Simple, polite checkout messages get better results than long rule lists
Timing and tone matter, so send reminders the night before and keep the tone warm and human
Uplisting automates checkout messages and cleaner notifications so every goodbye runs smoothly
Every host knows the feeling, checkout day arrives, and you walk in to find dirty dishes in the sink, towels on the floor, and the heating still on full blast. Not exactly the smooth handover you hoped for.
The problem usually isn’t bad guests, it’s unclear communication. When checkout instructions are too long, too abrupt, or buried in a message thread, guests skim or skip them altogether. The trick is writing directions that are simple, polite, and impossible to miss, without sounding like a nag.
In this article, we’ll break down how to write Airbnb check out instructions guests actually follow, the kind that get your property turned over on time, every time, no reminders required. From timing and tone to automation tips with Uplisting, these small tweaks make managing guest departures as easy as your arrivals.
Checkout is the final scene of your guest’s stay, and like any good ending, it shapes how they remember the experience. A great checkout message doesn’t just help cleaners get in on time, it leaves guests feeling appreciated rather than scolded.
When done right, it’s the difference between a smooth handover and an awkward goodbye. Guests remember how you made them feel, not how neatly they folded the towels.
The emotional side of clear communication matters. Instead of guilt-tripping guests into compliance, the best hosts use gratitude and simplicity. A friendly message that says “Thanks again for staying, here’s how to help us prepare for the next guest” goes much further than a bullet list of orders.
Top hosts make guests want to follow directions by setting the tone early. They show appreciation, keep things short, and make checkout feel like part of the stay, not a chore.
Manage short-term rentals & bookings, message guests, take payment, and so much more. All in one easy-to-use platform (that never double-books).
Guests rarely ignore rules on purpose, but overwhelm pushes them away.
A three-page list of checkout demands makes even the most thoughtful traveler tune out. Decision fatigue sets in when a host asks guests to do everything short of spring cleaning. Heads nod, eyes glaze, and instructions disappear into the background.
When Airbnb check out instructions read like chores, the message misses the mark.
“Take out the bins, vacuum every room, strip all beds, start the laundry, mop the floors, and alphabetize condiments”...Requests like these don’t just feel excessive, they shift a guest’s mood from relaxed to irritated. Guests expect to tidy up, but not to scrub every surface. Asking for too much not only leads to missed steps but also invites mediocre reviews and a sense of annoyance.
A better approach is to ask for favors, not labor.
Use plain language, stick to the basics, and explain why each step matters. “Please leave used towels in the basket so cleaners can turn the space around quickly” gets more cooperation than “ALL towels MUST be stripped and sorted before departure.”
Helpful beats bossy every time!
There’s an art to writing a checkout message guests actually read. It needs to sound human, be easy to scan, and strike the right tone, which is friendly, not formal. Think of it as your final conversation with the guest rather than a to-do list.
Here’s how to craft one that gets results every time.
Nobody likes being bossed around by a robot, especially at the end of a relaxing trip.
Skip the stiff phrases and canned responses. Speak to guests the same way you would talk to a neighbor, so clear, friendly, and direct.
“Could you pop towels in the basket? Thanks!” lands better than “Towels must be placed in the designated receptacle prior to departure.” Guests are far more likely to follow airbnb check out instructions when your message sounds warm and personal.
Fewer requests lead to better results. Guests complete three simple requests much more often than ten complicated ones. Focus only on steps that truly matter for a smooth turnover. For most properties, three to five actions work best:
Lock up: Double-check doors and windows for security.
Toss trash: Put garbage in outdoor bins.
Gather linens: Place used towels in the bathroom basket.
Return keys: Leave keys where guests found them.
If a request feels like cleaning duty, it’s probably too much for departing travelers.
People act when they see a reason behind your request.
Instead of saying, “Take out the trash,” say, “Taking out trash helps our cleaning team reset the space quickly for the next guest.” A quick explanation about respecting the next traveler or keeping everything organized encourages guests to help out.
Nobody enjoys a surprise to-do list with morning coffee. Send your checkout message the evening before departure so guests can plan around it. Sending instructions as everyone scrambles to pack means your message gets missed or ignored.
Automation makes timing easy, so you can set up your message once, then relax as guests get a gentle reminder at the perfect moment.
Your final words stick with guests, so wrap up with a genuine thank you.
“We appreciate you staying and helping us keep the place great for the next folks.” A soft review nudge fits well here: “If you enjoyed your stay, we’d love to hear your thoughts in a review.”
Showing appreciation encourages positive feedback and leaves guests feeling good as they walk out the door.
Some of the largest short-term rental operators (with 250+ properties) rely on Uplisting's software to scale their businesses.
Every host knows guests rush to pack, check for chargers, and sort rides—so clear, friendly communication stands out in that morning shuffle. When airbnb check out instructions land with the right mix of warmth and clarity, guests pay attention and follow through. The secret? Speak like a person, not a policy.
Here’s a template you can steal. It skips the lecture, makes each request personal, and keeps the mood light:
Hi [Guest Name],
Hope you had a great stay! Before heading out, could you help with a few quick steps?
Put all used towels in the bathroom basket.
Toss trash in the outdoor bin by the gate.
Lock all windows and doors.
Leave the key in the lockbox where you found it.
Thank you for helping us prep for future guests. Safe travels!
This message reads like a favor between friends. Guests know exactly what you need, and nothing feels like a chore. No one likes a checklist that runs longer than a grocery receipt.
A conversational note from a real person gets more attention than any rulebook.
Numbered steps pop out on a phone screen or printout, so guests don’t lose track. Each task stands alone, making everything feel manageable, even for someone running late. Simple words, short lines, and white space help guests breeze through requests.
A quick thank you at the end leaves a good impression and often encourages better reviews.
Personal touches show guests you care.
Mention something unique, like a favorite spot they visited or a compliment about their communication. Adjust timing so guests get reminders the night before check-out, not while juggling suitcases by the door.
Automation tools let you set up personalized templates and schedule messages for every booking. Update instructions easily as new feedback comes in, so airbnb check out instructions always feel relevant and spot-on for your property.
Manual reminders create missed messages and last-minute stress, because nobody wants an early-morning scramble to text guests or cleaners before coffee. Automating airbnb check out instructions means reminders arrive right when guests need them, and workflows run quietly in the background. Set up schedules once, and every detail falls into place at the perfect time, whether you are at your desk or catching some sleep.
Automation goes well beyond reminders. The real strength shows up in a steady chain of connected actions. Need guests to receive checkout notes the evening before? Schedule it, and the message lands without fail. Cleaner notifications go out as soon as a guest departs, so no one waits around for a text. Review requests reach guests automatically, so you never miss the window when someone leaves five-star feedback.
Consistency keeps everything running smoothly. Guests always know where to find instructions, and your team steps in exactly when needed. No more waking up to panicked texts or finding out a bin got skipped because a message didn’t send. Automation keeps everyone on the same page, cuts down on mistakes, and frees you up to run operations with less hassle and more peace of mind.
With a reliable VRM solution you can trust, Uplisting can help you grow your business without wasting time on double bookings, unhappy guests, upset clients and worrying what could go wrong next.
A great stay can fall apart in the final hour when hosts get caught up in bad habits. Over-explaining every detail (or sounding bossy) shifts guests from relaxed to defensive. Nobody enjoys feeling graded on a pop quiz during checkout. When airbnb check out instructions come across like a rulebook, guests tune out and miss the point.
A thank you matters more than any rule. Skipping gratitude at the end of a stay leaves guests feeling brushed off, even after a smooth visit. A quick thank you is more than just manners, it’s the final nudge that often wins a positive review and a friendly goodbye.
Checkout isn’t a formality, it’s your final chance to leave a great impression. A smooth, friendly goodbye helps guests remember your place fondly and often leads to repeat bookings.
Even small gestures, a thank-you text, a farewell treat, or a “safe travels” message, remind guests that behind the listing is a real person who cares. Combine that warmth with automation from Uplisting, and you’ll create a checkout experience that runs itself while still feeling personal.
If you’re ready to stop chasing guests and start scaling smarter, sign up for Uplisting today and let automation do the heavy lifting so you can focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences at every stage: check-in to check-out.
It’s simple to automate repetitive tasks with Uplisting's short-term rental software. You’ll save hours every week and eliminate human error. Go ahead — take some time off.
Guests expect a few simple tasks in clear checkout instructions. Collecting towels or taking out trash feels fair when requests stay reasonable and help your team turn the space around quickly.
Focus on two or three steps that genuinely make departure smoother, any more, and guests start to see the list as work instead of a courtesy.
Sometimes guests skip steps, even after friendly reminders. A quick, gracious message helps most people get back on track.
Think, “Would you mind popping the towels in the basket when you have a moment?” Making instructions easy to find in the house manual or automating scheduled reminders before checkout usually keeps everyone on the same page without extra effort.
Late checkout comes up more often than you’d expect. If your cleaning team has wiggle room, offering an extra hour can leave guests feeling grateful and boost your reviews.
When schedules are tight, point guests to your policy and explain why extra time isn’t possible that day, clear, polite answers keep stays positive even when you can’t say yes.
.png)
