This guide is presented by . You can sign up to become a host with Airbnb here.
Spare room in the house? Looking to make a couple of extra bucks? Airbnb has the answer. It's a home sharing site that lets you "rent" your spare room to visitors as an alternative to hotels.
But sharing a space with a stranger can feel awkward, particularly if you're a guest and want to feel like you're on holiday and not crashing on a mate's house.
To put your potential guests at ease, here are some key ways to being the ideal Airbnb host while still living in your own space.
1. Make it feel as though they're alone
Outside of greeting them at the door, handing them the keys and giving them a tour of their Airbnb, unless the guest openly asks for your company, it's likely they'll want to keep to themselves.
If it's possible, section your place so guests can come and go without having to pass you in common spaces such as the living room and kitchen. Otherwise, minimise your movement around common areas. This way they'll feel like they've nabbed themselves the entire apartment/house even though they haven't.
2. Give them their own spaces
Renting them a room to sleep in is a given but if you can, give them multiple rooms they can claim as their own. For example, if you have two bathrooms, make one theirs.
The same goes for a living room and kitchen if you have multiple or can sacrifice using them while you're hosting an Airbnb guest.
3. Remove any personal items from their rooms
Take down photos, knick-knacks and overly decorative items. Basically, anything too personal should be kept in your own quarters.
Also, try and Marie Kondo the rooms they'll be using. Travellers often come with bags, clothes and laptops, and having ample space to organise themselves is a bonus without feeling like they're imposing on your space or rearranging your stuff.
4. Make them feel welcome
It's nice to feel as though you're a guest in your home and not an inconvenience, and a good way to express this is by providing them with everything a hotel would.
This includes a towel, bathroom amenities kit, breakfast items and some handy kitchen essentials in case they'd like to cook.
Just don't offer the turndown service as that could be seen as an invasion of privacy.
5. Don't invite friends over while they're around
It's one thing to know they're sharing a home with you, it's a whole other thing to know that added strangers will be coming in and out of the property.
So raincheck anyone who's due for a catch-up at yours or ask to meet at their place instead and keep your guests happy and comfortable.
6. Lastly, be available
Don't be a complete stranger. Leave your number around in case your guests have questions or concerns and respond in a timely fashion.
Sign up with Airbnb and start hosting today
More guides on Finder Shopping
-
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza review: Luxury and location
In a city full of hotels, the Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza stands out for its location, pool, luxury rooms and oriental decor.
-
Club Med Bintan Island review: Luxury in Indonesia
If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury stay for your family, it doesn’t get much better than Club Med Bintan Island.
-
Peppers Broadbeach review: Gold Coast family accommodation
Surfers Paradise has been cleaning up its act to lure families and stays like the Peppers Broadbeach apartments are the perfect accomplice.
-
Cedar Creek Lodges review: Mt Tamborine Thunderbird Park
Cedar Creek Lodges offers a unique family accommodation experience at Thunderbird Park, Tamborine Mountain, Gold Coast.
-
Sunwing Kamala Beach review: Family-friendly resort
Sunwing Kamala Beach in Phuket, Thailand, is a resort built from the ground up for family holidays, but does it hit the mark?
-
Where to book hotels with free cancellations
Book yourself peace of mind by opting for a stay with a free cancellation policy with one of these top accommodation sites.
-
Where to book accommodation with Afterpay in November 2024
Secure your accommodation with interest-free Afterpay payments. Here's how.
-
Hotel Deals | Save on your next stay with coupon codes and online sales
Find a discounted stay at hotels, apartments, hostels and homes around the world with these top accommodation and hotel deals.
-
23 Airbnb alternatives for perfect holiday homes
Find your home away from home for your next getaway on one of these sites like Airbnb. Plus, find discount codes, coupons and more to save on your stay.
-
15 sites to book hotels online in Australia
15 of the best online travel and hotel agents for cheap and luxurious stays worldwide. Expedia, Hotels.com, HotelsCombined and more. Plus, heaps of deals for bargain stays.