First-Time Hosting on StayingBee? Start With This Host Checklist
Katlyn Vuorenpää
Katlyn Vuorenpää
•
Published, Feb 4, 2026
Hosting
Checklist
Community
4 min read
Hosting
Checklist
Community
4 min read
”Thinking about hosting for the first time on StayingBee? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This essential checklist will guide you through everything from preparing your space to setting clear expectations, ensuring a warm and welcoming experience for your guests. Let’s make your hosting journey a breeze!”
A Simple Host Checklist for Getting Started on StayingBee
Hosting on StayingBee is about more than offering a spare room. It’s about welcoming someone from your community into your home and city, and creating a space that feels safe, comfortable, and supportive.
Whether you’re thinking about hosting for the first time or preparing for an upcoming stay, this StayingBee host checklist walks you through the essentials to help you host confidently.
1. Ask Yourself a Few Key Questions
StayingBee works best when expectations are clear from the beginning. Before listing your space, reflect on whether hosting feels right for you.
Are you comfortable sharing your home with someone new?
Will you be present during the stay, or sharing the space part-time?
What kind of guest would feel like a good fit for your lifestyle?
Are you open to spending one-on-one time with your guest?
Sharing your home for the first time can feel unfamiliar, and that’s completely normal. Being honest with yourself early on helps set the foundation for a positive experience for both you and your guest.
If safety and trust are a top priorities, check out our guide on how to host safely on StayingBee, covering verification, communication, and best practices.
2. Prepare a Space for Everyday Living
Your space doesn’t need to achieve five-star hotel levels of perfection. It just needs to be functional and liveable. Make sure your space includes:
The Basics
A clean, comfortable sleeping area
Access to a functional kitchen and bathroom
A quiet environment that supports work or study
Everyday Essentials:
Extra towels (body, hand, wash)
Bedding essentials: spare linens and pillows
Spare plates, cutlery, glasses
Cleaning supplies
Basic first aid kit
Shared Items to Keep Stocked:
Detergent (if guests can do laundry)
Hand soap
Dish soap
Napkins
Paper towels
Toilet paper
✨ Nice-to-Have’s:
Spare batteries
Ear plugs
Extra hangers
Extension cord (for limited outlets)
Plug adapters (for international guests)
House slippers
Selection of instant coffees and teas
✨ Helpful Extras:
A simple binder or booklet with essential information about your home and local area can be a big help. Consider including:
Printed Wifi network name and password
Door code or instructions (if applicable)
Instructions for appliances (washing machine, dishwasher, coffee machine, oven, etc)
Local emergency numbers (police, ambulance, nearest hospital, fire department)
Fire safety instructions and emergency meeting point
Guidance on local transportation
House rules or helpful quirks about your home
Local area information (nearest grocery store, pharmacy, post office, laundromat, shops, etc)
Remember, this may be your guest’s first-time traveling abroad or traveling alone. What feels second nature to you as a local may be unfamiliar to someone visiting for the first time.
Any small gesture that makes their stay easier will be appreciated and is a great way to start to your hosting journey.
3. Be Clear in Your Listing
This isn’t the place to practice your creative writing skills. Clarity in your listing builds trust with your potential guests — which is an essential part of hosting on StayingBee.
Which areas are shared or private
House rules
Availability and preferred length of stay
Type of accommodation: bed, room, entire apartment/ home
✅ Good to let your guest know ahead of time
While your listing covers the basics, it’s worth clarifying a few details before a booking is confirmed — especially if you have specific expectations. For example:
Laundry access and frequency - can your guest use the washing machine, and if so, how often?
Kitchen and fridge use - can your guest store and prepare their own food? Are there any dietary requirements or religious considerations they should be aware of?
Pets - where does your pet usually stay, what’s their temperament, and are there any special considerations guest should know in advance?
Setting clear expectations and boundaries from the beginning helps create a smoother stay and builds trust between you and your guest. Even small details can make a big difference in the overall experience.
4. Communication Matters
Good communication is one of the most important StayingBee hosting tips. Being clear, responsive, and approachable, before and during the stay, helps guests feel welcome and supported.
Let your guest know your expectations for sharing the space:
Expectations around noise and daily routines
Preferred quiet hours
Mutual respect for shared spaces and belongings
5. Hosting as Part of a Community
Hosting on StayingBee isn’t about profit or quick guest turnover. It’s about connecting with fellow community members through shared values, mutual respect, and meaningful exchanges.
Simple gestures, like sharing local tips or any good-to-know information can go a long way in putting your guest at ease and making their stay smooth.
This checklist is a great starting point, but it’s by no means exhaustive. Try putting yourself in your guest’s shoes: what would you expect from a stay, and what small touches would make it more comfortable or memorable?
Use these reflections to build a checklist tailored to you and your space, helping to ensure your first hosting experience — or your next one — goes off without a hitch.
Ready to become a StayingBee host?
Explore the full hosting process on our website when you’re ready and start hosting with confidence.