How to Prepare Your Airbnb for First-Time Guests: A Cleaning + Hosting Guide

Preparing your Airbnb for the very first guest stay can be both exciting and nerve-racking. First impressions matter — especially when those first reviews will shape your listing’s credibility, ranking, and future bookings. Whether your rental is in Ocala, Gainesville, or The Villages, creating a clean, welcoming, and well-prepared space is the key to earning that crucial 5-star review from day one. This guide walks you through how to set up your Airbnb for first-time guests with hotel-quality cleaning, thoughtful touches, and hosting essentials that make your property stand out.