The Holiday Let Changeover Checklist.
You've done the work. Now let it show. Fill in the checklist after each changeover and the owner gets a professional room-by-room report with a link to see exactly what was done, and where, and when.
There's something satisfying about handing over a truly clean property. But a handshake and a quick text never quite captures it, does it? With the Shipshape checklist, you can walk through every room, tick every item, add your notes, and send the owner a proper report before the next guests even step out of the car. It's professional, it's thorough, and it takes about five minutes. No account to create, nothing to sign up for. You just fill it in and send.
What the checklist covers
Three sections, covering the full cycle of a holiday let on the Moray coast. Read through the one that matches your clean below. Then, when you're ready, fill it in and send the owner a room-by-room report of everything you did.
Season Opening gets your property ready after winter. Regular Changeover keeps it guest-ready between stays. Season Closure wraps it up safely when the season ends.
Just need a printable checklist to take with you? Download or print the full checklist here. (opens in a new tab)
The full changeover checklist, room by room
Last updated 3 September 2026
Here's everything the checklist covers. Open the section that matches your clean and read it right through, or print the lot and take it with you. Three sections carry you across the whole season, from the first open-up after a long winter to the last lock-up before the dark months set in.
Season Opening
For properties that close over winter, or go quiet between November and March. Do this before your first guests of the season.
Season Opening
For properties that close over winter, or go quiet between November and March. Do this before your first guests of the season.
Property Walkthrough
- Check behind furniture and in wardrobe corners for mould growth
- Check all door handles and locks are working. Salt air corrodes metal fittings fast
- Look for evidence of mice or pest activity (droppings, chewed materials, nesting)
- Flush all toilets and check for leaks or slow fills
- Inspect window seals and sills for black mould (common in coastal properties left unheated)
- Open and close all windows. Check catches, hinges, and seals
- Run every tap (hot and cold) for several minutes to flush standing water
- Run the shower for five minutes. Check pressure, temperature, and drainage
- Test all light switches, lamps, and bulbs. Replace any that have failed over winter
- Walk every room. Check for signs of damp, mould, condensation, or musty smell
Damp and Ventilation
- Check extractor fans in kitchen and bathrooms are working
- Check gutters and downpipes are clear (storm debris from winter)
- Check under sinks for leaks or condensation damage
- Clean any mould from window frames, tile grout, and silicone seals
- Inspect loft space or roof void for damp, leaks, or wildlife damage
- Run dehumidifiers for 24 to 48 hours before deep cleaning begins
Heating and Hot Water
- If the property has a heat pump: confirm it's running and check filters
- If oil heating: check oil level and arrange delivery if needed
- Run hot water system and confirm it reaches temperature
- Switch heating system on and test all radiators. Bleed any that are cold at the top
- Test thermostat and timer settings. Reset for guest comfort
Log Burner or Solid Fuel Appliance
- Check fire rope seal around the door. Replace if compressed or crumbling
- Check the hearth area is clean and presentable
- Clean out firebox. Remove all ash and debris
- Confirm chimney has been swept (schedule annually, before the season if not done in autumn)
- Inspect glass panel for cracks
- Place operating instructions near the burner for guests
- Stock firewood and kindling. Provide firelighters and matches
Deep Clean (Every Room)
- Clean all mirrors and glass
- Clean all skirting boards, door frames, and light switches
- Clean under all beds
- Deep clean bathrooms: descale taps, showerheads, and glass screens. Scrub grout. Clean toilet including base and behind
- Deep clean kitchen: oven, hob, extractor hood and filters, fridge/freezer (defrost if needed), microwave, dishwasher, all surfaces and cupboard fronts
- Dust and wipe all surfaces, shelves, picture frames, lampshades
- Flip or rotate mattresses. Check mattress protectors are clean and intact
- Pull out appliances and clean behind and underneath
- Vacuum and clean all soft furnishings: sofas, cushions, curtains
- Vacuum or sweep all floors. Mop hard floors
- Wash all bedding, including pillows, duvets, and protectors (not just covers)
- Wash or dry clean all throws, blankets, and cushion covers
- Wash all windows inside and out (salt film builds up over winter on coastal properties)
- Wipe inside all wardrobes, drawers, and cupboards
Outdoor Areas
- Check BBQ is clean and functioning. Replace gas if applicable
- Check outdoor lighting is working
- Clean garden furniture. Check for salt corrosion or weather damage. Replace if needed
- Clear any garden waste or storm debris
- If hot tub: recommission, test water chemistry, clean filters, check cover condition
- Jet wash or scrub patio, decking, paths (algae and moss build up over winter)
- Sweep and clear entrance areas and boot rooms
Compliance and Safety (STL Licence Requirements)
- Check buildings insurance is current
- Check fire blanket is in the kitchen and accessible
- Check fire extinguisher is in date and accessible
- Check public liability insurance is current and covers the letting period
- Check portable appliance testing (PAT) labels are current on guest-accessible appliances
- If private water supply: confirm water has been tested and meets standards
- Confirm electrical installation condition report (EICR) is current (every 5 years)
- Confirm emergency exit routes are clear and signposted
- Confirm gas safety certificate is current (annual requirement)
- Confirm Legionella risk assessment is up to date
- Confirm STL licence number is shown on all booking platform listings
- Confirm STL licence number is displayed at the property
- Review fire safety risk assessment and update if anything has changed
- Test all carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries
- Test all smoke alarms and replace batteries
- Update guest information pack: emergency numbers, property instructions, Wi-Fi details, local information
Guest-Ready Presentation
- Check iron and ironing board are clean and working
- Check vacuum or dustpan and brush for guest use is available and working
- Put out local information: walks, restaurants, tide times, recycling guidance
- Restock all consumables: toilet rolls, hand soap, washing-up liquid, dishwasher tablets, bin bags, kitchen roll
- Set out midge spray or repellent (essential from May onwards on the Moray coast)
- Take a final walkthrough photo set for your own records
- Provide fresh welcome basics: tea, coffee, sugar, milk (if your standard includes this)
- Place fresh flowers, a welcome note, or local treats if part of your presentation
Regular Changeover Clean
The clean you do between every guest, and the one that protects your reviews.
Regular Changeover Clean
The clean you do between every guest, and the one that protects your reviews.
Before You Start
- Check for lost property. Set aside and notify owner
- Check previous guest has left. Note any issues: damage, mess, missing items
- Collect and strip all used bedding, towels, and tea towels
- Empty all bins (kitchen, bathroom, bedroom) and replace liners
- Load first wash or bag for laundry service
- Open windows for ventilation (weather permitting)
Kitchen
- Check freezer. Remove any guest items
- Clean extractor fan or hood filter if visibly greasy
- Clean fridge inside: shelves, drawers, door seals. Remove any guest food
- Clean hob, oven door, and microwave inside and out
- Clean microwave inside and out
- Clean sink and taps. Check plughole is clear
- Empty and clean toaster crumb tray
- Restock consumables: washing-up liquid, dishwasher tablets, bin bags, sponges
- Sweep and mop floor
- Wash all dishes or run dishwasher. Empty and put everything away
- Wipe down all cupboard fronts and handles
- Wipe kettle exterior. Descale if needed
- Wipe all worktops, splashbacks, and tiled areas
Bathrooms
- Check extractor fan is working
- Check grout and silicone seals for mould (address immediately on coastal properties)
- Clean bath or shower: walls, screen, tray, taps, and showerhead
- Clean floor including behind toilet and around edges
- Clean sink, taps, and mirror
- Clean toilet inside and out, including base, hinges, and behind
- Hang fresh towels and bath mat
- Restock toilet rolls, hand soap, and any toiletries you provide
- Wipe all surfaces, shelves, and cabinets
Bedrooms
- Check curtains or blinds are clean, hanging straight, and working
- Check mattress protector is clean. Replace if stained
- Check under the bed (lost property, dust, debris)
- Dust all surfaces: bedside tables, dressers, shelves, windowsills
- Empty and wipe inside wardrobes and drawers
- Make all beds with fresh, clean linen
- Vacuum or sweep floor, including under furniture and in corners
- Wipe mirrors and any glass
Living Areas
- Clean any glass tables or mirrors
- If log burner: clean out firebox, reset with kindling and firelighters
- Dust all surfaces, shelves, ornaments, and lampshades
- Mop hard floors
- Plump and arrange cushions and throws
- Check books, games, and DVDs are tidy and complete
- Vacuum all floors, rugs, and soft furnishings
- Wipe TV screen, remote controls, and any tech (guests notice sticky remotes)
Utility and Entrance Areas
- Check coat hooks and storage areas are clear and clean
- Clean shoe rack or mat area. Shake out or replace doormats
- Sweep and mop entrance hall or boot room
- Wipe front door, handle, and any glass panels
- If utility room: wipe down surfaces, clean washing machine drum (run a hot empty cycle periodically), clear lint filter on dryer
Outdoor Quick Check
- Check BBQ is clean and ready (if included)
- Empty outdoor bins if applicable
- If hot tub: test water, check chemical balance, wipe surround and steps, check cover
- Pick up any litter or debris from garden area
- Sweep patio or decking (sand, leaves, debris)
- Wipe down garden furniture and table
Coastal-Specific Checks
- In humid weather: check bathroom ceilings and window corners for early mould spots
- Check for damp or musty smell, especially in ground-floor rooms and wardrobes. Run dehumidifier if needed
- Check metal door handles and fixtures for salt corrosion. Wipe clean
- Check entrance area for sand tracking. Shake out mats or vacuum thoroughly
- Wipe salt film from external-facing windows if visible
Safety and Presentation
- Check all keys are present and in the right place (or confirm smart lock is working)
- Check welcome pack or information folder is complete and in place
- Confirm Wi-Fi is working
- Do a final walkthrough. Photograph each room for your records
- Lock up or reset key safe / smart lock for arriving guests
- Set heating to a comfortable arrival temperature
- Test carbon monoxide detector (press test button)
- Test smoke alarm (press test button)
Season Closure
For properties that close for winter, or go quiet once the season winds down. Do this after your last guests of the season.
Season Closure
For properties that close for winter, or go quiet once the season winds down. Do this after your last guests of the season.
Full Changeover Clean Plus Deep Clean
- Clean inside all wardrobes and bedroom drawers
- Clean all carpets or rugs (professional clean if needed)
- Clean tumble dryer filter and vent
- Clean inside all kitchen cupboards and drawers
- Clean all upholstery: sofas, armchairs, dining chairs
- Complete the full regular changeover clean (Section 2) first
- Deep clean all bathrooms: descale everything, treat grout, clean extractor fans
- Deep clean fridge and freezer. Defrost freezer if needed
- Deep clean oven, hob, and extractor hood (full degrease)
- Run dishwasher on hottest empty cycle with cleaner
- Run washing machine on hottest empty cycle with cleaner
- Vacuum mattresses. Apply mattress protectors if not already on
- Wash all windows inside and out
- Wash or dry clean all curtains, throws, and cushion covers
Damp Prevention (Critical for Coastal Properties)
- Check and clear all gutters and downpipes
- Ensure loft insulation is in good condition and no roof leaks are visible
- Check window seals and re-seal any gaps (wind-driven rain and salt spray will find them)
- Leave internal doors open to allow air circulation throughout the property
- Open trickle vents on windows (if fitted)
- Position dehumidifiers in the worst-affected rooms. Set to run on a humidistat if possible
- Remove or raise soft furnishings from direct contact with external walls
- Set heating to maintain minimum 10 to 12 degrees throughout winter (prevents condensation and pipe freezing)
Plumbing and Water
- Turn off and drain any outdoor taps
- If property will be unoccupied and unheated below 10 degrees: drain down the water system to prevent burst pipes
- If keeping water on: lag any exposed pipes in roof space, under floors, or in unheated areas
- If private water supply: arrange end-of-season water test if required
Heating and Power
- If log burner: arrange chimney sweep. Clean out firebox completely
- If oil heating: check oil level and fill before winter if needed (delivery can be slow in rural areas)
- Consider leaving a light on a timer for security
- Service boiler (annual service, ideally before winter)
- Set heating timer to maintain frost protection temperature
Hot Tub (If Applicable)
- Blow out pipework to remove standing water (prevents freeze damage)
- Clean shell, jets, and waterline
- Drain hot tub completely
- Remove, clean, and store filters
- Secure and cover. Check cover condition and replace if damaged
Outdoor and Exterior
- Check exterior paintwork and window frames for salt damage. Note any areas needing spring repair
- Check fences, gates, and paths for storm damage
- Clear all drains and gullies of leaves and debris
- Cut back any overhanging branches or vegetation before winter storms
- Secure any loose items that could blow in high winds
- Clean and store or cover BBQ
- Clean and store or cover garden furniture
- Jet wash or treat decking with anti-algae treatment before it gets slippery over winter
Safety and Compliance
- Check EICR expiry date and schedule renewal if needed
- Confirm STL licence is valid for next season. Note renewal date
- Confirm insurance policies cover the property while unoccupied (some policies have empty property clauses)
- Remove any perishable items from the property
- Renew gas safety certificate if due before next season
- Review Legionella risk assessment
- Set up periodic property checks: ask a neighbour, cleaner, or property manager to visit fortnightly to check for leaks, damp, pest entry, or storm damage
Inventory and Planning
- File all paperwork: gas certs, EICR, insurance, PAT reports, water test results
- Do a full inventory check: crockery, cutlery, glassware, cookware, bedding, towels, electronics
- Note any maintenance or repair jobs for the winter (it's cheaper to schedule them now)
- Note anything that needs replacing before next season
- Photograph the property in its closed-down state for insurance records
Just need a printable checklist to take with you? Download or print the full checklist here. (opens in a new tab)
Done with the clean?
Turn this checklist into something the owner can see. Tick off what you've done and send them a proper room-by-room report before the next guests even arrive.
Fill it in and share your work →Questions cleaners ask us
What's included in a holiday let changeover clean? +
A changeover clean is the full reset between one guest leaving and the next arriving. You strip and remake the beds with fresh linen, clean the kitchen and bathrooms top to bottom, dust and vacuum every room, empty the bins, restock the essentials, and give the whole place a final once-over so it's guest-ready. The checklist above walks you through all of it, room by room, so nothing slips.
How long does a changeover clean take? +
It depends on the size of the property and how the last guests left it, but a thorough changeover on a typical two or three bedroom holiday let usually runs somewhere between two and four hours. Laundry is nearly always the longest job, so most cleaners get the first wash on the moment they walk in and let it run while they work through the rest.
What's the difference between a changeover clean and a deep clean? +
A changeover clean keeps the property guest-ready between every stay. A deep clean goes further. It's the bigger reset you do at the start of the season, or every so often through the year: descaling and degreasing, washing curtains and throws, cleaning behind the appliances, and seeing to the jobs a regular changeover doesn't touch. The checklist above covers both, with separate sections for the regular changeover and for opening and closing the season.
Do I need a different checklist for opening and closing the season? +
It helps to have one. A holiday let on the Moray coast has three moments worth their own list. Season Opening gets the property ready after a long, damp winter. The regular changeover keeps every stay starting right. Season Closure locks it up safely before the storms roll in. You'll find all three above, so you can open the one that matches the job in front of you.
What is a changeover checklist?
It's the record that turns a good clean into a professional one. Room by room, task by task, you work through the property, tick off what's done, and note anything worth flagging. When you're finished, you've got a proper account of the clean, and so does the owner. Shipshape's checklist covers the full seasonal cycle. Season Opening gets the property ready after winter. Regular Changeover keeps every stay starting right. Season Closure locks things up properly before the dark months. Fill it in, hit send, and the owner has a room-by-room report before the next guests are even on the road.
Why a good report gets you rehired
Property owners on the Moray coast are always watching. A quick text saying "all done!" is fine. A room-by-room report, sent the moment you walk out the door, is something they remember. It says you take the work seriously. It says you've got nothing to hide. And when the next changeover comes around and they're looking for someone they can count on, they'll call the person who sent the report. Every single time.
Sitting on a finished clean?
Fill it in and share your work →