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Prepping Your STR for the Holiday Rush

October 22, 2025

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By early November, STR calendars across Florida start to fill faster than you can say “Festive season.” Thanksgiving family trips roll straight into Christmas getaways and New Year celebrations, and for hosts, that means one thing — it’s time to prepare.

2025 projections show holiday demand for short-term rentals at an all-time high, with rates up 2–5% and occupancy expected to exceed 55%. Those who prepare early — by updating listings, deep-cleaning, and organizing supplies — will stand out and profit.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to make your property sparkle, smell fresh, and feel like home when guests arrive with gifts and high expectations.

🧹 1. Start with a Deep Clean and Maintenance Sweep

Think of this as your pre-holiday “reset.” The goal? Remove every trace of the previous season — and make sure nothing breaks mid-stay.

Deep-clean checklist:

  • Wash all curtains, pillow covers, and throws.
  • Steam-clean upholstery and carpets (guests notice fresh scent).
  • Clean behind furniture, under beds, and around vents.
  • Wipe down baseboards, ceiling fans, and light fixtures.
  • Restock and test cleaning supplies: vacuum filters, mop heads, detergents.

Maintenance must-dos:

  • Check HVAC filters and replace if older than 60 days.
  • Inspect faucets, shower heads, and drains for slow leaks.
  • Tighten door handles, cabinet hinges, and outlet covers.
  • Replace burnt-out bulbs and test all outdoor lighting.

Pro tip: Book your cleaners and handyman early — their calendars fill up weeks before the holiday surge.

🎄 2. Add Décor That’s Festive — but Inclusive

You don’t need reindeer on the walls to feel festive. Subtle seasonal touches photograph beautifully and appeal to all guests, no matter what they celebrate.

Keep it light and elegant:

  • Stick to neutral tones: soft golds, champagne, pine green, or coastal blues.
  • Use textured throws and pillows for cozy appeal.
  • Swap wall art for something seasonal but tasteful — a beachy wreath or abstract winter scene.
  • Add string lights or LED candles for warmth without clutter.
  • Incorporate seasonal scents (think vanilla, cedar, or ocean mist) via diffusers — skip real candles for safety.

Pro tip: Photograph your updated décor for your listing — Airbnb and VRBO guests search with seasonal keywords like “holiday getaway” and “family Christmas stay.”

📦 3. Stock Up and Simplify Supply Runs

When turnover windows shrink, organization beats improvisation. Create a checklist and stock up on the essentials early.

Holiday inventory checklist:

  • Extra linens, towels, and duvet covers.
  • Basic pantry staples (coffee, tea, sugar, salt, oil).
  • Festive mugs or seasonal dish towels for a warm touch.
  • Spare lightbulbs, batteries, and extension cords.
  • Toiletries in bulk — especially paper products (the first thing to run out).
  • Emergency kit: first-aid, flashlight, umbrella, stain remover, lint roller.
  • Store extras in labeled bins or locked closets for easy access between turnovers.

Pro tip: Use an app like Breezeway or Turno to track supplies and schedule cleanings automatically.

🧺 4. Streamline Cleaning and Turnovers

With back-to-back holiday bookings, turnover speed is everything — but never at the expense of quality.

Efficiency strategies:

  • Share digital checklists with cleaners (Google Sheets, Turno).
  • Keep two full sets of linens and rotate them.
  • Pre-set “holiday station” for décor and supplies between stays.
  • Assign one staffer or manager to inspect before every check-in.
  • Use smart scheduling to sync cleaning and guest calendars.

Pro tip: Offer small bonuses or thank-you gifts to cleaning teams during the rush — their reliability is your best asset.

💬 5. Communicate Early and Often

Guests appreciate clear, proactive communication, especially when travel stress peaks.

Automate these key touchpoints:

  • Pre-arrival message: Parking details, check-in instructions, Wi-Fi, thermostat.
  • Holiday welcome: Short personalized note, local holiday events, and favorite restaurants.
  • Mid-stay message: “Hope everything’s perfect — let us know if we can help.”
  • Pre-checkout reminder: Simplified checklist and thank-you message.

Add a touch of warmth:

Include a holiday playlist QR code or a printed list of nearby events and Christmas markets.

💰 6. Adjust Pricing and Policies Early

Demand spikes fast during holidays — don’t wait to raise rates or set rules.

Pricing tips:

  • Use dynamic pricing tools (PriceLabs, Wheelhouse) to match local demand.
  • Set minimum stay requirements (3–5 nights for peak weeks).
  • Offer early-bird discounts for guests booking November stays.
  • Add holiday fees (for décor or pet cleanup) if applicable — but disclose them clearly.

Policy checks:

  • Update cancellation windows to protect revenue.
  • Require guest verification for large groups or party-prone dates (New Year’s Eve).
  • Review noise, occupancy, and pet policies before publishing.

⚙️ 7. Test Tech and Emergency Systems

When your home fills with guests and devices, small tech issues can ruin a stay.

Pre-holiday tech check:

  • Confirm Wi-Fi speed and router stability.
  • Test smart locks, keypads, and backup keys.
  • Verify thermostat schedules (especially in cooler northern regions).
  • Install surge protectors or smart plugs for décor lighting.
  • Save and print emergency contact numbers (host, cleaner, maintenance).

Pro tip: Create a “holiday systems test day” one week before peak bookings.

📅 8. Finish with Financial & Listing Updates

The holiday season also signals year-end accounting prep.

Finance readiness:

  • Track and categorize all holiday-related expenses (cleaning, décor, supplies).
  • Review upcoming tax deductions (home improvements, consumables).
  • Forecast Q1 maintenance or renovation budget.

Listing optimization:

  • Upload new seasonal photos.
  • Update headline with festive keywords.
  • Highlight winter amenities: hot tubs, cozy nooks, indoor games, fire pits.

🌟 9. The “Wow” Factor That Wins Reviews

Little surprises create the biggest impact during the holidays. Consider:

  • A small welcome basket with cocoa, cookies, or local treats.
  • A hand-written holiday card signed “From your host family.”
  • A decorated photo corner for guests’ Instagram moments.

Those small gestures not only delight guests — they inspire glowing reviews and repeat bookings that carry momentum into the new year.

A successful holiday season is built weeks in advance — with thoughtful prep, reliable systems, and a touch of heart.

Deep-clean early. Decorate tastefully. Communicate warmly.

Do that, and your STR will shine through the holiday rush — earning five-star stays, stress-free turnovers, and a stronger bottom line to close the year.

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