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com. On the blog he writes practical, no-fluff guides for owners and operators who want their rentals to run more consistently.
