This post is written in partnership with Crane & Canopy. All opinions are my own.

I haven't mentioned it since this post, but we're still renting our house on Airbnb. Cleaning the bathrooms is Ben's responsibility, and doing laundry and making the beds is mine (I think I got the better end of that deal). With three bedrooms that we're renting out, I've gotten a lot more practice at making beds comfy and cute. This week is National Make Your Bed week, so I'm partnering with Crane & Canopy to share what I've learned! With the weather quickly turning to fall, I added a few warm and cozy layers to make sure our guests stay comfortable. For Airbnb hosts, I think putting some effort into the beds will always be worthwhile. If your guests get a great night of sleep, they'll probably write you a great review! Here are the essentials:

1. Start with a great mattress. The quality of your mattress will directly impact your quality of sleep...so this is one purchase where it doesn't make sense to skimp or buy secondhand. Most mattresses have a lifespan of 8-10 years, so if yours is nearing that mark, then it's probably time for a new one. The mattress on this bed is a Casper and I would definitely recommend it!

Tip: Side sleepers will be most comfortable with a softer mattress, while back or stomach sleepers will sleep best with a firmer mattress.

2. Protect it with a waterproof mattress cover. This step is a must for Airbnb hosts...especially if it's your personal home that you're renting out. Having a mattress cover that we can wash between stays makes me feel waaay more comfortable about opening our house up to strangers.

3. Invest in quality sheets. Sheets make the difference between a blissful, luxurious feeling when you crawl into bed...or tossing and turning all night. Again, you won't regret spending a little more for better quality. 100% extra-long staple cotton is a premium choice that gives you the best breathability. I'm also a big fan of soft linen sheets. One note on thread count: be wary of anything above 430. To achieve those thread counts, bedding manufacturers often use creative counting methods that do not mean a better fabric. Look for a thread count of 300-430 for high quality you can trust.

Tip: If you like smooth, almost silky sheets, go for a sateen weave. For a lighter and crisper feel (almost like a men's shirt), try a percale weave.

4. Cover your comforter with a washable duvet cover. A duvet cover is a smart option that's easy to wash--so you can go ahead and skip the top sheet. Duvet covers are also easy to store compared to bulky comforters. That gives you the freedom to have fun with patterns and colors and switch up the look of your bedroom seasonally if you wish. We have this white linen duvet cover which I love because it looks perfect a little wrinkly, straight out of the wash...no steaming required!

Tip: If you find it frustrating to put your duvet cover back on after washing, you're not alone. Here are three tried-and-true methods (with videos!) that should make the process muuuch easier.

5. Layer on a quilt. In the summer, we do just a duvet cover. But for fall and winter, I like adding a quilt across the bottom half of the bed. It gives us a layer of warmth, and is an easy way to bring in some color and coziness. I put the Chevron French Blue quilt on this bed, and love it. It's super soft, and the dusty blue color is perfect.

6. Pile on the pillows. For Airbnb stays, I have started doing two sleep pillows for each side, one that's plump and firmer, and one that's flatter and squishier. That way, people have options for however they sleep! Then, I always add a few decorative pillows in the middle. You don't have to spend a lot on these since they're purely aesthetic...just look for cute patterns and colors that fit the look you're going for. This time, I went with dusty blues and mustard yellow to tie in with the quilt and hint at fall.

Tip: A single lumbar pillow in the front will tie it all together.

7. Finish with a throw blanket. I like this finishing touch for the colder months. A throw blanket gives one more layer for additional warmth, and gives off those cozy, curl-up-under-me vibes. I casually draped the light grey knotted throw over the corner of this bed. It's so cute and soft, like a favorite sweater!

I have to admit, I kind of enjoy making the beds for our Airbnb stays. But I'm still not very diligent about making our own bed! And yet, I have heard that there are all kinds of benefits to making your bed first thing in the morning. Here are a few:

• Making the bed has been known to boost people’s level of happiness because your bedroom looks put together after a long day.
• Your productivity will increase because you will have started off the day having already accomplished something.
• You’ll sleep better. According to a 2012 National Sleep Foundation survey, those who make their beds every day were more likely to say they get a good night’s sleep.

Some good reasons to put some effort into my own bed, and not be so lazy!!!

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