Running an Airbnb might sound like it’s all about fresh sheets and five-star reviews… but sometimes, it feels more like managing a lost property office.
In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of what guests really leave behind—from the obvious forgotten items like chargers and clothing… to the less visible (but far more meaningful) things that come with hosting.
Because what guests leave behind isn’t just “stuff.”
It’s stories. It’s energy. And sometimes, it’s a reflection of the experience you’ve created.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode: The “Obvious” Things. Lost property: chargers, clothes, toiletries, and even the occasional surprising item. How I handle returning items (and when I don’t!)
The strange psychology of what guests choose to follow up on… and what they don’t .
The Leftovers; Half-finished food and drink—and why I have a strict policy on what stays and what goes ; A story that proves why throwing things away is sometimes the safest option
The Reality of Rubbish; The truth about waste sorting (and why guests get it wrong more often than you’d think); What you learn from rubbish bags—without it being voyeuristic; Why this is less about curiosity… and more about running a responsible business.
Wear & Tear: The Cost of Hosting. Scratches, marks, and everyday damage
The mindset shift: frustration vs gratitude. Why “perfect” and “profitable” rarely go hand in hand.
The Unexpected Gifts; Some guests don’t just take memories—they leave something behind on purpose: Handmade and meaningful gifts from around the world; Practical contributions (from tech setups to home improvements!); A home filled with reminders of the people who’ve passed through it
The Invisible Things Guests Leave Behind. This is where it gets deeper…
Memories of shared meals, conversations, and experiences; The atmosphere guests create—and leave behind; How hosting becomes more than just a transaction
As I reflect on over a decade of hosting and thousands of guest nights, it’s clear: You’re not just hosting people—you’re hosting moments.
Superhost Secret
“Treat everything a guest leaves behind as communication—not inconvenience.” Every forgotten item, every bit of damage, every note or gift tells you something: Forgotten belongings → they felt at home; Hidden damage → they felt uncomfortable or unsure; Honest communication → they felt safe; Gifts and messages → they felt genuinely cared for.
When you see these moments as feedback, you can: Create a more open, trusting environment; Encourage better communication; Build stronger guest relationships; Ultimately earn better reviews and repeat bookings
Key Takeaway: If you create a space where guests feel safe and welcome…
They won’t just leave behind belongings, They’ll leave behind trust, gratitude, and a piece of themselves.
Want to Start Your Own Hosting Journey?
If you’re thinking about turning your home into an income stream, check out the link in the show notes to register for my upcoming webinar. I’ll walk you through exactly how to get started.
Connect with Me; Follow for more tips, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments:
Final Thought: For every forgotten charger… There’s a guest who felt at home enough to forget it. And that’s when you know you’re doing something right.
Register for my next FREE webinar on how to monetize your own home, here - https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/H7fVL879Sn-AO6pr1ib8mQ
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