Airbnb Checklist for Organization, Efficiency, and Comfort
Having thousands of 5-star reviews and maximizing profit is the dream of every Airbnb host and manager. But how do you get there? How do you stand out from the competition, get more bookings, and earn more revenue? It’s easy - By building and following an impeccable Airbnb checklist that covers not only the essentials but all the nice little extras you should supply to guests to distinguish yourself and your property and outperform the competition!
After consulting with experienced hosts and building on our own expertise in the short-term rental industry, we’ve put together the ultimate checklist for Airbnb investors and managers to wow your guests each and every time. For each essential room in a vacation rental home, we’ve included all the must-have furniture and decor items, the crucial guest supplies and disposables, and the nice-to-have extras that make the difference between a good Airbnb property and an outstanding one. If you check against this Airbnb list every time you are about to have new guests, you are guaranteed to succeed and excel in the STR market.
Starting your own Airbnb business or thinking of upgrading your property to attract more guests and generate more revenue? Showplace design and furnishing services can help you check all the boxes on your Airbnb checklist for furniture and essentials. Our hosts see an average boost in rental income of 22% after saving up to 75 hours and $10,000 in getting their property guest-ready.
Who Uses an Airbnb Checklist
An Airbnb checklist refers to an extensive list of everything that you need to provide to your guests in order to ensure a pleasant, comfortable, and safe stay for them at your vacation rental. As such, this checklist can prove of indispensable value to a few different people who work in the short-term rental management business.
A checklist for an Airbnb property is most frequently used by:
Airbnb hosts: Investors and owners who list and manage their own property require a comprehensive list that they can refer to when getting their rental ready for guests. This is particularly important for beginner hosts who don’t have previous experience in hospitality and who are not familiar with the requirements of the industry.
Airbnb co-hosts: People who help hosts manage their short-term rental business also need guidance when launching the property and getting it guest-ready between stays. The checklist needs to be prepared in cooperation with the host and approved by them.
Airbnb managers: Professional Airbnb property managers use checklists to make sure that the properties they work with offer everything that guests need during their stay and that they provide more than others in the local market.
Housekeeping staff: Airbnb cleaners and housekeeping teams follow checklists provided by the host or the property manager to ensure that the home is cleaned and set up according to the owner’s or manager’s expectations and in line with industry standards.
In other words, having a unified, all-inclusive Airbnb hosting checklist helps coordinate the work of your team, avoid any mishaps, and offer guests the 5-star experience they are looking for.
Airbnb Checklist for Bedrooms
The bedroom is easily the most important room in a short-term rental property. After a day full of exciting activities, guests are looking forward to a well-deserved rest and comfortable sleep to recharge for the following day of fun and joy. That’s why the Airbnb bedroom design, furnishing, and supplies should take center stage in a well-thought-out checklist.
Let’s take a look at what goes into this:
Essential Airbnb Bedroom Furniture Checklist
A cozy bedroom in a short-term rental property requires the following furniture items:
Queen/king size bed frame
Mattress
2 nightstands
Wardrobe or closet
Dresser or chest
Vanity with mirror
Ottoman or bench
Ceiling light fixture
2 bedside table lamps
Blinds, shades, shutters, or curtains
Rugs or runners
Some decorations for a cozy feeling
You need to provide these items regardless of the type of guests that you are planning to welcome and the kind of Airbnb experience you are aiming to offer. You have to make sure that your guests have all they need for a good night sleep at your property to avoid negative reviews that can mess up your listing and your reputation as a host.
Must-Have Airbnb Bedroom Supplies Checklist
In addition to ticking off all the boxes when furnishing the bedroom(s) of your Airbnb property, there are certain things that you need to provide every time you host guests. Here are the main guest supplies that go into an Airbnb bedroom checklist:
Mattress protector
At least 2 pillows per person, of various sizes
Blankets, duvets, and comforters
High-quality linen meeting the needs of various sleepers
Hangers
Tissues
It’s an absolute must to ensure that all linen is perfectly cleaned and ironed between guests. Use detergents that don’t cause allergies and leave a pleasant scent without being too intrusive on your guests.
Ideas for Airbnb Bedroom Extras
Depending on the type of guests you want to attract to your vacation rental, the available space, and your budget, following are some ideas that you can implement to take your bedroom to the next level:
Baby crib (if you’re catering to families with small children)
Baby toys (if targeting families with children)
Bookshelves
Books
Desk (if the space allows it)
Chair(s)
Bean bag chairs
TV
Phone charging station
Air conditioner, fan, or heater
Air purifier
Full-length mirror
Throw blankets and pillows
Waste basket
Alarm clock
Candles
We cannot stress enough the importance of preparing your Airbnb bedroom(s) diligently before listing your property for rent as well as before each stay. That’s one of the rooms that gets the most complaints in guest feedback, so make sure to use this checklist to avoid unnecessary 1-star reviews.
Airbnb Checklist for Living and Dining Areas
The living room is another crucially important space in a vacation rental property. This is where guests will spend most of the time when they are awake and not exploring the local nature or other tourist attractions. That’s why it’s key to prepare and follow a strict Airbnb host checklist when it comes to the living and dining areas.
Essential Airbnb Living and Dining Room Furniture Checklist
Following are the items that every short-term rental living room and dining room need to be furnished with:
Couches or sofas
Armchairs or wing chairs
Coffee table
Dining table with chairs
Buffet or china cabinet
TV
TV stand
Ceiling light fixture
Blinds, shades, shutters, or curtains
Rugs or runners
Decor items highlighting the local culture and the theme of your Airbnb
Make sure that sitting furniture is extremely comfortable and that all furniture and decor items go perfectly together, creating a welcoming and cozy space for your guests’ relaxation.
Must-Have Airbnb Living and Dining Room Supplies Checklist
Here are the additional supplies Airbnb hosts need to offer in the living room and dining room of their vacation rental property:
Set of dishes
Serving bowls and plates
Cutlery
Glasses
Cups
Table cloths
Tissues
Ideas for Airbnb Living and Dining Room Extras
When it comes to the extras you can furnish your living and dining space with, the sky's the limit. There are dozens of smaller and bigger items that can go into your Airbnb checklist based on the experience that you want to offer and the space that you have.
Here are some ideas how to make sure that your STR stands out from the competition around you:
Ottomans or poufs
Side tables
Console table
Bar cart
Desk with office chair (if you’re providing a home office)
Filing cabinet
Power strips and extension cords
Wood or electric fireplace
Streaming device(s)
Streaming services
Sound system
Home theater
Arcade games (if you’re offering a gaming Airbnb experience)
Phone charging station
Air conditioner, fan, or heater
Floor lamps
Table lamps
Board games
Deck of cards
Bookshelves
Books and magazines
Throw blankets and throw pillows
Wine glasses
Live plants
While you can go creative when getting the living room and dining room ready, your checklist must include everything necessary for your guests’ comfort.
Airbnb Checklist for an Entryway
The entryway is the first thing that new guests see when they open the door of your short-term rental. So, that’s your chance to make them fall in love with the space, the vibe, and the atmosphere from the get-go. Your checklist should reflect this goal.
Essential Airbnb Entryway Furniture Checklist
A vacation rental entryway or foyer should have:
Door mat
Coat rack or hooks
Shoe storage or shoe rack
Mirror
Ceiling light fixture
Rugs or runners
Decorative items
Since this is usually the tightest place in an Airbnb property, don’t go overboard and create an overwhelming experience for guests as soon as they enter. For your checklist, choose items that take the space into consideration and help deliver a welcoming message.
Must-Have Airbnb Entryway Supplies Checklist
While there aren’t many guest supplies that belong to the entryway, you can offer a couple of things such as:
Hand sanitizer
Disinfecting wipes
Sunscreen
Umbrella
Disposable slippers
Ideas for Airbnb Entryway Extras
Even with little space and a modest budget, you can do miracles to welcome your guests as soon as they step into your property. Here are a few items to go onto your checklist for getting guest stays’ started on the right footing:
Hallway bench
Console table
Welcome sign (make your guests feel welcome right away)
Welcome package (providing a simple fruit basket or a small local souvenir can make all the difference between an OK stay and a 5-star experience)
Guestbooks (so your guests find them immediately)
Umbrella stand
Key holder
Floor lamp
The entryway is one of the spaces that suffers from the most dirt in a home, especially if your property is located in a dusty or muddy area. Thoroughly cleaning the foyer and corridors before each guest should be on your checklist for a superior guest experience.
Airbnb Checklist for Kitchen
Having access to a fully furnished and supplied kitchen is one of the main reasons why travelers choose Airbnbs over hotels. Thus, you have to ensure that your kitchen has everything that guests need for cooking a home-made meal and enjoying it in case your property doesn’t have a separate dining room.
Essential Airbnb Kitchen Furniture Checklist
A kitchen checklist is rather long, but you have to provide as many of these items as your space and budget allow when furnishing your Airbnb. Here are the most important things:
Kitchen cabinets or shelves
Pantry
Sink
Faucet
Dining table with chairs (if your Airbnb doesn’t have a dining room)
Fridge with freezer
Stove or oven
Hot plates
Hood
Microwave
Coffee machine
Big garbage bin
Small waste basket
Ceiling light fixture
Blinds, shades, shutters, and/or curtains
Food-inspired decorative items
Must-Have Airbnb Kitchen Supplies Checklist
The list of guest supplies that go into the kitchen is equally long including:
Cooking pots
Frying pans
Baking trays or sheets
Cooking utensils
Knives
Cutting boards
Colander
Can opener
Bottle opener
Wine opener
Vegetable scraper
Grinder
Plates, dishes, and bowls
Cutlery
Glasses
Cups and mugs
Kitchen towels
Sponges
Garbage bags
Hand soap
Dish soap
Dishwasher detergent
Cleaning supplies
First aid kit
Ideas for Airbnb Kitchen Extras
There are plenty of things that you can add to your kitchen checklist for the ultimate guest experience. Following are some top ideas recommended by experienced hosts and property managers:
Dishwasher
Laundry machine (if there is no separate laundry room)
Air fryer
Water kettle
Water cooler (especially if tap water is not safe to drink)
Toaster
Mixer
Blender
Kitchen scales
Wine glasses
Coffee
Tea
Sugar and sweeteners
Oil and vinegar
Local spices
Condiments
Home-cooked dish (as a welcome gift)
Another must-have item on your Airbnb host checklist for the kitchen or kitchenette is meticulously cleaning the space, removing any leftovers from the previous guest from the fridge, and throwing away the garbage.
Airbnb Checklist for Bathrooms and Laundry
Speaking of rooms that require extensive checklists, the bathroom is another example of this. An Airbnb property might have or not have a separate living room and a full kitchen, but having at least one full bathroom is a must.
Essential Airbnb Bathroom and Laundry Room Furniture Checklist
When furnishing the bathroom of your vacation rental property, here are the things that need to go on your list:
Bathtub or shower
Toilet
Toilet seat
Sink
Bathroom vanity
Faucet
Shower head
Bathroom mirror
Shower curtain or glass door
Shower liner
Shower caddy
Towel bars or rings
Shampoo and soap dispensers
Toothbrush holder
Waste basket
Toilet brush
Plunger
Bath mat
Grab bars
Exhaust fan
Ceiling light fixture
Meanwhile, your laundry room checklist needs to contain:
Laundry machine
Dryer
Drying rack
Iron
Ironing board
Vacuum cleaner
Broom and dustpan
Floor cleaning mop and bucket
Dusting mops
Hangers
Hooks
Must-Have Airbnb Bathroom and Laundry Room Supplies Checklist
There are a number of things you need to clean, replace, and restock in the bathroom and the laundry room every time you prepare your property for new guests. That’s why it’s of crucial importance to have a detailed checklist so that you don’t miss anything. These items include:
Bath sheets
Hand towels
Washcloths
Hypoallergenic shampoo
Hypoallergenic conditioner
Hypoallergenic body wash
Hypoallergenic hand soap
First aid kit
Thermometer
Laundry detergent
Softener
Stain remover
Universal cleaning detergent
When it comes to towels, choose durable materials of high quality. For cosmetic products, go for hypoallergenic brands that will not cause reactions even to guests with sensitive skin types. In terms of bathroom and laundry room supplies, it makes sense to buy them in bulk to save money without compromising quality.
Ideas for Airbnb Bathroom and Laundry Extras
There are a few extra things you can add to your Airbnb bathroom(s) that don’t cost much and don’t require excessive space, but that can really make your property stand out from comps in the area, namely:
Bidet
Magnifying makeup mirror
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Disposable slippers
Local artisanal soaps and other toiletries
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Cotton swabs
Floss
Body lotion
Feminine products
Disposable razors
Bathroom air freshener
Providing your Airbnb bathroom(s) with all essentials and a couple of extras is your chance to create a uniquely welcoming and comfortable stay for your guests, so make sure to take advantage of them.
Airbnb Checklist for Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor spaces are as diverse as it gets. Still, there are some things that every host or property manager needs to provide to impress guests and get these coveted 5-star reviews.
Essential Airbnb Outdoor Spaces Furniture Checklist
The most important outdoor furniture that goes into a well-planned Airbnb checklist includes:
Dining table and chairs or bistro set
Lounger chairs
Grill or barbeque
Storage space
Outdoor lighting
Garbage bin
Plants and decorations
Must-Have Airbnb Outdoor Spaces Supplies Checklist
The guest supplies for outdoor spaces that you need to provide each and every time include:
Grilling and barbeque utensils
Charcoal
Disposable plates
Disposable cups
Disposable utensils
Garbage bags
Towels (if you have a pool or a hot tub)
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Ideas for Airbnb Outdoor Spaces Extras
If the space allows and you have the money for it, you can make the backyard, deck, porch, or patio of your Airbnb property its unique selling point. You can go for an elaborate children play area, a sports-themed outdoor space, or an outdoor kitchen to attract more bookings.
Following are the most popular outdoor space checklist items to create a 5-star experience for your guests:
Swimming pool (pools and hot tubs are the most desired Airbnb amenities)
Hot tub
Pool cover and signs (if relevant)
Pool maintenance kit (if relevant)
Pool towel rack or basket (if relevant)
Pool floats and noodles (if relevant)
Sports equipment
Children’s play area with swings and slides
Inflatable pool
Swing
Hammock
Bench
Umbrella
Pizza oven
Smoker
Fire pit
Outdoor sound system
Outdoor heater
Mini fridge
Wine cooler
Ice maker
Fence
Dog house
Trees, bushes, and flowers
When furnishing and maintaining the outdoor spaces of your short-term rental, make sure to put guest safety first. Items such as pools, sports equipment, and grills need to be properly marked and maintained to avoid guest injuries and legal cases. Safety should always be the first item on your Airbnb host checklist.
Airbnb Checklist for Going Live for Guests
When getting your property ready for being listed on Airbnb and welcoming your first guests, you need to take care of the following:
Furnishing your property based on a comprehensive Airbnb interior design concept
Adding unique amenities to make your Airbnb listing more desirable than comps in the local market
Making your home smart for easy and efficient management, including Airbnb smart locks for keyless entry and smooth check-ins and check-outs, smart thermostats, and smart lighting
Installing necessary safety devices including smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers
Making sure that all legally required signs are posted and displayed accordingly, including the owner or property manager information and emergency contact numbers
Disclosing all cameras to guests
Deep cleaning the home
Taking professional photos of all rooms and outdoor spaces that highlight the strengths of your property
Setting up clear house rules, including them in the online listing, and leaving a guidebook in the property
Stocking all guest supplies in the relevant rooms
Preparing the beds with fresh linen
Checking that all appliances and electronics work well
Choosing a property management style: Being a DIY Airbnb host or hiring a professional Airbnb manager
Building the necessary team of carefully vetted local professionals for housekeeping and maintenance tasks
Getting necessary Airbnb management software apps to automate tasks and streamline processes, especially if you plan to manage your property yourself
Getting subscriptions to the must-have guest supplies so you never run out of the basics
Obtaining an Airbnb insurance with property damage and general liability coverage
As soon as you go through the items on this checklist, you should be ready to list your property on Airbnb and start taking your first reservations.
16 Secrets for Hosting a Successful Airbnb
In addition to having a comprehensive, clearly organized and itemized checklist, there are a number of other things that you can do in order to guarantee the success of your short-term rental business.
Following are the top 16 tips and tricks experienced hosts and property managers swear by when it comes to succeeding in the vacation rental industry:
Treat your Airbnb property as a business and not as your own home
Choose your target guests and let them guide all your business decisions
Build the design and furnishing concept based on your target guests, the local market, and the unique experience that you plan to offer
Consider professional vacation rental design and furnishing services for setting up your property for success. With Showplace, you can choose between customizable pre-made designs and personalized designs for end-to-end furnishing that helps you increase revenue with an average of 22%.
Offer amenities that are demanded in your area and that competitors do not have
Put special efforts into making the entryway particularly welcoming and cozy as that’s the first part of your Airbnb that guests get to see
Provide comfortable sleeping options for both hot and cold sleepers
Prioritize the safety of your property and your guests
Adapt your Airbnb checklist to the specific needs and requirements of your target guests
Optimize your listing for the Airbnb SEO algorithm including writing a catchy title and a detailed description and uploading a few high-definition photos
Work on getting guest reviews by offering an excellent experience and following up with guests after check-out to boost the ranking of your listing
Set up a dynamic Airbnb pricing strategy that takes into account market demand and supply, seasonality, holidays, weekdays vs weekends, and comp performance
Create a detailed Airbnb checklist for guest turnover and follow it diligently each and every time
Clean your property impeccably between stays
Maintain furniture and appliances regularly and change them when needed
Leave a small welcoming gift that will impress your guests and put them in the right mood from the get-go
With these 16 secrets to successful Airbnb hosting, you will be a few steps ahead of the competition, seeing more bookings, charging higher daily rates, and generating more revenue than ever before.
Conclusion
This Airbnb checklist organized by room and space aims to help you provide the comfort and convenience that your guests hope to find in your short-term rental, from check-in to check-out. Depending on your specific property, market demands, and target guests, you might need to slightly adjust your host list to make sure that it fits your particular vacation rental business. Don’t forget to add some extras that will get your guests super excited and happy and encourage them to give you the 5-star review that you deserve. And once you’ve finalized your own Airbnb host checklist, all that’s left is to follow it carefully and diligently.
Looking for professional help in crossing off the checklist for getting your property guest-ready and going live? Check out Showplace interior design and furnishing services that help you save time and money, boost ratings, and increase revenue by 22%, on average. Our work is customized to your property’s specifications, target guest persona, and personal preferences as a host.