Don't Forget Me! The Top 5 Items Guests Leave Behind in Your STR

As a short-term rental (STR) owner in the beautiful Lowcountry, you've got a lot on your plate. You're balancing guest satisfaction, maintaining your property, and striving for those coveted 5-star reviews. After guests check out, you expect a tidy space (most of the time!), and maybe a little wear and tear. But there's another common "visitor" you'll often encounter: the forgotten item!

At Elite Southern Turnovers, we've perfected the art of the detailed clean, which means we've seen it all. From the mundane to the genuinely surprising, our team meticulously inspects every nook and cranny. We know that a forgotten item can quickly turn into a logistical headache for hosts, and in some cases, even impact a guest's overall experience.

Based on our extensive experience and insights from the hospitality industry, here are the top 5 items guests most frequently leave behind in your short-term rental:

1. The Elusive Phone Charger & Electronic Cables

This is hands down the heavyweight champion of forgotten items! Guests often plug their phone chargers into convenient, yet easily overlooked, outlets – think behind the nightstand, tucked beside the bed, or even behind a sofa. In the rush to check out and make their flight or next destination, unplugging that vital cable often slips their mind.

• Tip for Hosts: Encourage your cleaning team (or yourself!) to make a dedicated "charger sweep." This means checking every outlet, especially those behind furniture, under beds, and even under side tables. Having a designated "lost and found" bin can help keep these items organized.

2. The Bathroom Brigade: Toiletries & Skincare

From basic toothbrushes and half-used shampoos to high-end lotions, contact lens cases, and electric razors, the bathroom is a treasure trove of forgotten personal care items. Guests often leave these on the vanity, in the shower caddy, or even tucked away in a medicine cabinet. Sometimes, they simply forget to pack them back into their toiletry bag.

• Tip for Hosts: Our team always gives the bathroom a thorough once-over, meticulously checking inside showers, under sinks, and any wall-mounted storage. For unopened, quality products, you might consider donating them to a local charity.

3. The Stealthy Sock & Small Clothing Items

"The single sock" is a legendary find in the cleaning world! Small articles of clothing like socks, underwear, and sometimes even swimsuits, are incredibly easy to overlook. They can get kicked under the bed, left in the back of an unused drawer, or draped over a hanger in the closet. Drying swimsuits are also notorious for being forgotten.

• Tip for Hosts: We open every single drawer, check behind doors, look under beds with a flashlight, and double-check all closet spaces. Having a clear policy on how to handle and return forgotten clothing (e.g., guest pays for shipping) can save you time and prevent misunderstandings.

4. "Liquid Assets": Alcohol & Unopened Food Items

Guests often pick up local craft beers, a bottle of wine, or specialty food items during their stay, only to realize they can't take them on their journey home. This often results in unopened condiments, bottled water, bags of coffee, or even full bottles of alcohol being left behind in the fridge or pantry.

• Tip for Hosts: Unless you have a specific "honor pantry" or "guest welcome" policy for certain items, it’s best practice to clear the fridge and pantry of all guest-left food items after each stay. This ensures freshness and avoids any lingering odors.

5. The Personal Touch: Jewelry & Small Electronics

This category can be the most frantic for guests to recover! Rings, earrings, watches, wireless earbuds, e-readers, and portable power banks are frequently left on nightstands, next to the bathroom sink, or tucked between sofa cushions. Guests take them off for comfort or charging, then simply forget them in their haste.

• Tip for Hosts: Our cleaners perform a comprehensive "sweep" of all flat surfaces, checking under cushions, and paying close attention to bedside tables and bathroom counters. We understand the sentimental and monetary value of these items and prioritize their safe recovery.

Honorable Mention: The Heartbreaker (Stuffed Animals)

While it didn’t make the top five by volume, it’s the #1 item that results in a frantic, late-night message from a guest. We call this "The Heartbreaker." A child’s favorite teddy bear or "blankie" left tucked under the covers can ruin a family's trip home.

• Tip for Hosts: We treat these items with extra care. If we find a "friend" left behind, we notify the host immediately so the guest can be alerted before they get too far down the road!

The Elite Southern Turnovers Difference: Your Peace of Mind

While forgotten items are a fact of life in the STR world, they don't have to be a headache for you. This is where a professional, detail-oriented cleaning service like Elite Southern Turnovers truly shines.

Our meticulous cleaning process isn't just about sparkling surfaces; it includes a thorough and systematic check for every type of forgotten item. We understand the importance of clear communication with you, the host, about any items we find. Our goal is to save you time, reduce stress, and help you maintain your stellar reputation by handling these situations with professionalism and care.

Ready to stop worrying about forgotten items and ensure your Charleston or Lowcountry rental is pristine and guest-ready every single time?

Contact Elite Southern Turnovers today for a customized cleaning quote! Let us handle the details, so you can focus on being an exceptional host. 803-759-8876