Commonly forgotten things to keep in your Airbnb for those forgetful guests

TL;DR: Stock your rental with phone chargers, toiletries, first aid supplies, and seasonal gear. These small additions prevent guest frustration, drive 5-star reviews, and turn one-time guests into repeat bookers.
Your guest walks in. Fresh linens, spotless surfaces, perfect view. Then their phone dies. No charger. That first moment of vacation bliss crashes into frustration — and you’re the one who’ll hear about it in the review.

A forgotten phone charger won’t tank your rating on its own. But stack enough small disappointments, and your 5-star average starts slipping. The gap between “good enough” and “they thought of everything” is often just a $10 toiletry kit and a backup charger.

Why stocking forgotten essentials drives revenue

Guest satisfaction isn’t abstract — it’s measurable. According to Airbnb data, properties with ratings above 4.8 stars receive 26% more bookings than those below that threshold. One negative review mentioning missing basics can drop your score and cost you weeks of occupancy.

The return on investment is immediate:

• Higher review scores translate to better search placement on OTAs
• Repeat bookings from guests who remember the small touches
• Premium pricing justified by a reputation for being fully equipped

You’re not running a charity. You’re protecting margin by eliminating the friction that turns satisfied guests into disappointed reviewers.

The essential amenity checklist

Electronics that save the day

Item	Why it matters	Pro move
Phone chargers (iPhone & Android)	Dead phone = panicked guest	Mount one by the bed, one in the living area
Universal travel adapters	International guests can’t use your outlets	Stock 2-3 per property
Hair dryer	Hotel standard, vacation rental expectation	Wall-mounted in bathroom prevents loss

Nothing screams “amateur operation” like a guest scrambling to find an open store at 9pm for a phone charger. Keep multiple charging cables on hand — they disappear, and replacements cost less than the review damage.

Toiletries: the bathroom basics guests always forget

Build a simple welcome kit with these items:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
• Razors and shaving cream
• Cotton swabs and cotton rounds
• Makeup remover wipes
• Moisturizer and face wash
• Hair ties, bobby pins, and a comb
• Contact lens solution and case
• Nail clippers and tweezers

Buy travel-size versions in bulk. A toiletry kit costs you $8 per guest and prevents the 3-star review that mentions “not even basic soap.” One bad review costs you more in lost bookings than a year’s worth of sample-size supplies.

Seasonal gear: protect your reviews from weather surprises

For rainy climates:

• Umbrellas (at least two)
• Ponchos
• Boot tray by the door

For warm or pool properties:

• SPF 30+ sunscreen (replace every season)
• Aloe vera gel for sunburn relief
• Flip-flops (one pair per guest capacity)
• Beach towels separate from bath towels

For cold climates:

• Ice scrapers in winter
• Extra blankets clearly marked in closets
• Hand warmers for ski country

Weather doesn’t pause for forgotten items. Your guests will either thank you for thinking ahead or ding you for making them hunt down a drugstore.

First aid and health essentials

Assemble a clearly labeled first aid kit:

• Adhesive bandages (multiple sizes)
• Antibiotic ointment
• Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
• Allergy medicine
• Antacids
• Motion sickness medication
• Thermometer
• Tweezers for splinters

Nobody plans to need first aid on vacation. When they do, having it stocked builds trust. Missing it creates panic and negative sentiment that bleeds into your review.

The small things that amplify convenience

Kitchen supplements:

• Corkscrew (wine won’t open itself)
• Coffee filters and basics
• Cooking oil, salt, pepper, basic spices
• Ziplock bags for leftovers
• Dish soap and sponges

Living area additions:

• Laundry detergent (charge for use or include)
• Stain remover pen
• Sewing kit for wardrobe emergencies
• Iron and ironing board
• Extra hangers (20% more than closet capacity)

Reading and entertainment:

• Books (rotate titles every quarter)
• Local maps and attraction guides
• Board games for families
• Notepad and pens

Guests remember properties that anticipated their needs. These additions cost minimal upfront investment but compound in review quality over time.

How to organize and maintain your amenity inventory

Create a checklist for your cleaning team. After every checkout, verify:

1. All chargers present and functional
2. Toiletry kit fully stocked
3. First aid supplies checked and expiration dates current
4. Seasonal gear available and in working condition

Automate your restocking process. Set calendar reminders quarterly to:

• Replace expired medications and sunscreen
• Replenish toiletries in bulk
• Check electronics for damage
• Rotate books and entertainment options

Track which items disappear most frequently. If you’re replacing phone chargers monthly but flip-flops never go missing, adjust your restocking budget accordingly.

The Guesty Lite advantage for amenity management

Communicate your amenity offerings before guests arrive. Use automated messaging to tell guests what’s stocked:

“We’ve included phone chargers, toiletries, first aid supplies, and beach gear. Let us know if you need anything else before check-in.”

Set reminders for your team to verify amenity inventory between bookings. Build amenity restocking into your turnover task lists so nothing gets overlooked during high-volume seasons.

Track which properties get the highest marks for amenities in reviews, then replicate that inventory across your portfolio.

Frequently asked questions