82+ Airbnb Essentials: Setting Up Your Home For Airbnb

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Last Updated on October 23, 2022 by Chris Panteli

Airbnb Essentials

There’s a lot of planning that goes into setting up an Airbnb for success. You need to find the line between providing the necessary amenities and making a profit on your nightly rate. 

But any successful Airbnb host knows that there are some amenities that any property needs to provide for guests. 

If you’re in the process of setting up your Airbnb vacation rental, we’ve put together an Airbnb essentials list with over 80 things you should think about including to give your guests the best experience. 

Want to make managing your Airbnb much more streamlined? There are tools for that! Check out our review of the most popular Airbnb tools to manage your property like a pro. 

The Airbnb Host’s Essentials Checklist

Each room in your Airbnb has different essentials you need to include. We’ve provided a quick Airbnb shopping list for each below to help you get started. 

Bedroom

Bedroom Airbnb Essentials

The focus of the bedroom is on providing a great night’s sleep. This is its own category in the Airbnb review section, so you need to get it spot on:

  • Fresh, clean sheets
  • A mattress topper
  • At least two fluffy pillows per guest
  • A socket for chargers and appliances
  • A mirror
  • Hangers for clothes

Bathroom

Bathroom Airbnb Essentials

Your bathroom should be stocked with essentials that guests might forget to bring with them, including:

  • Shower gel, shampoo, and hand soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Hairdryer
  • Floor mat
  • Towels

Make sure to leave enough of these essentials for each guest and then do a restock after each stay. 

Kitchen

Kitchen Airbnb Essentials

A huge appeal of Airbnb’s is the ability to cook at home, so here are the Airbnb kitchen essentials:

  • Oil, salt and pepper, and long-life herbs and spices
  • Paper towels
  • Dishware and cutlery 
  • Microwave
  • Kettle
  • Coffee maker
  • Teas and coffee
  • Sugar/sweetener
  • Sponges, scourers, and dish soap
  • Garbage bags
  • Bleach and disinfectant
  • Ice cube tray

You might also decide to provide optional extras that act as a USP, such as a smoothie maker, ice machine, air fryer, etc. Having these can boost your nightly rate as they’re seen as luxury extras. 

Living Space

Living Space Airbnb Essentials

When it comes to living spaces, your essentials should make them cozy and comfortable, so make sure to include:

  • Chunky blankets and throws
  • Magazines or books
  • TV with decent channels or streaming services
  • Board games
  • Drinks coasters

Outdoor Space

Outdoor Space Airbnb Essentials

Outdoor spaces are extremely popular with potential guests, so if you can, make yours appealing with these outdoor essentials:

  • Comfortable outdoor furniture
  • BBQ or grill
  • Gas or coal and firelighters
  • Potted plants
  • Outdoor blankets
  • Outdoor lights
  • Sun loungers
  • Garden games

If you want to give a premium guest experience, you might decide to include:

  • Patio swing or hammock
  • Kids’ play area
  • Hot tub or Jacuzzi

These are all items that can boost your nightly rates since they’re seen as luxury extras. 

What to Bring to Your Airbnb Following COVID-19 Regulations

Even though most Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, guests are still going to be cautious when it comes to vacationing. You can make them feel safer when staying with you by providing the following:

  • Antibacterial hand soap
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • A box of disposable face masks
  • Additional cleaning supplies

Make a note in your welcome book about your cleaning routine, too. Guests will be happy knowing that you are deep cleaning and disinfecting the home between visits. 

Airbnb Must-Haves

Whether you rent out a single room in your home or a mansion in the hills, there are some basic Airbnb must-haves that are fundamental:

  • Fresh, clean bed linen on every bed (plain white is best)
  • At least two pillows for each guest
  • Clean, fluffy towels for each guest (plain white is best)
  • A fully furnished Airbnb kitchen (stove, refrigerator, microwave, etc.)
  • Hot water on demand
  • Air conditioning and/or heating
  • Plenty of clothes hangers 
  • Ultrafast WiFi
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Washer/dryer and detergent
  • Private entrance to the home
  • Extra pillows and blankets for each room

You should also have the basic emergency items in your home to give your guests peace of mind they are safe during their stay. This includes:

  • Fire extinguisher
  • Fire blanket
  • Carbon monoxide detector for your boiler and each fireplace
  • Smoke detectors in appropriate locations
  • First aid kit
  • Window safety locks

Essentials For Leisure Travelers

Essentials For Leisure Travelers

If you’re targeting leisure travelers, treat your Airbnb like a luxury hotel. Your listing should focus on providing home comforts and extras that help your guests relax and unwind. 

It’s the little touches that lead to great reviews, so think about the following when setting up your Airbnb:

  • A guidebook with all the local attractions and tourist sites
  • Toys for little ones
  • Mattress toppers and luxury bedding
  • A welcome hamper with snacks, tea, or other treats
  • Recommendations for local restaurants and bars
  • Beach accessories if you’re near the beach

Essentials For Business Travelers

If your Airbnb caters to business travelers, you’ll have a different set of priorities. Although business travelers will want to relax and unwind while staying with you, they’ll be happy to have a place set up for work. 

For business travelers, here are some essentials you should offer:

  • Fast WiFi that’s easy to connect to
  • Extra iPhone and Samsung chargers
  • Local transport information (trains, taxis, bus routes, etc.)
  • Free parking (this is a huge bonus if you can provide it)
  • Self-check-in (business travelers will want fast check-in)
  • Coat hangers
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Office supplies (pens, a notepad, sticky notes, etc.)

You can get your listing certified as “Business Travel Ready”, but there are some criteria you need to follow:

  • Provide an entire house or rental apartment
  • No pets
  • Non-smoking property
  • A laptop-friendly workspace
  • WiFi
  • Self-check-in (key box, smart lock, or doorman)
  • Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
  • Iron, coat hangers, and a hairdryer

You also must have at least three-star rating reviews to become eligible for certification. 

How to be the Best Airbnb Host

How to be the Best Airbnb Host

The best Airbnb hosts are the ones that go above and beyond for their guests. From luxury Airbnb toiletries and gift baskets to designer decor and free parking, it’s the extra touches that make for successful Airbnb hosts. 

Here are some top tips to help you become the best Airbnb host. 

Be honest

If your home is on a busy street or you’ve got issues with your WiFi, be upfront about it. If you hide the flaws of your rental, guests will feel misled when they book. 

Take extensive photos of your Airbnb property so guests know what to expect, and make a note of anything that could cause issues. 

Be flexible with check-in and check-out time

Self-check-in is a great option for guests to have a smooth experience. If you can be flexible about check-in and check-out times, guests won’t worry about canceled flights or delays as much. 

Give new users a chance

Airbnb is continually growing in popularity, which means there are a lot of newcomers who don’t have reviews yet. Hosts can be wary about allowing new users to stay because they worry about damage or negative interactions. 

But think about giving new users a chance. If you message the person and ask a few questions about why they’re planning a trip, you should be able to tell if they’re going to be a decent guest, and 99% of the time, you’ll have happy Airbnb users. 

Go above and beyond your Airbnb listing

Promising less and giving more is always the way to go. Whether this is leaving a bottle of bubbly on the kitchen counter for them or simply giving personal recommendations for local restaurants. 

Guests love these extra touches and if they’re not expecting them, they’ll feel like they’ve got real value out of your short-term rental

Leave explainer notes on electronics

Even if something is simple to use, leave a note with a walk-through on anything electric. You’ll save yourself time on people messaging you on how to turn on the coffee maker, and your guests will feel taken care of. 

Ask about food preferences when they book

If you leave food in your Airbnb rental for guests, make sure you ask about food preferences or intolerances as soon as they book. You don’t want to leave a fruit basket only to find out someone is allergic to apples. 

It also shows a level of consideration. If you have vegans staying with you, switch out the regular milk to a plant-based version. You’re almost guaranteed a good review. 

Leave your guests supplies

Think about what your guests will be doing when they stay with you and then leave any necessary Airbnb supplies that they might not think about. 

  • If you live in a rainy part of the country, leave umbrellas on the porch. 
  • Leave buckets and spades for little ones if you have a beachfront property. 
  • If you are near hiking trails, leave protein bars and a travel first aid kit. 

Always provide extras of things

One set of bedding and towels is never enough. Accidents happen, and guests will expect extras of the basics stored in the wardrobes. This is true for:

  • Bedding and pillows
  • Throw blankets
  • Toilet paper
  • Tissues
  • Cleaning products
  • Bin liners

Ever Thought About House Hacking?

It can seem overwhelming setting up your Airbnb with all the essentials, but once you stock up using our Airbnb amenities checklist, it becomes easy to replenish and restock. 

You’ll also get a sense of what guests want most the more guests you have. Make sure to ask for feedback from each Airbnb guest so you know what your house is missing and what your specific demographic is looking for. 

The more you can cater to the needs of your guests, the more successful your Airbnb will be. 

If you can rent out an entire property as an Airbnb, have you considered house hacking? This is a growing trend and a lucrative way to live for free and make some extra cash. Check out our house hacking guide to learn more

Recommended: 16 Best A-Frame Airbnb Cabins to Rent

Airbnb Essentials

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