The Ultimate Guide to Preparing Your Home for the Peak Season
Professional property managers know how important peak season is for maximizing rental income and building strong guest relationships. Proper preparation helps ensure homes are ready to impress, offering a seamless, welcoming experience that keeps guests coming back year after year.
Here’s how a property should be prepared for the busiest time of the year.
1. Deep Clean, Dewinterize, and Perform Maintenance Checks
During peak season, turnover can happen quickly, and guest expectations are higher than ever. A spotless, well-functioning home is critical.
Schedule a professional deep clean, or focus on key areas like carpets, floors, baseboards, and windows.
If the home has been closed for the colder months, dewinterizing is essential. This includes flushing plumbing systems, checking outdoor faucets, servicing HVAC units, and inspecting roofs, gutters, and outdoor spaces.
Appliances, lights, and plumbing fixtures should be checked to catch and repair any issues before guests arrive.
Ensure heating and hot water systems are turned on, fully functional, and checked for any irregularities.
Refreshing the air by opening windows or using natural diffusers can help the home feel crisp and welcoming.
2. Stage for Comfort and Seasonal Appeal
First impressions matter. Thoughtful staging makes a home feel more inviting and increases booking potential.
Decluttering and depersonalizing spaces helps keep the environment open and welcoming.
Upgrading to high-quality bedding and towels can significantly elevate the guest experience.
Adding cozy or seasonal accents—like throw blankets, fresh flowers, or summer-themed cushions—creates warmth and character.
Furniture should be arranged to highlight standout features, whether it’s a sunny patio, cozy fireplace, or beautiful views.
3. Stock Smart Amenities for High-Volume Bookings
During peak season, being well-stocked helps avoid guest complaints and saves time between turnovers.
In the Kitchen
Full cookware sets, utensils, dishware
Coffee maker, toaster, kettle
Dish soap, paper towels, basic spices
In the Bathroom
Ample towels, toiletries, tissues
Hairdryer, backup supplies, extra toilet paper
For Comfort and Safety
High-speed WiFi, streaming-ready smart TV
Blackout curtains, extra linens
First aid kit, fire extinguisher, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Providing a labeled bin with backup items can reduce mid-stay service calls.
4. Update Your Welcome Guide
An updated welcome guide is an important tool for ensuring a smooth guest experience, especially during peak seasons when travelers often seek quick recommendations.
It should include:
Check-in/out procedures and house rules
WiFi password and smart home device instructions
Local recommendations for seasonal events, restaurants, and activities
Emergency contact numbers and local services
Both digital and printed versions are helpful for guests.
5. Go the Extra Mile to Impress Peak-Season Guests
Standing out during peak season requires offering thoughtful extras. Little touches lead to glowing reviews.
Seasonal extras like beach towels and sunscreen in summer, or cozy throws and cocoa in winter, are appreciated.
A simple welcome gift, such as a local snack or handwritten note, can leave a lasting impression.
Regularly refreshing décor and amenities ensures everything looks fresh and thoughtfully maintained.
6. Upgrade Your Listing for Maximum Visibility
Even a beautifully prepared home needs a strong listing to compete during peak season.
Professional photography showcases a home at its best.
Refreshing listing descriptions with seasonal keywords like "summer getaway" or "holiday retreat" helps attract more searches.
Monitoring market trends and adjusting pricing as needed keeps properties competitive and attractive.
Make This Peak Season the Best Yet
With the right preparation, homes can shine during the busiest months of the year. Professional property managers are ready to support homeowners every step of the way—from cleaning and staging to optimizing listings and handling guest needs.
Need help getting your properties peak-season ready?
Let’s turn your property into a standout destination this season—reach out directly to Hygge Hospitality Partners today. Reach out to discuss support or coordinate services.
