Welcome to hosting, Cairns-style. Sunshine, reef trips and… humidity. This checklist keeps it simple so you launch cleanly and avoid the first-month headaches.
1) Safety & compliance first
- Interconnected smoke alarms (test + spare batteries)
- Fire blanket & extinguisher accessible in the kitchen
- First-aid kit stocked; emergency contacts on the fridge
- Window locks, child-safe balcony rules posted
- Body corporate/strata by-laws reviewed (parking, rubbish, quiet hours)
2) Linen packs that survive the tropics
- Triple-sheet beds (see Linen & Turnover Standards)
- Towel ratios: 1 bath + 1 hand + 1 face per guest; 1 bath mat per bathroom
- Spare sealed set per bed for week-long stays
- Lidded storage tubs with dehumidifier bricks; air cupboards on turnover day
3) Housekeeping & maintenance in sync
- Cleaner checklist with photo upload per room
- Consumables list (toilet rolls, dish tabs, bin liners, laundry sachets)
- AC serviced; filters cleaned; ceiling fans dust-free
- Quick 10-minute maintenance pass (see Maintenance Between Stays)
4) Photo day prep (staging that sells)
- Declutter: remove 30% of bench items; hide cords and remotes
- Natural light: blinds open; lights on; ceiling fans off for shots
- Feature three “experience” vignettes: coffee set-up, balcony sitting, beach gear
- Shoot exterior, entry, every room, storage (cot/highchair if provided)
- Follow the Photography Checklist
5) Listing settings that save your sanity
- Minimum stays: 2 nights standard; 3+ on peak weekends/events; flex mid-week gaps
- Lead time: stop same-day bookings unless you’ve got rock-solid ops
- House rules: short and enforceable (see House Rules & Compliance)
- Amenities: beach towels optional; list AC details and parking clearly
6) Pricing: start smart, adjust fast
- Use a sensible launch ADR; raise in steps as reviews land
- Protect weekends with longer minimums; backfill Tue–Thu with LOS discounts
- Watch pacing weekly and compare to targets (see Owner Reporting)
- Factor turnover costs into 1-night pricing (or avoid 1-nighters)
7) Messaging templates (copy/paste)
- Pre-arrival: “Welcome to Cairns! Check-in from 3pm. Parking is bay #12 (map in the link). Quiet hours 10pm-7am. Shout if you need anything.”
- Late checkout offer: “If you’d like 12pm checkout on weekday stays, we can usually do it for $25—want me to check availability?”
- Wet-season note: “Humidity can spike—keep doors/windows closed with AC on ‘Dry’ for best comfort.”
8) Launch week checklist
- Final walkthrough and photo of each room in the cleaner app
- Digital guide/house rules QR printed and framed
- Spare bulbs, batteries, and two extra pillow protectors on hand
- Test door code + backup key box; confirm Wi-Fi speed
9) First 10 reviews—your momentum builder
- Reply to reviews in a friendly, short Cairns tone
- Fix repeat mentions immediately (pillows, AC, parking clarity)
- Refresh photo order after the best guest pics roll in
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Want us to launch it for you—photos, pricing, messaging and cleaner setup? Book a free consult, or run your numbers in our earnings & turnover calculator.