Turnover Operations

A great cleaner still needs a system around them. Turnover operations is unglamorous — par levels, laundry, restock bins — but it's the difference between a machine and a weekly scramble. Build it once.

Par levels: the anti-emergency system

A par level is the quantity of each item that must exist at the property. The golden rule for linens: 2–3 full sets per bed (one on the bed, one clean in the closet, one in the wash). Same logic for towels — 2 bath towels per guest, times three sets. Then set pars for consumables: toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, soap, coffee, dishwasher pods. Write the number on the shelf.

The restock system

• An owner's closet (keypad or padlock) holds all backstock.
• Cleaner restocks guest areas to par from the closet every turnover — it's a checklist line, not a favor.
• Cleaner texts you when backstock hits the "reorder" line; you ship supplies via subscribe-and-save or delivery. You never make a supply run.

Laundry logistics — pick one

• In-unit wash: works for small places; watch turnover time on same-day flips.
• Cleaner takes it offsite: most common; the triple linen set makes it possible. Pay extra for it.
• Commercial service: worth it at 2+ properties or bulky bedding.

Damage checks between every guest

Make it the first checklist item: cleaner walks the property and photographs any damage before cleaning starts. Timestamped photos while the reservation is still "fresh" are what win damage claims. Missing thermostat? Burn in the sofa? You want to know within hours, not from the next guest's review.

Go deeper

• The STR Supplies Checklist — full par-level starting list
• Cleaning & Turnover Guide — the complete turnover workflow

ACTION: Set par levels for linens, towels, and your top 10 consumables. Buy up to par this week — most turnover fires are just under-stocking.

Next lesson: keeping the wrong guests out in the first place.