Preparing your home or holiday let for guests is one of the most important parts of creating a great stay — and in Sidmouth, expectations are high. Whether you’re welcoming holidaymakers, friends, or family, a well‑prepared home makes a strong first impression and reduces the chance of issues during their stay.
This guide covers everything you need to get your property guest‑ready, from cleaning and presentation to safety checks and local touches that make a stay in Sidmouth feel special.
1. Start With a Deep Clean
A spotless home sets the tone for the entire stay. Focus on:
- Kitchens: appliances, worktops, cupboards, fridge, bins
- Bathrooms: taps, showers, toilets, mirrors, grout
- Bedrooms: under beds, skirting boards, lamps, wardrobes
- Living areas: sofas, cushions, shelves, TV units
- Floors: vacuuming, mopping, edges and corners
If you run a holiday let, this level of cleaning should be done before every new arrival. For second‑home owners, a deep clean before each visit keeps the property fresh and welcoming.
2. Prepare Fresh Bedding and Towels
Guests expect hotel‑level presentation:
- Crisp, clean sheets
- Fresh pillowcases
- Fluffy towels
- Spare sets stored neatly
- Mattress protectors checked and replaced if needed
If you use a laundry service, ensure everything is returned folded and ready to go.
3. Check All Appliances and Utilities
Before guests arrive, make sure everything works:
- Heating and hot water
- Wi‑Fi
- TV and streaming services
- Kitchen appliances
- Outdoor lighting
- Shower pressure
- Smoke and CO alarms
Sidmouth holidaymakers often arrive after long journeys — having everything working smoothly avoids stress and complaints.
4. Stock Essential Supplies
A few thoughtful items make a big difference:
- Tea, coffee, sugar
- Milk (UHT if you’re not local)
- Toilet rolls
- Hand soap
- Washing‑up liquid
- Dishwasher tablets
- Bin bags
- Basic cleaning supplies
These small touches help guests settle in immediately.
5. Add Local Sidmouth Touches
Guests love feeling connected to the area. Consider adding:
- A welcome note
- A Sidmouth map
- Recommendations for walks, beaches and cafés
- Details for Sidmouth Folk Festival (if in season)
- Local restaurant suggestions
- Information about bus routes and parking
These additions make your property feel more personal and memorable.
6. Prepare Outdoor Spaces
If your home has a garden, balcony or patio:
- Sweep paths
- Clean outdoor furniture
- Check lighting
- Remove weeds
- Empty bins
- Secure anything that could blow over
Sidmouth’s coastal weather can be breezy — tidy outdoor areas make a big difference.
7. Safety and Compliance Checks
Before guests arrive, check:
- Smoke alarms
- Carbon monoxide alarms
- Fire blanket and extinguisher
- PAT‑tested appliances (especially holiday lets)
- Window locks
- First‑aid kit
Holiday‑let owners should ensure appliances are safe and compliant. If you need PAT testing, you can use Premium Testing — your own service.
8. Final Walkthrough
Do one last check before guests arrive:
- Open curtains
- Turn on a few lights
- Check for smells or damp
- Ensure bins are empty
- Straighten cushions
- Make sure keys are accessible
- Confirm check‑in instructions are clear
This final walkthrough catches anything you might have missed.
Need Help Preparing Your Home?
If you’d prefer someone local to handle cleaning, inspections, guest preparation or ongoing home management, Mind My Home provides reliable support for Sidmouth homeowners and holiday‑let owners.