Airbnb Success Story: How I Built a Side Hustle That Lasts
I launched my Airbnb listing in October 2016, and within six months, we hit a 100% occupancy rate for five consecutive months. Now, we maintain around 90% occupancy for the nights we keep open. Over the years, we’ve learned a lot—from handling difficult guests to navigating unexpected emergencies like frozen pipes and carbon monoxide alarms. Our journey has taught us what works and what doesn’t, and it's been a lucrative side hustle. Hosting on Airbnb isn’t exactly passive income; it requires attention, flexibility, and ongoing effort, but for us, it’s been absolutely worth it.
Burled Wood Manor
A cozy retreat in the PNW. Tucked up under the trees, it offers a respite to skiers and hikers. The image shows the front porch several Octobers ago with a bright fuchsia chair, blue front door, and pumpkins to decorate the space.
Section 1: Setting Up for Success
Accurate & Informative Listing
Your listing is your chance to set expectations. We made sure every aspect of the property was clearly described, from layout and amenities to house rules. This transparency has helped us avoid misunderstandings and disappointment, setting a positive tone before guests even arrive.
House Rules That Work for You
We quickly learned the value of house rules. Rules aren’t about being restrictive—they’re about making sure you and your guests have a shared understanding. For example, after a few experiences with guests walking off with household items, we added reminders for what’s included and emphasized our ‘leave it as you found it’ policy.
Section 2: Creating a Welcoming, Easy-to-Clean Space
Keep It Simple, Cozy, and Clean
Airbnbs don’t need to be overly decorated. We’ve found that keeping the space clean and minimalist reduces maintenance and clutter, making it easier to prepare between stays. Choose a few simple but comfortable furnishings and consider low-maintenance items like slipcovers that you can wash easily.
Resist the Urge to Overstock
It’s tempting to over-provide, but things like extra toiletries, spices, or decorative knick-knacks can often end up missing. For example, we’ve had plenty of salt shakers disappear (a karma moment for me, after swiping a few back in high school). We decided to keep only the essentials in the unit, which has minimized loss.
Section 3: Efficient Turnover & Managing Guest Experiences
Streamlined Turnover Process
We built a process to ensure quick turnovers without sacrificing quality. Every step is documented, and we have a checklist for cleaning and restocking, which ensures a seamless experience for each guest. This has saved us time and helped maintain consistent quality.
Handling Issues with Confidence
Problems inevitably come up. From frozen water lines to unexpected arrivals, we’ve learned that addressing issues calmly and decisively reassures guests and keeps stress levels down. Setting firm boundaries is essential; not every guest is “always right,” and knowing when to stand your ground has helped us maintain our peace of mind.
Section 4: Staying Competitive in the Market
Know the Local Market & Pricing
Understanding the local rental market and adjusting our pricing accordingly has been crucial. By researching nearby listings and staying aware of seasonal demand, we’ve been able to attract more bookings. We also keep our cleaning fees low to appeal to budget-conscious travelers, which has helped boost our occupancy rate.
Adapt to Changing Conditions
We’ve made adjustments over the years based on guest feedback and trends, updating our property to meet expectations without adding too much complexity. This has included small touches like faster Wi-Fi or a more comfortable bed.
Final Tips: Practical Takeaways for Aspiring Airbnb Hosts
Running a successful Airbnb means finding a balance between guest satisfaction and efficient management. Here are my top tips:
Be Transparent and Clear: Describe everything accurately in your listing.
Keep It Simple: Avoid overdecorating; prioritize easy-to-clean furnishings.
Update Rules as Needed: Address recurring issues by adjusting house rules.
Stay Market Aware: Regularly check your area’s Airbnb listings and set competitive pricing.
By staying flexible, knowing our market, and listening to guest feedback, we’ve built an Airbnb that remains in high demand.
Conclusion
Ready to dive into Airbnb hosting or improve your listing? Start small, learn from each experience, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments. Hosting can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it’s rewarding—and with the right approach, you can achieve success too!
Is Airbnb Worth It?
If you’re considering hosting, you might wonder if it’s worth the effort. For us, the answer is yes. While Airbnb hosting isn’t "set it and forget it," it has become a reliable source of extra income. Over time, we’ve found ways to make the process more efficient, and we enjoy knowing our space helps travelers have memorable stays. Whether it’s the satisfaction of earning a high rating or the financial rewards, hosting has been a gratifying and worthwhile venture for us.
