Like every business venture, there’s planning, preparation, and good old-fashioned hard work that goes into every vacation home rental. As a property manager, you’re not just ‘handing over the keys to a roof over your guests’ heads; you’re responsible for shaping their experiences. Chances are, you’d like to shape an enjoyable one at that.
Yes, there are many great approaches to providing the best stay for your guests, and buying certain household items marks one instance where the road less traveled is not necessarily the best one to choose. Make sure your Airbnb is stacked with the essentials – travelers like to know they can expect the expected when it comes to having a well-prepared trip and being taken care of.
When considering what items are essential for you to supply for your guests, think of your Airbnb as a professional accommodation and mirror the maids’ carts and linen closets you tend to see in hotels. Of course, unlike a hotel, there’s always room for you to create a 5-star Airbnb experience, but that power lies beyond mini-shampoos.
In this post, we’re giving you a standard checklist that you can rely on to be an outstanding host; we’ll keep it limited to the basic tools for your hosting arsenal:
The Loo
Bath Towels (2 per guest) Beach Towels (if relevant) Towel Hooks Toilet Paper Feminine Products Hair Dryer Magnified Makeup Mirror Shower Hanger (for toiletries) Toiletries (buy in bulk) Hand Soap Shampoo Conditioner Body Wash Combs Toothpaste Disposable Toothbrush Disposable Razors Body Lotion
The Sleeping Quarters
Bed Linens and Pillows (for laundering & restocking linen services, click here) Extra Linens, Blankets, and Pillows Air Con, Heater, and/or Fan Garbage Bin A Box of Tissues Pen & Note Pad Bedside Table Bedside Lamp Foot Rug Alarm Clock Dresser and/or Shelves (at least one unit) Safe for Passports and Valuables
The Grub Hub
Teas & Instant Coffee Tea Kettle / Water Heater Milk Salt & Pepper Sugar & Sweetener Butter Dishes, Cups, and Silverware (at least one set for every 2 guests) Pots and Pans Extra Lightbulbs Tupperware Cleaning Supplies (buy in bulk) Hand Soap Dishwashing Liquid Carpet Cleaner All-Purpose Cleaner Bleach Disinfectant Trash Bags Broom Dustpan
The Lounge
Books and Magazines Full-Length Mirror Desk or Workspace Coloring Books and Crayons Pens and Pencils Playing Cards
A Little Something Extra
Washing Machine Dryer or Clothing Rack Television Cable VHS/DVD/Blu-Ray Assortment Clothing Iron Adaptors WiFi
Hopefully, this resource has covered all the details that are easy to forget, as well as provided some new ideas of what to add to your Airbnb for an improved experience. When it comes to host preparedness and making sure to meet guests’ expectations, the general rule of thumb is: simply imagine yourself in your guests’ shoes, and then remember to provide a shoe rack!
If you’re interested in learning more about property management and discovering the many ways Guesty's platform can help your business, we invite you to a free one-on-one session with one of our experts.
