It’s also okay to ask for help. I’ve found the phrase “I need your help/How can I help” depending on if I need help or need to defuse a situation to be quite effective. I’m glad things are better a few days later.
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Your son is amazing. He clearly wants to help and having him as a co-host (pay him 5% of every booking, net after ABB fees) will teach him so much.
I cried when I read your response. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. And so many of us here have health or age-related issues and we do this because it can bring joy.
I read the best way to tackle a mountain is one pebble at a time. Do the 15, 30, and 60 second jobs first (well, no sofa slipcover is 60 seconds, but you get my drift). Some days you’ll get 3 things accomplished. Some days 0 tasks completed.
It’s OK. And welcome to the land of STR and this crazy forum.
Good luck.
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It’s a good thing those machines weigh so much, I’ve had them act up to the point where if I physically could have I would have thrown them across the room, haha.
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I also am a long time seamstress. I could make clothes when I was 6. At age 20 I bought my Viking Husqvarna (Swedish) home sewing machine which became the hardest working Viking on earth. I probably should have bought an industrial, because I did do production sewing. It never needed oiling as per factory! It was however the only Viking the dealer had ever seen that needed a new motor, (under warrantee) after 10 years hard labor. Once I put it out on the deck because it was smoking… at 17 years.
Recently I found an amazing local cheap old deaf sewing machine repair character that was trained in Europe to fix Elnas and Vikings. I had bought an old (Swiss) Elna on Craigslist because I thought my Viking was really dead, but he fixed them both up real well!
I just love making stuff, my creativity has fed me lifelong.
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I had an old Elna, too! Great machine.
I used a clunky old Brother for years, even though I was working professionally. Then by a stroke of sheer luck, I went into a little rustic furniture shop one day looking for a table, mentioned that I did upholstery if he ever wanted cushions for the furniture he sells, and he asked if I was interested in machines he wanted to sell. Said he used to be a tailor, but wasn’t doing that anymore. He only wanted $200 for both machines! Amazing deal, and the machines were immaculate.
I had to hire 2 guys to move them.
Once I got the hang of using an industrial, I couldn’t believe I had done all that work on that old Brother.
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I know, I’ve loved the industrials I’ve used!
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Hi Cyndy
I’m here doing Airbnb as a single woman, too. 
IMHO, i think doing a realistic assessment on your budget (both time and $$) can help.
I pay people to help with tasks I cannot do by myself if it’s a physical issue like moving a mattress. That’s where the $ come in.
Then, there are the tasks like drilling a hole etc. I’m online a lot learning how to be a plumber, etc. It’s a learning curve that takes time…if you have the patience for the time it takes to do develop your skills, that is a good investment for your Airbnb business.
So, if you have the $$ to spend on physical tasks you can’t do and are willing to learn how to do tasks within your physical capabilites, you’ll do well.
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I got into this business because my husband left me quite unexpectedly. I was fortunate to own two furnished properties, so I could live in one and turn the other into a short-term rental. There’s a lot I didn’t know how to do. I’ve learned a lot, and the feeling of pride I have when I accomplish something I didn’t use to be able to do is huge. YouTube is your friend when it comes to learning how to do stuff.
I still have plenty that I’m not strong or knowledgeable enough to do myself, but as others have said, I’ve hired handypeople.
If you can get past feeling inept, I suspect you will be rewarded with pride and success as I have been. I’m 68, and I wish you much success.
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Learning to do things yourself isn’t just valuable for running an Airbnb, but those skills will serve well in one’s own home. There are basic fix-it tasks that all homes need from time to time. Unless you fancy shelling out for a plumber to come do simple maintenance for things that naturally wear out, and which don’t require any specialized tools or skills, what I call Homeowner 101 tasks, you will save a lot of money being able to take care of those things yourself. Replacing a bad float, or a worn flapper in a toilet tank, replacing faucet washers that are worn and causing constant dripping, are examples of things anyone can learn to do.
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It does get easier! My husband and I co-host, but honestly I do almost all the work. This past weekend, we had some guests that got a bottle can tab stuck in the garbage disposal, AND they pulled the screen off the screen door. I fixed both while my husband stood and watched. It often just comes down to who is handier and more comfortable with the task at hand. My 15 year old son is now my go to for hanging pictures. If all you need is some strength, ask some neighborhood kids. If you can measure and mark they can do the rest.
Also, I ask a million questions to staff and customers at Home Depot. You would be amazed at how generous people are with their knowledge and time.
Good luck! You can do it!
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This is a great thread. I am hosting without nearby family support and was not handy at all. I am moderately more handy now thanks to youtube. I knew I needed support. Task rabbit for things like hanging stuff or lifting heavy. I got on next door and found handy people. Little by little I built my own little book of people to call like appliance people, plumbers, etc. Also importantly, if you don’t do you own cleaning, I found a cleaning person who is reliable. I got to know my neighbors as well and and have a few who I can call if To check on things occasionally. I hosted a backyard bbq to thank them. Good luck. Glad your son is helping!
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The BBQ was a great idea. I had contractors here doing carpentry, painting, and roofing for several weeks and held a big BBQ for all of them and their families when we were done. The goodwill has been tremendous. Many of them have responded to calls for help with smaller projects. The painter even invited me to his wedding!
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