When it comes to starting your first Airbnb, there’s a lot of uncertainty, but one thing’s for sure: planning, finding, and setting up all of your furniture and supplies is a ton of work. Plus, the items you buy for your short-term rental directly impact how many bookings and 5-star reviews you earn (so, getting them right is crucial). But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with this Airbnb checklist jam-packed with can’t-miss items for your Airbnb.
Make setting up your property a piece of cake by using the room-by-room Airbnb checklist below–over 100 essential items! (P.S. be sure to bookmark this post for later, so you always have the items you need at your fingertips.)
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Contents
The Best Room-By-Room Airbnb Checklist: 100+ Essential Items
Entryway
Since the entryway is the first thing guests see when they arrive, it’s the perfect opportunity to make sure they feel a warm welcome right away.
(The great news is, you only need a few items to make a huge impact in this room!)
A keyless entry is absolutely essential (I promise I won’t say that about everything in this Airbnb checklist, just the important stuff!) here’s why:
Your guests will appreciate a keyless entry because it allows them to quickly and easily check in (which they’ll later rate you on in their review.)
As a host, you’ll love that you don’t have to keep track of a physical key (which can easily get lost or stolen). And your property is more secure because you control exactly who does and doesn’t have access.
The hands-down BEST keyless entry I’ve found is this Kwikset keyless entry.
In my experience, the Kwikset is incredibly reliable and works well (trust me, you don’t want to be woken up by a guest at 3 AM because your lock isn’t working…which is exactly what happened to me with my old keyless entry.)
Having a doorbell is, of course, essential at your Airbnb (so if you’re anything like me and don’t have a built-in doorbell at your property, make sure to pick up a Ring doorbell before you list your Airbnb.) If possible, I highly recommend getting the hardwired version so that you don’t need to recharge the battery.
Even if you’re like most people and already have a doorbell, the Ring will help you maintain control over your property. That’s because it has a built-in camera, you can see who’s at your door and how many people have been entering your property.
I think it’s important to mention that I’ve NEVER actually needed the video function on my Ring doorbell, but it does give me peace of mind to know I have it if there’s ever a problem. Additionally, since there is video functionality, you HAVE TO disclose the use of security cameras on your Airbnb listing.
Pro tip: One of the best things you can do to maximize your revenue is optimize your listing.
Even if you have a keyless entry, you absolutely can’t skip having a lockbox with backup keys, just in case.
This isn’t an absolute essential, but I do think it’s a really nice touch to welcome your guests! If you can get a custom-made welcome sign, that’s even better!
Help your guests start relaxing as soon as they arrive by giving them a place to set down their things and take off their shoes – this stylish bench is perfect for that.
Okay, these aren’t an absolute necessity, but if you have room for a couple of pillows on your entryway bench (make sure there’s still PLENTY of usable space for your guests), it can make your whole entryway feel cozier and more inviting.
You’ll love these beautiful faux leather pillowcases, coordinating black pillowcases, and soft pillow inserts because they’re high-quality, don’t show dirt easily, and look great.
If you don’t have quite enough room for pillows, consider just adding them for your Airbnb listing photos, and then putting them elsewhere for your guests to use (like I do).
Recommended: 10 Lesser-Known Ways to Perfect Your Airbnb Listing Photos
I didn’t have a doormat for a while (because my first one broke..don’t buy that one, buy this durable one.) Since I didn’t provide a doormat, guests started using a bath mat instead…which is just to say…don’t skip this item.
Your guests will appreciate having a place to hang their things as soon as they walk in.
If your Airbnb is in a muddy or wet area, this boot tray will help your floors stay clean (and guests really value cleanliness!)
Make sure you can adjust your thermostat when guests aren’t there by having a Nest thermostat (this is ESPECIALLY important if you manage your Airbnb remotely.)
Pro Tip: In general, don’t leave anything at your Airbnb that you wouldn’t mind losing. You’ll notice that small electronics like Bluetooth speakers, rechargeable batteries, and charging cables aren’t included in this Airbnb checklist–that’s because these are some of the most common items that “go missing” from Airbnbs. (And, don’t assume your cleaning crew will catch everything; you may not realize something’s missing until you visit the property yourself during a maintenance check.)
Kitchen
There are SO many things great Airbnb hosts provide in their kitchens. So, I’ve broken this room up into three sections: cooking supplies, dining, and disposable items (which you’ll need to regularly restock.)
Cooking Supplies
These Henckels knives are on the expensive side but they’re worth it because having a high-quality set of knives is rare in the average Airbnb. And, they can make a big impact when your guests are cooking.
These are hands-down the best cutting boards you can buy. They’re super high-quality, durable, and non-slip. They also come in a 3-pack, which ensures your guests always have what they need and that multiple guests can cook at the same time.
I recommend going for a darker color to hide any stains.
Your pots, pans, and cooking utensils are going to get used and abused (and thrown in the dishwasher!) so, this set of non-stick cookware is perfect. It’s inexpensive and has thousands of great reviews.
With this bundle, you’ll get tons of essential cooking utensils (like a spatula, measuring cups/spoons, tongs, a whisk, and more.)
Pro Tip: Consider buying additional tongs and spatulas, so guests don’t have to wash them between each use or wait for another guest to be done before they can use them.
Don’t skip this one – oven mitts and pot holders are an absolute necessity for any kitchen.
By buying this bundle, you’ll get an incredibly high-quality, durable product that seems to last forever. (Plus, the potholders double as jar openers, drying mats, and spoon rests.)
I don’t know about you, but one of the most frustrating things for me about Airbnbs is that they never seem to have any food storage containers.
Prevent your guests from being disappointed after dinner by providing them with these containers.
If you think your guests will need large containers, grab these too.
When it comes to picking your coffee maker, there’s no reason to shell out $100+ on a fancy one. This coffee maker from Black+Decker works very well and is incredibly reliable (unlike the many expensive coffee makers I’ve tried!)
Go the extra mile for your guests by providing a french press for those who prefer it. (Plus, if your coffee pot ever breaks mid-stay, having this backup will surely be appreciated!)
Mixing bowls are essential for making a nice meal with friends. Your guests will love that these mixing bowls come with lids they can just pop on when needed.
You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to get a great, reliable toaster.
For all the garlic lovers out there, this garlic press makes cooking a breeze.
When you need a hand mixer, there’s just really no good substitute.
Essential for both cooking and baking.
This bundle comes with plenty of dishtowels so your guests always have what they need.
Dining
Buy at least twice as many table settings as your max occupancy.
Make sure to buy 2-3x as many water glasses as your maximum occupancy. That way, guests can use more than one glass at a time, they don’t have to wash between each use, and you have plenty of backups when one or two (inevitably) break.
Stemless wine glasses are ideal for you Airbnb because they’re less likely to spill or break than a typical wine glass.
That said, these can (and probably will!) still break. So, make sure to stock your Airbnb with plenty and expect to buy replacement glasses as needed.
It’s important to have plenty of coasters around to encourage guests to protect your furniture.
Your guests will love that these porcelain plates, bowls, and mugs look nice and feel high quality. Make sure to buy at least twice as many as your maximum occupancy.
These aren’t essential Airbnb checklist items, but if your Airbnb guests want to serve a nice dinner, they’ll appreciate having a few bowls and plates to serve with.
When it comes to selecting your dining table and chairs, you need these to fit with the overall style of your Airbnb. So, I’m sharing a few different options below:
- Mid-century modern: table and chairs
- Farmhouse: table and chairs
- Best for large groups: table and chairs
Pro Tip: For a stylish and thoughtful look, make sure to buy chairs that coordinate with your table, but don’t match–you’ll notice all the tables and chairs in this Airbnb checklist are just that.
Disposables
Pro Tip: When deciding which kitchen items to keep stocked for guests, my general rule of thumb is to provide anything that multiple guests: (a) need, (b) would use very little of during their stay, and (c) aren’t likely to bring in their suitcase. This Airbnb checklist includes all of the items I recommend keeping stocked for your guests.
Leaving a bit of coffee out is a great way to welcome your guests! Don’t forget this inexpensive and great-looking coffee canister.
These tea bags come in their own boxes that double as dispensers, so you can easily put them right into the cupboard.
These small salt and pepper grinders a great replacement for traditional shakers because they stay full and clean, which I think it a nicer experience for guests. I also like to provide this bulk salt and bulk pepper for cooking; I think these are a very inexpensive way to add a thoughtful touch.
Buying in bulk is key to saving money when stocking olive oil and vinegar for your guests (which they’ll really appreciate when they don’t want to buy their own oil for cooking or forget to pick up a salad dressing at the store.)
Just make sure you buy these refillable bottles too, to add a beautiful touch to your kitchen counters.
I highly recommend putting your dish soap in a reusable bottle (with these cute labels) for a thoughtful touch! Guests also really appreciate hand soap at the kitchen sink.
Small details like ziploc bags are rare to find in an Airbnb. So when your guests go searching for a baggy, they’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that you keep them stocked. It’s all in the details!
Living Room
The goal of your living room should be to make it look cozy and inviting. And since it’s an important area for gathering, you’ll likely want to feature it in your main Airbnb photo. So, make it a good one by picking up everything in this section of this Airbnb checklist!
Create a cozy and inviting living room by spending a little more on a high-quality, comfortable, and stylish sofa.
Investing in a TV that fits your space is one important component in creating an overall feeling of relaxation for your guests.
These days, having a Smart TV that allows guests to easily watch Netflix and other streaming services is a must-do.
Pro Tip: Go above and beyond by showcasing your large TV as the anchor to your cozy living room. Mount it on the wall and highlight it in photos on your listing.
You’ll love these beautiful faux leather pillowcases, coordinating black pillowcases, and soft pillow inserts because they’re high-quality, don’t show dirt easily, and look great.
These pillows really pop in photos, so I highly recommend grabbing them before you take your Airbnb listing photos.
Recommended: 10 Lesser-Known Ways to Perfect Your Airbnb Listing Photos
One of the first things your guests will want when they arrive is the wifi code. Don’t make them search around, leave it front and center on a wifi sign.
Surprise your guests with a few fun games to enjoy with each other.
Believe it or not, if you leave books out, guests are likely to pick them up and start reading. Best of all, you don’t need to buy brand new books. You can reuse old books you don’t read anymore or stop by a thrift store to find inexpensive ones.
Bedrooms
Surprise your guests with blackout curtains in every bedroom, so they can peacefully sleep as late as they want while on vacation.
P.S. don’t forget your curtain rods.
In general, try to find ways to encourage guests to stay longer; one convenient item that will make longer stays enjoyable is providing a laundry basket in each bedroom closet.
Your guests will undoubtedly need a place to put their luggage during their stay. Having a suitcase stand in each bedroom is a great way to achieve that.
Pro Tip: Think about the number of people that will likely stay in each room and make sure each one of them has a place for their belongings.
If you provide suitcase stands, then having a dresser isn’t an absolute necessity, but it’s a nice touch for guests who like to unpack.
Don’t overspend on your nightstands! Light, durable nightstands like these are all you need at your Airbnb–just make sure you get one for each side of the bed, so every guest has room for their things!
Ensure your guests can make full use of the closets by providing several hangers in each one.
Having a comfortable mattress is something that just can’t be overlooked. A good night’s sleep is a requirement for guests, so investing in memory-foam mattresses is definitely worth investing in at your Airbnb.
Pro Tip: To make your Airbnb feel truly luxurious, investing in king-size mattresses where possible. Highlight these memory-foam king-size mattresses on your Airbnb listing, and assure your guests they’ll get a great night’s sleep when they stay with you.
These box springs are relatively inexpensive, easy to assemble, and hold up well.
Just be sure to test your box springs for any squeaks during your property maintenance checks.
Don’t draw attention to your box springs. Cover that weird off-white fabric with a nice, crisp, fitted sheet instead.
Again, the bed frame you choose is totally dependent on your overall style. This bed frame is stylish, affordable, and gets great reviews.
Don’t make your guests search for outlets and then awkwardly stretch halfway off the bed to plug their phones in at night.
Instead, make their lives easy by getting an inexpensive extension cord for each nightstand.
Better yet, select one with a USB port for an extra nice touch! (These tend to have shorter cords, so make sure it’s long enough to reach your nightstands.)
Some guests like to read at night. All guests like to have a light on so they don’t have to stumble into bed each night.
These inexpensive lamps for each nightstand do just the trick (did I mention they also have USB ports? You can never have too many!)
You never know what temperature your guests prefer at night, so be sure to provide extra blankets like this one.
Again, make sure your guests sleep peacefully, at the right temperature, by providing fans in every bedroom.
Linens
You should expect your linens to need to be replaced multiple times a year (I’ve replaced over a dozen in the last year due to stains.)
So, be sure to stock extras of everything in this section of this Airbnb checklist.
Doing so ensures your cleaners can quickly replace any linen as needed. I also recommend leaving out a full set of linens and pillows in case guests need more than what’s on the beds.
Don’t mess around when it comes to sheet color – white sheets cue cleanliness and cleanliness is by far one of the most important things Airbnb guests care about.
These sheets are perfect because they’re incredibly comfortable and inexpensive.
And, since Airbnb sheets get stained easily, you should expect to replace them several times a year. I highly recommend having three backup sets, so your cleaners can quickly swap ruined sheets with new ones.
Give your Airbnb guests a hotel-quality experience with these fluffy, high-quality, and super inexpensive cooling pillows.
Your guests will love these all-season, high-quality duvet inserts because they’re fluffy and super comfortable without being too hot or too cold. They even come with tabs so you can tie these to your duvet cover to prevent the duvet insert from slipping inside the duvet cover.
You just can’t go wrong with these beautiful and soft duvet covers.
Pro Tip: Going with duvet covers and inserts is a much better option than traditional comforters because you can easily throw several duvet covers in the wash between guests.
Mattress protectors are an incredibly inexpensive way to protect the big investment you made in your mattress. You never know what guests are going to do in their bed, so don’t take the risk. Buy these high-quality mattress protectors before to avoid ruining your mattresses.
Pro Tip: Go the extra mile by investing in bed bug-proof mattress encasements for your mattresses as well. These are a bit more expensive than typical mattress protectors, but I love the peace of mind I get by knowing that if there ever is a worst-case bed bug scenario, the impact will be a little less awful with these mattress encasements. And since these encasements can’t be easily removed, I love having a mattress protector on top, which my cleaners can easily wash as needed.
Like your nightstands, the bed frame you choose is totally dependent on your overall style. This bed frame is stylish, affordable, and gets great reviews.
Bathrooms
Make sure you always have plenty of toilet paper on-hand for your cleaning crew to restock. Additionally, your cleaning crew should leave a few rolls under each sink, so that your guests can always grab a backup if needed.
I recommend buying hand soap in bulk (it’s better for the planet AND your wallet.) Just make sure you pick up these beautiful (refillable) hand soap bottles, too.
You can count on your towels to get used and abused.
Your guests will grab them when the kids come inside covered in mud, when they’re wiping makeup off their faces, and so on.
Avoid the stress of throwing out costly towels by opting for these Grandeur Hospitality bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths. You’ll love that they’re just soft enough and not too expensive.
Pro Tip: Don’t spend a lot on items you’ll need to replace! That applies to maaaany items on this Airbnb checklist, but especially your towels.
Get these bath mats in white so you can throw them into the washer with the rest of your towels.
Superhost Status
These items aren’t a necessity, but they’re another thoughtful detail on this Airbnb checklist that your guests will appreciate. Providing them might just get you closer to earning Superhost Status.
So, consider putting the following in each bathroom. (What’s even better is that you can add many of these as an “amenity” on your Airbnb listing):
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash
- Refillable bottles
- Q-tips
- Cotton balls
- Bathroom canisters (to hold the q-tips and cotton balls)
- Hairdryer
- Facial tissue
- Lotion
Miscellaneous Supplies
Think about everything that requires batteries in your Airbnb: remotes, keyless entries, and so on.
Put fresh batteries in all of these before you leave, stock the right type of batteries, and ask your cleaners to replace them every few months so that they don’t stop working when a guest is there.
Like your batteries, think about everything that requires light bulbs in your Airbnb. Put fresh bulbs in all of these before you leave, stock the right type of bulbs, and ask your cleaners to replace them as needed, ideally before they go out.
Just in case.
(Check your short-term rental permit before purchasing the extinguisher on this Airbnb checklist; your municipality might require a certain type of extinguisher.)
Also just in case.
You never know when your guests are staying with you for a wedding or some other formal event; make sure they have an iron and ironing board, if needed.
Cleaning Supplies
Help your guests take care of your property, just like you want them to, by providing them with basic cleaning supplies:
- Vacuum
- Swiffer
- Broom & dustpan
- All-purpose cleaner
- Upholstery cleaner
- Laundry detergent
- Stain remover
- Bleach
- Dryer sheets
Takeaway
Whew, that was a lot!
I hope this (very long) Airbnb checklist saves you tons of time setting up your Airbnb. (Congrats, by the way! Starting your first Airbnb is a HUGE accomplishment!)
Don’t forget to bookmark this post for later, so you can easily access it when you need to buy something.
Oh, and if you like this blog post, you’ve gotta check out these, too:
- How to Start an Airbnb: 7 Key Steps to Set Up Your Rental
- How to Start an Airbnb That You Manage Remotely (In Just 7 Steps)
- 10 Lesser-Known Ways to Perfect Your Airbnb Listing Photos
Don’t forget! Save this post for later:
What else would you have at your Airbnb? Let me know in the comments.
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This is absolutely AMAZING. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this post. I’m getting ready to furnish an Airbnb for my parents and the links help SO much!!!
I’m SO happy to hear that!! Congrats on getting your Airbnb started!
Super detailed and informative! We are almost ready to launch this week and definitely a couple of items I didn’t even think of! Thank you!
You’re so welcome, I’m really glad this post helped you 🙂 and congrats on launching your Airbnb! Lmk if there’s anything I can help with as you start hosting guests!
Thank you for such an in depth article. I love the look of light colored couches, but I’ve been afraid to commit to one due to the likelihood of staining. Did you scotchgard that sofa?
You’re so welcome! I have used scotchgard and other stain repellants in the past and they don’t seem to make much of a difference. Folex spot treatment and regular deep cleanings are what really keep my couch in good shape BUT, overall, I would opt for a darker color when possible so you don’t have to do as much maintenance/upkeep!
Wow this list is amazing and saved me time and effort of thinking of all the things. Bless you!
You’re so welcome!! Really glad I could help! 🙂
Thank you so much. That was a great help. ❤️
You’re very welcome! So glad I can help! 🙂
Can I please have your air B&B listing for Lake Tahoe?
It’s linked in the menu bar at the top of my blog! 🙂 If you’re looking for tips to improve your own listing, Listing Optimization Secrets (also linked at the top of my blog) will walk you through exactly how to do that step by step 🙂