How to Organize Your Vacation Rental for 5-Star Reviews
Let me paint a picture for you: It’s late at night, you’ve been driving for hours on end with tired, cranky kids in tow, and you finally pull up to your Airbnb in beautiful Sunriver, Oregon. You’re ready to collapse into a cozy vacation rental… but instead, you walk into a scene that looks like a tornado hit. Beds unmade. Dishes in the sink. Towels strewn about.
Yep, this happened to us. Turns out the rental hadn't been turned over from the last guests! And let me tell you, nothing makes you question everything about a vacation rental’s organization system like scrambling to entertain overtired kids while waiting for a last-minute cleaner at 9pm.
After staying in over 40 vacation rentals, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ‘why is the silverware in three different drawers?’ So, whether you own a vacation home, rent it out part-time, or simply want it to be guest-ready at all times, I’ve got the organization tips that will make it feel luxurious, functional, and stress-free—for you and your guests!
And hey, if you don’t want to do it yourself? We can help. Keep reading. 😉
The Guest-Ready Formula: A Space-by-Space Breakdown
A well-organized vacation home isn’t just about making it look pretty (although, we at The Orderly Space love a good aesthetic). It’s about effortless usability—so guests never have to wonder where things are or how to use them. Here’s how to organize each space so your Airbnb stands out from the rest.
1. The Entryway: First Impressions Matter
The moment guests walk in, they should feel welcomed, not confused.
✔ Keyless Entry & Instructions: If you’re still using a lockbox, consider upgrading to a smart lock. Provide clear entry instructions—no one wants to be fumbling for WiFi at midnight trying to access an email.
✔ Drop Zone: A bench with hooks for jackets, a tray for keys, and labeled baskets for shoes keep the space neat (bonus points if there’s an umbrella stand, especially if your vacation rental is here in the Pacific Northwest!).
✔ Welcome Guide: A simple, well-organized guide with house rules, WiFi info, and local recommendations. Trust me—this tiny touch makes a huge difference.
2. The Kitchen: Make It User-Friendly
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve reorganized vacation rental kitchens while staying in them. Don’t believe me? Watch this Instagram Reel for proof!
✔ Labeled Cabinets & Drawers: If I open five cabinets before finding a wine glass, we have a problem. Labels make it easy for guests (and cleaners!) to find and return everything to its rightful place (did I mention that we sell kitchen labels in our Etsy shop?).
✔ Stocked Essentials: Think beyond the basics—sharp knives, cutting boards that aren’t completely worn out, and a coffee maker paired with a bag of local coffee beans.
✔ Clear Countertops: Too many appliances = visual clutter. Ensure your guests have plenty of counter space to prepare meals and entertain without any hassle.
3. The Living Room: Cozy, Not Cluttered
The living space should be inviting and easy to navigate. No one wants to hunt for the remote like it’s a scavenger hunt.
✔ Tech Setup: Label remotes (which one actually controls the TV?), provide clear streaming instructions, and stash extra charging cables in a designated spot.
✔ Games & Books: A small selection of board games, puzzles, and books adds a thoughtful touch (guests are more likely to leave great reviews when they feel extra cared for!).
✔ Throw Blankets & Pillows: Layer different textures to create a cozy, high-end look. Plus, guests want to feel “at home” when they’re staying in a vacation rental, and providing extra blankets creates that homey feel!
4. Bedrooms: A Boutique Experience
What makes a rental feel luxurious instead of just ‘meh’? The little details that scream comfort.
✔ Matching Hangers & Labeled Drawers: No more random wire hangers or mystery drawers. Keep things consistent and accessible.
✔ High-Quality Bedding: White linens feel clean and crisp. Pro Tip: Duvet covers with zipper closures = easy cleaning.
✔ Blackout Curtains & Sound Machines: Again, going that extra mile to create an excellent guest experience will skyrocket your ratings!
✔ Bedside Charging Stations: Allow guests to charge all of their devices at once by providing a power strip with USB ports on each nightstand.
5. The Bathrooms: Spa-Like Simplicity
Ever been to an Airbnb with zero room to store your toiletries? No thank you!
✔ Open Shelving or Labeled Drawers: Keep toiletries, extra bathroom amenities, and towels easily accessible.
✔ Stocked Essentials: Think luxury hotel—shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and a few extra touches like a hair dryer and Q-tips.
✔ Plush Towels: Soft, oversized towels (and lots of them!) provide a relaxing guest experience.
6. Laundry & Cleaning: Keep It Simple
Not every guest is going to do laundry, but for those who do… let’s make it easy.
✔ Labeled Laundry Baskets: One for lights, one for darks, one for towels.
✔ Clear Cleaning Supplies: A small, labeled bin with basics (detergent, multi-surface cleaner, sponges) helps keep things tidy.
✔ Extra Linens in Labeled Bins: No one should have to dig for a fresh pillowcase.
Set Your Vacation Home Apart (And Make Your Life Easier)
A well-organized vacation home = less stress for you, better reviews from guests, and more repeat bookings!
If you want to set up your Pacific Northwest rental the right way without the headache, we offer vacation home organization services to make your Airbnb feel luxurious, functional, and guest-ready.
✔ Need custom labels to keep things organized? Grab them in our Etsy shop.
✔ Want an easy checklist to make sure your home is always ready for guests? Download our Vacation Home Essentials PDF here!
Because the last thing you want is for someone to show up at 9pm with two kids and a disaster of a rental. Trust me!
Book a complimentary consultation with our team today, and we’ll help you create the vacation home of your (and your guests) dreams!
