How we do it: Home prep & re-set

Ever wondered how our homes go from guest-ready to owner-ready, without missing a beat? For the curious among you, we’re lifting the curtain on what happens behind the scenes at SOKO Lodging. So, if you’re looking for the inside scoop on how we make the magic happen, you’re in the right place. Read on for the full story.

PART 1: “Beds made. Counters cleared. Home is set to impress”

The booking’s confirmed, the lucky guest is en route, and we are busy getting the home into guest-mode. First up, a top-to-bottom clean- bathrooms sparkling, kitchens spotless, linens changed and beds made. We are also checking to make sure there are not any repairs needing to be made. Kitchen is re-stocked with basic necessities, some paper products, coffee, tea, sugar, creamers and basic spices for cooking.

Let’s not forget the outside of the home. In the winter the snow will be plowed and sidewalks cleared. In the summer the grass will be cut and fire pit prepared.

If you are arriving in the evening we leave a light on outside as well as inside to ensure you can find your way inside safely. We encourage you to reach out to us if you are not finding something or there is something not working. You can find contact information inside the Guest Experience binder located on the kitchen table.

We also want to know about your experience and if you have any suggestions for improvement. We have provided a notebook so that you can share your experience and adventures as well as any comments or suggestions to your hosts.

PART 2: “Arrive, settle in and get ready for fun.”

When you arrive you will be able to self-check in with the key pad. Your host will provide you with the key pad code 24 hours prior to your arrival. Inside you will find a Guest Experience binder of instructions and area recommendations. The guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from temperature control and appliances to alarms and Wi-Fi. They’ll give you the insider scoop on the local area, field any first-day curiosities, and make sure you’re perfectly settled in. After that, you're left to claim the space as your own - though your hosts are always just a call or text away.

In the backyard you will find a fire pit and chairs for evening fun and smores. The house is also equipped with a charcoal grill for any backyard cook-outs. The garage is free to use for your vehicle or if you need to fix your side-by-side or snowmobiles. Your hosts have a set of snowshoes in the garage as well as a cooler for your boat trip or trip to the beach.

PART 3: “The guest departs, Operation Reset commences.”

When your stay ends, we head to prepare the home for our next guests. Another top-to-bottom clean, fresh sheets swapped, fresh towels placed just so, and every ornament and book returned to its rightful spot. We double-check everything, and do one final sweep to make sure we’ve got everything just right.

Lights off. Curtains drawn. Doors locked. And just like that, it’s ready for new guests.