Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of a Property Manager During Peak Season
If you’ve ever thought “Managing a vacation rental sounds fun!” — you’re not wrong.
But it’s also… a lot. Especially in peak season, when bookings are stacked back-to-back, guests have questions around the clock, and supply runs become your new cardio.
As a property manager in the Chelan Valley, I get a front-row seat to the chaos and the charm of short-term rental life. And since most people only see the pretty pictures on Instagram or the “Booked!” emails, I thought I’d take you behind the scenes for a day in my life during the height of summer.
Spoiler: it’s not all wine tastings and lakefront views (though there is coffee. Always coffee!).
8:00 AM — Checkouts + Cleanings Begin
The day starts with messages from guests checking out— sometimes thanking me, sometimes reporting a clogged toilet, sometimes asking if they can “just leave the door unlocked.”
I confirm checkouts, double-check my calendar, and ping my cleaning tea with any notes from guests. Did someone break a wine glass? Did someone replace every towel and sheet with their own mystery set? (Yes, that happened. Yes, I had to fix it.)
Then it’s time to load the car with supplies, fresh linens, and backups of literally everything.
10:00 AM — Property Visits + Inventory Runs
Mid-morning is when I’m most “boots on the ground.”
Checking in on cleans (or most times cleaning myself)
Replacing missing or damaged items
Restocking the essentials: paper towels, coffee pods, dishwasher tabs, etc.
Taking photos or videos of anything out of place
Leaving little personal touches for arriving guests
Pro Tip: Always carry extra batteries, light bulbs, etc. You will need them.
12:30 PM — Emails, Owner Updates + Vendor Calls
Once I’ve got the cleaning started or visited the first couple properties, I take a laptop break to catch up on admin work:
Responding to booking inquiries
Notifying owners of low supplies or minor maintenance issues
Coordinating vendors like HVAC techs, landscapers, or pool cleaners
Reviewing guest messages and confirming check-in instructions
It’s the quietest part of the day — and by “quiet,” I mean only mildly chaotic.
3:00 PM — Guest Arrivals + Troubleshooting
Although check-in time is set at 4 p.m., guests normally start arriving between 3-5 p.m. This means that this window is go time for last-minute checks. If the AC isn’t cooling, the keypad isn’t syncing, or a guest just “wants to check in early becayse they’re already here”… this is when it all happens.
I stay nearby or on-call for most check-ins, just in case something weird happens. (Because something always does.)
5:30 PM — Review, Reset + Breathe
If everything goes smoothly (or… eventually smooths out), I’ll spend the early evening reviewing:
What properties need follow-up
What messages need answering
What’s on tomorrow’s schedule
Sometimes I grab dinner for the kids and me on the way home and just be for a second. Sometimes I’m still fielding calls about hot tubs and lost chargers at 9:00 p.m. That’s just peak season.
Why I Still Love It
It’s messy. It’s unpredictable. It’s sometimes deeply unglamorous.
But I get to help people feel at home, support property owners who actually want a break, and build a business I belive in. That makes the 10,000 steps worth it.
If you’re a host or owner who’s managing everything on your own right now: I see you. If it ever feels like too much, I’d love to chat and see if Solstice is a good fit for you.
And if you’re not ready yet, that’s okay too! Just grab the free Solstice Hosting Starter Kit and start organizing the chaos your way.