Why holiday prep pays
Back-to-back bookings, longer family stays, and winter travel chaos make November–January the most demanding stretch for STR operators. A proactive plan keeps turnovers tight, reviews five-star, and margins healthy.
1) Seasonal operations & deep cleaning
Goal: start peak season with a spotless, well-tuned home.
- Deep clean (2× a standard turnover): behind/under furniture, inside appliances, grout, vents/fans, baseboards, windows/tracks, sofas/rugs upholstery shampoo. Exterior sweep, cobwebs, gutters/walkways cleared.
- Service everything: HVAC tune-up + new filters; dryer vent cleared; oven/fridge coils cleaned; washer clean cycle; test dishwasher spray arms.
- Finish deferred maintenance: leaky faucets, loose rails/handles, sticking sliders, hot tub service, burnt bulbs, chirping detectors.
- Linens & décor: rotate in winter quilts/throws; target 3 full sets/bed (on the bed, in laundry, ready to deploy). Swap to neutral winter décor (greens, lights, textures).
- Pest/weather proofing: seal gaps, renew door sweeps, check screens; air out the home, add HEPA purifier if needed.

Pro tip: Stagger vendor visits (HVAC → plumbing → handyman) over 3–4 weeks to leave buffer for follow-ups.
2) Holiday inventory & supply management
Goal: never run out during back-to-backs or longer stays.
- Bulk up the essentials: TP, paper towels, trash liners, dish soap & pods, laundry pods, body wash/shampoo, hand soap, coffee/tea/sugar/oil/salt/pepper.
- Automate re-supply: set subscriptions for high-use consumables; keep a quick-grab local store list (with holiday hours).
- Owner’s closet: lockable, labeled bins (bulbs, batteries, toiletries, cleaning refills); sheet sets by size/room; at least 2–3 towel sets/guest.
- Turnover “holiday kit”: extra vacuum bags/filters, oven cleaner, carpet spotter, lint rollers, spare wine glasses, baking sheet, trash compactor bags if applicable.
- Checklist card for cleaners (printable): Restock coffee/tea, soaps, trash liners; replace any stained linens; photo of supply shelves after each turnover.

3) Décor & guest experience
Goal: festive, inclusive, safe—and photogenic.
- Keep it neutral + cozy: wreath, greenery, warm-white string lights, winter throw pillows/blankets; skip faith-specific items.
- Sensory touches: warm lighting (2700–3000K), dimmers/lamps; subtle seasonal scent (diffuser, not sprays).
- Eco-friendly choices: LED lights; reusable décor; natural elements (pinecones, dried citrus); avoid messy glitter.
- Welcome perk ideas: local bakery cookies, hot cocoa kits with marshmallows, handwritten card, small local ornament or honey jar.
- Safe décor rules: no open flames; keep exits clear; outdoor cords rated/weather-safe; trees away from heat sources.

4) Housekeeping & turnover efficiency
Goal: consistent quality under time pressure.
- Capacity plan: secure backup cleaners; double-up crews for large homes or tight windows; add a 60–90 min buffer where possible.
- Linen rotation: 3× sets/bed; extra bath/kitchen linens; off-site laundry option for crunch days.
- QA workflow: room-by-room checklist + timestamped photos (beds, bathrooms, thermostat setpoint, welcome basket).
- Scheduling tool: auto-assign cleanings from your booking calendar; SMS reminders; “find backup” toggle enabled for peak dates.

5) Stocking for longer stays (7–14+ nights)
Goal: comfort without mid-stay SOS messages.
- Right-sized supplies: 6–8 TP rolls per bathroom/week, multiple trash liners, full-size dish & laundry detergent, spare bulbs/batteries, extra soaps.
- Feast-ready kitchen: roasting pan, casserole dishes, baking sheets, measuring set, mixing bowls, carving knife, serving platters; table settings = 1.5× max occupancy.
- Helpful appliances: slow cooker, blender, hand mixer, waffle iron or griddle; ample oven mitts & kitchen towels.
- Long-stay perks: clear laundry setup (detergent included), board games/puzzles, throws, space to unpack (hangers, luggage stands).
- Optional upsell: mid-stay clean/linen swap.

6) Guest communication & messaging
Goal: proactive, empathetic, mostly automated.
- Templates & timing:
- T-7 days: directions, access, parking, Wi-Fi, holiday store hours, local events.
- T+12–24h: “How’s everything?” check-in.
- T-1 day to checkout: departure steps, trash/recycling, linen/towel guidance.
- Seasonal house rules (friendly tone): quiet hours, no parties/extra guests, parking limits, fireplace instructions, winter quirks (e.g., plow routes or wildlife/trash notes).
- Late arrivals plan: self check-in with smart lock; photo-rich instructions; motion/timer lights; invite flight updates.
- Guidebook refresh: urgent care/pharmacy (holiday hours), utility emergency lines, top holiday events, restaurants requiring reservations.

7) Safety & compliance
Goal: zero incidents; coverage buttoned up.
- Fire safety: test smoke/CO; fresh batteries; kitchen-grade extinguisher(s); dryer vent cleared; fireplace (wood/gas) serviced with printed instructions.
- Decor safety: don’t overload circuits; inspect light strings; stable tree stand; outdoor cords secured; flameless candles only.
- Policy + monitoring: reiterate no-party rule; disclose and deploy a privacy-safe noise sensor; entrance cam (where allowed) for deliveries/security.
- Paperwork: STR license/permit renewals, occupancy taxes, insurance review (liability + contents); note holiday closures for city services.

8) Tech & automation that actually helps
Goal: fewer plate-spins, more control.
- Smart locks: unique codes per stay; remote lock/unlock; temporary vendor codes.
- Sensors: noise (party prevention), water leak (heater/sinks), optional temperature/humidity near vulnerable pipes.
- Smart climate: thermostat limits (e.g., heat 68–74°F), outage/low-temp alerts, auto set-back on vacancy, pre-heat/cool before arrival.
- Ops automations: scheduled messages; cleaner tasking via app; inventory reminders; QR checklists in supply closet.

9) Staff & vendor coordination
Goal: everyone aligned and motivated.
- Pre-season huddle (30 min): walk the calendar; highlight tight days; review new SOPs (welcome basket photo, thermostat setpoint, trash days).
- Emergency roster: primary + backup for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, cleaning, pool/spa; confirm holiday hours & escalation path.
- Motivation: holiday bonus or holiday-day premium; snack kits/water for crews; share cleanliness shout-outs from reviews.
- Closures & contingencies: trash pickup shifts, snow/lawn coverage, your personal OOO backup contact for Dec 24–Jan 1.

10) Revenue & booking strategy
Goal: earn peak-season rates without chaos.
- Dynamic pricing: surge key dates (Christmas → NYE); watch comps; discount late gaps; raise min price floors as occupancy builds.
- Minimum stays: 3–7 nights around holidays; block “no checkout” on Dec 25/Jan 1 if desired to protect teams.
- High-value add-ons: paid early check-in/late checkout; pool/hot tub heat; mid-stay clean; grocery pre-stock; tree setup (where you can deliver).
- Calendar hygiene: vet one-night NYE inquiries; favor extensions; release prized dates later at premium if your market supports it.

11) Post-holiday recovery plan
Goal: reset to baseline, capture learnings.
- Full inspection + deep reset: linens/towels culled & replaced; cookware audit; paint touch-ups, furniture tighten; appliance check.
- Restock & reorganize: rebuild consumables; tidy/label the owner’s closet; refill propane/firewood if provided.
- Lessons log: review guest feedback & ops pain points; update SOPs/guidebook; note 2–3 upgrades to complete before spring.

Quick printable checklist (one page)
- Deep clean & service HVAC/appliances
- Finish repairs; seal/weather-proof; rotate linens
- Neutral winter décor; welcome gift ready
- Bulk supplies stocked; owner’s closet organized
- Kitchen feast-ready; 1.5× place settings
- Message templates scheduled; self check-in verified
- Safety devices tested; policies reinforced; sensors on
- Smart thermostat limits; pre-arrival routines
- Team huddle; backups confirmed; bonuses planned
- Dynamic pricing + holiday mins; add-ons enabled
- Post-holiday reset & lessons captured
Holiday hosting favors operators who prepare early and systematize everything. Put this plan in motion now and you’ll glide through peak season with happier guests, cleaner turnovers, fewer surprises—and stronger profits.

















































































































































































































