By Andrew Wilson,
Holiday Home Management.
Read part 1 here.
Most properties have areas which are difficult to reach such as behind and underneath furniture and equipment, or areas which are above head height. Not all parts of a property will need to be attended to on every changeover, and some areas can be dealt with at a point in the season when there is more time to spend on detailed cleaning. The checklist can detail which areas will require just a ‘visual check’ on changeover to make sure all is in order.
A more detailed deep cleaning programming should be undertaken out of season and would include things such as moving heavy furniture to allow for cleaning behind and underneath, taking down curtains for proper cleaning, professional cleaning of carpets, removing and cleaning shower heads, and any other items specific to the property which are not attended to during the regular changeover.
Part of the standard changeover routine should also include the checking of important equipment and the replenishing of any stocks and spares. TV’s and dvd’s need to checked to make sure they are working for incoming guests, and there should be a stock of spare batteries covering all electronic devices including remote controls, digital clocks and wall mounted alarms. It is a good idea to provide a storage area which can hold standard replacement items such as wine glasses, crockery and other essentials which may occasionally break during the normal course of renting the property.
The housekeeper should check that all doors and door locks are intact, and that all sliding doors open and close freely and without hindrance. If there is any outside space for guest use this will also need to be checked. Patio furniture needs to be clean, and barbecues and children’s play equipment checked and cleaned as required.
Once all areas of the property have been cleaned or checked, your housekeeper should carry out a final check to make sure they have not overlooked anything. It is a good opportunity to walk through each room and to ensure that the correct ‘finishing touches’ have been applied – all furnishing should be correctly arranged and shiny surfaces should be dry wiped and free from streak marks. If the guests are arriving at night time in the winter then the heating will need to be turned on in advance to ensure the property is warm on arrival, and outside lighting should be switched on to enable easy access.
Your refuse removal schedule needs to be coordinated by your housekeeper and communicated effectively with your guests. Guests will need clear instructions on your recycling system, including days and dates when refuse will be collected. These details can be included in your visitor information pack along with key property information such as ‘how to work...’ manuals and emergency contact details.
Final touches such as amenity packs, welcome cards and gifts can be left on the kitchen table. Your property is now ready for your new arrivals, and your housekeeper can relax, until 10am the following Saturday when the whole process can begin again ...
Andrew Wilson is Managing Director of Holiday Home Management, offering a comprehensive range of cleaning and maintenance services for second home and holiday let owners across South West England. Find out more at Holiday Home Management or call 0844 3350237.
