Quick Shopping Guide: Airbnb Essentials List to Get your Place Up and Running in No Time

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by what products and Airbnb Essentials List you must have to get your place up and running?

In this post I’m sharing all of my Airbnb Essentials List so you can start hosting as soon as possible. I have links of all the products to Amazon (Airbnb Essentials Amazon List) so you can easily add the products you need to your cart. Go to the link for the complete list. Enjoy!

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Hosting on Airbnb can be an amazing experience. It certainly is for me. One of my dreams is to own a boutique hotel and/or a resort (putting it out there in the universe). 

Naturally, hosting on Airbnb is a step towards that goal. It taught me about customer service and guest satisfaction, choosing durable furniture, appropriate home decor, as well the intricacies of the hospitality business. If you’re interested in joining as a host, use this link to sign up!

I get to share the spaces I design with people from all over the world, and can make some extra cash while doing so. This allows me the flexibility to travel, upgrade the products of the guesthouse to attract more travelers, and focus on building more income streams to achieve the much anticipated early retirement! This is a great use of your ADU.

But let’s be real, it can also be a lot of work, especially in the beginning when your checklist and systems aren’t in place. There’s the cleaning, the laundry, the guest communication…and then there’s the question of what Airbnb essentials you need to provide for your guests.

Don’t worry, I’m here to help! I own and manage 7 Airbnb’s for the past 2 years so I’ve gone through lots of products and guests.

Today, we’re going to chat about all the must-have items and essentials lists for your Airbnb, from the practical to the personal. Providing essential items for your Airbnb guests is crucial for a comfortable and positive stay. 

This list will help you purchase the absolute necessities quickly so you can start hosting right away and bring money home. I got my Airbnb up and running in a week’s time following this list (I was going on vacation!) and you can too.

Here are some key categories to consider, along with specific suggestions:

Bedroom Airbnb Essentials List:

I make sure the bedroom is as comfortable as possible because guests tend to spend a lot of time here! Much like staying in hotels, your guests go out all day and come back super tired. The last thing they want is an uncomfortable bed. There are the essentials I provide:

• Fresh linens and pillows: This is a no-brainer! Ensure enough clean sets for each guest, plus a couple of extras for unexpected spills or preferences.
• Mattress and pillows: This is one area where you really don’t want to skimp. Invest in good quality mattresses and pillows that will help your guests get a good night’s sleep and are durable. I put out 4 pillows per bed and put at least a queen size bed in each bedroom.
• Mattress and pillow protector: Protects your mattress and pillows in case there’s any spills. You can replace them easily if damaged and much cheaper to replace than your mattress!
• Cozy blankets and throws: Layer up for different comfort levels and seasons. I use a down alternative as a duvet and buy 3 duvet covers for each blanket. It is way easier to wash the duvet cover than the entire blanket.
• Clothes hangers: Ample hangers in the closet or on a rack will keep clothes wrinkle-free. This is especially sought after for longer stays (7 days or more).
• Nightstands and lamps: Provide bedside surfaces for setting down phones, books, or a glass of water. Bonus points if your lamp can charge phones.
• Blackout curtains or blinds: Ensure guests can get a good night’s sleep by blocking out light. I always use double rods, the rod closest to the window gets a sheer curtain and the second rod for the blackout curtain. It easily elevates the look of the bedroom.
• Full-length mirror: This one is overlooked and so important! It drives me crazy when Airbnb’s don’t have large mirrors. Guests want to look good wherever they’re visiting.

Bathroom Airbnb Essentials List:

This is a no-brainer to have and one of the most important rooms to keep clean. I’m more likely to get comments on the cleanliness of the bathroom, more than any other room. I always ensure its clean, free of clogs and hair as much as possible. These is what I provide:

• Bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths: I have one body towel and washcloth for each guest. This depends on the amount of guests coming, maximum allowed, and length of stay. I double this for any stay longer than 2 weeks for each guest.
• Bath mat: For stepping out of the shower rather than directly on the floor.
• Toilet paper: Stock enough for the duration of the stay. I usually put out a roll of toilet paper per 3 day stay.
• Hair dryer: A lifesaver for guests with different hair routines and always great to advertise.
• Make-up Remover / Facial towels: These are so great to have so that your washcloths or towels aren’t smeared with makeup! 
• Shower essentials: This includes shampoo, conditioner and body wash. I prefer to buy gallon size toiletries and fill up bottles with cute labels on them. It’s more efficient, saves money, and it’s eco-conscious!
• First-aid kit: Be prepared for minor cuts or scrapes with basic supplies. 
• Plunger, cleaning wand, and solution: You want to encourage your guest to be self-sufficient and clean up after themselves or solve a toilet block.
• Misc: cotton pads & swabs: It’s always a nice touch to offer these for guests.

Kitchen Airbnb Essentials List:

Kitchens at Airbnbs are so convenient to have. It’s great for a quick morning coffee and nighttime tea. It’s also convenient to use for heating up a quick bite, leftovers, or cooking a meal to save money for guests. These are the Airbnb kitchen essentials I provide:

• Basic cookware and utensils: Pots, pans, spatulas, forks, knives, spoons, and plates are essential for simple meals. I usually double the amount of each item for every advertised guest. For example, if my listing is for 2 guests, I provide 4 of each item. The more, the merrier.
• Cutting boards and knives: I buy a wood block with several size knives and have 3 sizes of wood cutting boards (feels cleaner than plastic cutting boards).
• Salad bowl and other mixing bowls: This is to make prep life easier. The whole point of renting an Airbnb is the comfort of home and it includes being able to cook a meal during your vacation.
• Coffee maker and tea kettle: A hot beverage in the morning is a welcome touch. You don’t know which one your guest will prefer. I have a filter coffee pot, coffee, coffee filters, individual packets of creamer, and sugar as well as an assortment of teas.
• Brita filter: I host in Los Angeles and we aren’t known for our safe tap water. I offer my guests a brita filter that I keep in the fridge. I change the filter every 3 months.
• Dish soap, sponge and drying rack: Guests should be able to clean up after themselves. 
• Paper towels and trash bags: Keep messes contained and make cleanup easier.
• Trash can: It should be sized appropriately for the size of the kitchen
• Oil, salt, pepper, and other basic spices: A small starter kit can be helpful for quick meals.
• Basic cleaning supplies and towel: To encourage guests to clean up after any spills and to keep your kitchen tidy.
• Basic furnishings: At a minimum, you should have a refrigerator, stove with oven, microwave, and toaster.

Dining Room Airbnb Essentials List:

I spend a lot of time in the dining room because it has the largest table in the house (I work from home and also journal a ton). It’s a great place for catching up at the beginning or end of the day if you’re traveling with family and/or friends. These are my dining room Airbnb essentials:

• Dining table and chairs: Ensure you buy a nice and durable dining table and chairs to at least seat the maximum number of people you’re advertising in your Airbnb.
• Placemats and coasters: These keep your dining table clean, protects it, and make it look great and put together
• Napkins and holder: It’s a great and thoughtful detail to leave napkins for your guests.

Living Room Airbnb Essentials List:

I’ve paid more attention to the living room lately because it’s usually the centerpiece of the house and the first thing you see as soon as you open the door. I always try to make the living room very clean and inviting. I’m also a huge proponent of open living spaces so will combine the dining room with the living room. These are my Airbnb living room essentials:

• Comfortable seating: Sofas, armchairs, or a mix depending on the space. It should sit the maximum number of people you advertise on your Airbnb. This item is super important because it has to look great and be durable. It might be one of your most expensive items but so worth it.
• Coffee table or side tables: Provide surfaces for drinks, books, or laptops.
• TV with streaming options: Many guests enjoy relaxing with entertainment after a day of exploring. I only provide TVs in living rooms and only for homes with more than one bedroom. I don’t have any TV’s in my one-bedroom Airbnb and no one has complained. Nowadays, people travel with laptops and iPads so they travel with their streaming services.
• Books and magazines: Offer a selection of reading material for different interests. Oftentimes I put out my own books and magazines for guests to enjoy and some guests leave their books behind. It’s like our own little library of sorts!

Laundry Room

If you have a dedicated laundry room, or offer a washer and dryer in a closet, these are the essentials to have:

• Detergent and softener: I used to refill the detergent and softener to the brim, but now I only provide half the amount. I’ve noticed that my long-term guests (staying more than a week) wash their clothes more. If the detergent runs out, they’re more likely to go and buy more.
• Iron and board: I include a small, compact board with an iron because some guests asked in the past. It’s convenient for them and extra bonus points for your listing!

Additional Touches:

These items are bonus points for your Airbnb listing.

• Area rugs: These are so important to have, it truly brings the room together. Choose a size that is appropriate for the room. I like to go with darker rugs so any stains are less noticeable.
• Paintings or wall decor: It makes the space look more interesting. I like looking for local artists in my area and purchasing art from them to hang on my Airbnb walls. 
• Fake plants and decor items: I tried putting real plants but they didn’t last! Guests don’t think about watering them. Save yourself the heartbreak and buy nice fake plants to brighten your place with greens. Purchase decor items and trinkets to sprinkle around the house. I like to put cool souvenirs from my travels on my Airbnbs.
• Reed diffuser or wall plug-ins: I love it when homes smell good. A great thing is to put reed diffusers to welcome guests. I like more woodsy, clean and natural smells.
• Cleaning supplies: I suggest at least a broom and mop. I personally have a vacuum and a swiffer mop.
• Wi-Fi: Reliable internet access is essential for most guests nowadays, especially with the rise of work-from-home guests.

Airbnb Essentials List for Hosts:

I want to include a section for items especially for hosts to make your life easier.

• Keypad entry: It’s so convenient to have a door with an electronic keypad. I suggest buying the fancy ones that can connect to your phone. That way, if your guests leave and forget to close the door, you can easily do it from your phone. Some door locks also have automatic closing.
• Extra AC filters: If you do maintenance yourself, it’s good to have in the storage so you can quickly change the filters when they’re due.
• Utility closet: This utility closet can either be a closet in the house with a locked door or a standalone one. I store my extra linens, bedding, towels, toilet paper, toiletries and other items that I need to refill for guests. It’s so handy to have so you don’t run to the supermarket each time.

Conclusion

By providing these essential items, you’ll be setting your Airbnb guests up for a comfortable and enjoyable stay, leading to positive reviews and repeat bookings.

I hope this gives you a good starting point for stocking your Airbnb!

P.S. Don’t forget to check out the Airbnb Help Center for more tips and resources on hosting.

Happy hosting!

P.P.S. I’d love to hear your thoughts on Airbnb essentials. What are your must-have items? What are some unique things you do to make your guests feel welcome? Share your tips in the comments below!

If you’re interested in building an ADU to rent out on Airbnb, contact us for more information!