7 Steps to Successfully Build Multiple Short-Term Rental Units at Once

Building multiple short-term rental units simultaneously can be a daunting task, but with the right strategy, it can be done efficiently. This blog will outline seven essential steps to help you navigate the complexities of scaling your short-term rental business.

Table of Contents

• 1. Have Your Design Ready
• 2. Order Ahead of Time
• 3. Keep the Hub Unit Organized
• 4. Complete Each Unit One by One
• 5. Schedule the Cleaners and Utilities
• 6. Capture Great Photos
• 7. Leverage Initial Rent-Free Periods
• Final Thoughts

1. Have Your Design Ready

The first step in this process is to have your design selections ready before you even take possession of the properties. Whether you are working with a designer or doing it yourself, it’s crucial to ensure that the design is tailored to each unit. Having a clear vision will save you time and prevent confusion as you move forward.

Ideally, you should visit each unit and decide on the design elements that will be used across all properties. This foresight allows you to order items in bulk and ensures consistency in your branding.

2. Order Ahead of Time

Timing is everything. Place your orders for furniture and decor about four days ahead of your planned move-in date. This way, you can avoid last-minute scrambles. If some items arrive early, communicate with your landlord to see if you can store these items in the unit before your official move-in.

By centralizing your operations, you can keep one unit as the “hub” for all your supplies while keeping the other properties clean and ready for photo shoots.

3. Keep the Hub Unit Organized

As you set up multiple units, designate one as the central hub for all supplies and materials. This will help streamline the process. This hub will be where all the boxes and mess are stored while the other apartments remain organized.

By keeping the hub unit messy, you allow the other units to be presentable for photography and potential guests. The cleaner the units are, the quicker you can attract bookings.

4. Complete Each Unit One by One

When managing multiple properties, it’s important to finish each unit individually rather than trying to work on them all at the same time. Focus on completing one apartment before moving on to the next. This method allows for better quality control and ensures that each unit is up to standard before it goes live.

After finishing the setup, you can schedule cleaners to do a final clean-up before the property goes live. This process keeps your workflow organized and efficient.

5. Schedule the Cleaners and Utilities

Before the cleaners arrive, ensure that all utilities are set up and functioning. This includes internet and cable services. Having everything ready beforehand avoids delays and ensures that the cleaners can perform their job without hindrance.

Make sure to communicate with your cleaning team that this is a move-in clean, which may involve some extra work, such as removing packaging materials and ensuring the place is spotless.

6. Capture Great Photos

Once the unit is clean, it’s time to schedule a photographer. High-quality photos are essential for attracting guests, so don’t rush this step. You want to showcase your properties in the best light possible.

As soon as you receive the photos, start creating your listing. The faster you can get your properties on the market, the sooner you can start generating income.

7. Leverage Initial Rent-Free Periods

If you negotiate a rent-free period with the landlord, use this time wisely. The quicker you can get your unit ready, the sooner you can start earning revenue. This strategy can effectively give you the financial freedom to invest in additional properties.

Use the funds generated during this initial period to cover costs for furnishing other units or to reinvest into your business. This approach helps maintain cash flow while scaling your operations.

Final Thoughts

Building multiple short-term rental units simultaneously is entirely feasible with proper planning and execution. By following these seven steps, you can streamline your operations and ensure that each property is set up for success. Keep your focus on efficiency and quality, and you’ll find yourself well on your way to scaling your short-term rental business.