Airbnb Supplies: Essentials List for Every Airbnb Host

Providing a stellar Airbnb guest experience requires a lot of dedication, and one of the key components is offering top-notch Airbnb supplies. From the moment guests step into your rental, they assess their experience based on the overall environment, amenities, and supplies. A well-curated Airbnb supplies list can not only boost your positive review rate on Airbnb but also lead to repeat bookings and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

As a result, when crafting your Airbnb essentials list, it’s crucial to consider all aspects meticulously. Ensure you have all the essentials guests require, but also think about the type of guests your property attracts and tailor your supplies accordingly. Adding some special items can make guests feel truly at home and elevate their overall experience.

This comprehensive Airbnb supplies list covers everything you need to provide a five-star experience for your guests. It will help you transform your property from a personal living space into a guest-friendly haven, making your Airbnb stand out from the crowd.

Airbnb Supplies: Essential Items for Every Room

Providing basic amenities in your Airbnb is highly recommended, as these are essential for travelers and crucial for a pleasant stay. Whether you’re renting out a private room, a secluded off-grid cabin, a family home, or offering a glamping experience, you should provide the following necessities:

1. Bedroom

Essentials:

• Bed linens: High thread count, pure cotton material, light-colored stain-resistant style, prepare at least 2-3 sets for rotation.
• Pillows and blankets: Provide two different heights of pillows (medium-low firmness + high-elasticity type), paired with a four-season universal quilt (e.g., silk or down filling).
• Storage and convenience: Non-marking anti-slip hangers (5-10), bedside table with drawers, silent universal wheel trash can, adjustable brightness table lamp.

Extra touches (enhancing experience and premium potential):

• Sleep optimization package: Blackout curtains, aroma diffuser, bedside rug (short-pile easy-to-clean style).
• Tech-savvy features: Bedside socket with USB/Type-C ports, smart speaker (supports voice control of lights/music).
• Safety and privacy: Small safe (can store passports and other valuables), door and window sensor alarm (low cost, high security feeling).

2. Bathroom

Essentials:

• Hygiene supplies: Pure cotton bath towels/face towels/floor towels (1.5 times per person/day), toilet paper (at least 6 rolls per room in stock), hand soap.
• Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap.
• Cleaning tools: Mildew-proof shower curtain, covered trash can, silicone floor drain filter.

Extra touches:

• Disposables: Individually packaged dental kits, compressed towels.
• Convenience upgrade: Wall-mounted hairdryer, non-slip floor mats (double coverage for bathroom entrance and shower area).
• Thoughtful care: Small bottle of body lotion, disposable razors/cotton pads.

3. Living Room

Essentials:

• Entertainment equipment: Smart TV with mainstream streaming platforms (e.g., Netflix/Disney+).
• Convenience facilities: Tissue box (1 each in the living room/dining room), basic stationery (sticky notes + pen).
• Basic furniture: Sofa that can accommodate at least 4 people, coffee table (rounded edges for safety).

Extra touches:

• Localized experience: Books and magazines, hand-drawn local map (marking cafes/supermarkets/bus stops).
• Social icebreakers: Card games or board games, multi-port charging cable (Type-C/Apple/Android three-in-one).
• Atmosphere creation: Decorative greenery (real or easy-care varieties), Bluetooth speaker.

4. Kitchen

Essentials:

• Cooking tools: Cookware (soup pot/frying pan, etc.), kitchen utensils (spatula/soup spoon, etc.), kitchen knife, and cutting board.
• Tableware: Bowls, plates, knives, forks, spoons, teacups, wine glasses.
• Cleaning supplies: Dishwashing sponge, neutral detergent.
• Basic seasonings: Oil, salt, black pepper, sugar (recommended to use small sealed jars for portioning).

Extra touches:

• Coffee and tea corner: Coffee machine, tea bags/instant coffee.
• Emergency food pack: Bottled drinking water (2 bottles per person), instant noodles/oatmeal (individual small packages).
• Consumable convenience: Cling wrap, aluminum foil, disposable gloves.

Airbnb Supplies: Essential Items for Different Guest Types

Every Airbnb caters to a specific audience, each with unique travel goals. Beyond the essential amenities for each room, consider tailoring your Airbnb supplies to meet the specific needs and desires of your target guests.

1. Business Travelers

Business travelers often have a greater need for convenience and efficiency. Therefore, you can improve their satisfaction by providing amenities that facilitate their work.

Essentials:

• Folding table or desk, chair
• Multi-port power strip, international adapter
• Desk lamp
• High-speed Wi-Fi
• Self-check-in instructions
• Coffee machine, instant coffee/tea bags

Extra touches:

• A4 paper + neutral pen (printed with your property logo)
• Phone stand
• Noise-canceling earplugs (individually packaged)

2. Couples

Couples and honeymooners prioritize ambiance and privacy during their travels. As they’re more likely to share photos on social media, the amenities you provide can become a powerful tool for attracting more guests and increasing your visibility.

Essentials:

• High-quality bedding (consider a silk-like texture)
• Aroma diffuser (hypoallergenic, flameless type)
• Condoms/sanitary napkins (discreetly placed)
• Blackout curtains (95% or higher blackout rate)
• Bathtub

Extra touches:

• Welcome wine (with handwritten card)
• Petal bubble bath set (essential for bathtub rooms)
• Two-person breakfast tray
• String lights with remote dimming

3. Families with Children

Families with children are typically highly loyal and have very low tolerance for errors. Child safety is their top priority, while anything that frees up parents’ time is a major bonus. By providing targeted amenities that address these needs, you can build strong relationships with families and earn high repeat purchase rates.

Essentials:

• Outlet covers
• Corner protectors (covering table corners/cabinets)
• Safety door stops (to prevent pinching)
• Highchair, silicone tableware
• Washable floor mats
• Nightlight

Extra touches:

• Children’s play area, educational toys
• Cartoon picture books (prioritize wordless picture books)
• Play tent
• Baby cot (need to confirm in advance)

4. Leisure Travelers

Many people travel to get away from their monotonous lives, and they stay in Airbnb to seek relaxation and local experiences.

Essentials:

• Comfortable bedding
• TV with streaming subscriptions
• Large sofa/hammock
• Basic kitchen supplies

Extra touches:

• Local sightseeing guide, travel guide
• BBQ area
• Premium brand shampoo and shower gel

5. Guests with Pets

Pets are important family members, and serving them well means serving their owners well.

Essentials:

• Waterproof pet mat
• Stainless steel food bowl/water bowl
• Poop bags (hang on doorknob, 10 or more)
• Lint roller

Extra touches:

• Toy ball
• Pet wipes
• Spare leash

Important note: Please be sure to post a “Pet Policy” in your listing (e.g., “No pets on beds/sofas”) to avoid unnecessary disputes.

Airbnb Supplies: Safety Equipment

Safety equipment is invisible insurance for Airbnb hosts. It not only helps avoid legal disputes but also conveys a sense of responsibility through details, enhancing guest trust.

1. Fire Safety

• Smoke detectors: Recommended 1 per room (mandatory in bedrooms and kitchens), prioritize interconnected models (can send alerts to your phone).
• Fire extinguishers: Place 1 extinguisher per 50 square meters (with an additional one in the kitchen), hang in a visible location, and attach an operating instruction diagram.
• Carbon monoxide detectors: Mandatory for gas-powered properties (1.5m above ground), recommended for bedrooms in other properties.
• Thermostat: Remotely monitor indoor temperature, preset high temperature to turn off heating (fire prevention) automatically.
• Water leak sensor: Install under the washing machine/sink, send alerts to the host’s phone in case of leaks.

2. Emergency Response

• First-aid kit: Should include sterile gauze, bandages, disinfectant pads, tourniquet, ice pack, tweezers, etc.
• Emergency contact list: Include fire/ambulance/police phone numbers, nearest hospital address, host contact information, etc.
• Emergency kit: Flashlight, emergency whistle, bottled water, compressed biscuits, emergency blanket, store at the top of the entrance cabinet.

3. Passive Protection

• Anti-slip mats: Use 3D anti-slip stickers at bathroom entrances and shower areas.
• Child safety kit: Outlet covers, corner protectors, safety door stops.

4. Privacy and Anti-theft

• Door and window alarms: Adhesive sensors emit a 120-decibel alarm when opened/closed (cost $5/each, strong deterrent).
• Smart safe: Wall-mounted small safe (supports password + fingerprint), for guests to store passports and other valuables.

Airbnb Supplies: Home Appliances

Home appliances act as experience amplifiers in Airbnb properties, significantly impacting guest satisfaction and loyalty.

The STR industry report reveals that high-end appliances can fetch a premium of up to 20%, while appliance malfunctions contribute to a staggering 37% of negative reviews related to facilities.

1. Essential Appliances

• Refrigerator: Capacity of 50L per guest (e.g., 200L+ for 4 guests)
• Washing Machine: Choose a capacity of 7kg or more, with a “quick wash” mode (essential for business travelers)
• Wi-Fi: Ensure full coverage throughout the property
• Television: Pre-install popular streaming platforms like Netflix/Disney+
• Iron: Opt for a safer handheld steam iron, paired with a foldable ironing board

2. Upgraded Appliances

• Smart Thermostat: Remotely adjust air conditioning/heating temperature, preset “away energy-saving mode”
• Smart Home Hub: Preset localized commands, link lights/curtains to enhance the tech experience
• Robot Vacuum Cleaner: Automatically clean floors daily, reduce manual cleaning costs, and provide convenience for guests
• Dryer: Choose a heat pump model (50% more energy-efficient than condensation models), with a “fast drying” mode

Airbnb Supplies: Cleaning Supplies

Cleanliness is the cornerstone of a successful Airbnb listing, directly impacting guests’ overall experience.

1. Basic Cleaning Tools

• Floor cleaning: Flat mop + broom and dustpan set + vacuum cleaner
• Detailing tools: Dusting brush, cleaning cloths (different colors for different purposes), toilet brush, lint roller
• Disinfectants: Chlorine-based disinfectant (for bathrooms), 75% alcohol spray (doorknobs/switches), disinfectant wipes (tabletops/remote controls)
• Cleaning agents: Laundry detergent, glass cleaner, stainless steel cleaner, oxygen-based cleaning powder (to eliminate fabric odors)
• Deep cleaning: UV lamp; high-pressure steam cleaner (for cleaning tile grout)

2. Automation Tools

• Automated cleaning tasks: Use PMS systems like Hostex, which integrates with your calendar to automatically schedule cleaning tasks based on guest checkout times and sends automated reminders to cleaning staff.
• Set inspection rules: Require cleaning staff to upload photos of the toilet, refrigerator, and under the bed upon completing a task, ensuring thorough cleaning and preventing shortcuts.
• Automatic fee calculation: Calculate cleaning fees automatically based on completed tasks. This simplifies billing and streamlines payroll management.

How to Source Airbnb Supplies

According to the Hosting Operations Report, optimizing procurement strategies can lead to significant cost savings and improved operational efficiency. Hosts who implement these strategies can expect to see an average of 23% reduction in operating costs and a decrease in supply shortages from 37% to 6%.

1. Procurement Channels

When purchasing supplies for your Airbnb property, it’s generally recommended to buy in bulk. This allows you to take advantage of wholesale pricing and reduces the frequency of restocking.

Offline Channels:

• Costco: Offers bulk discounts on a wide variety of household items.
• IKEA: Provides affordable furniture and homeware solutions.
• Local supermarkets and wholesale markets: Often offer competitive prices and a diverse selection of products.

Online Channels:

• Amazon.com: Vast selection of products with convenient delivery options.
• Target.com: Offers a wide range of household essentials and home decor items.
• Walmart.com: Provides everyday essentials at competitive prices.
• Vertical purchasing platforms: Specialize in hospitality supplies and offer bulk discounts.

2. Inventory Management

Effective inventory management is crucial for ensuring you have the necessary supplies on hand without overstocking.

Essential Supplies:

• Daily consumables: Toilet paper, trash bags, towels, and bottled water. Maintain a minimum inventory of at least 7 days’ worth of these items.
• High-frequency consumables: Bed linens, shampoo, shower gel, tea bags: Maintain a minimum inventory of at least 3 days’ worth of these items.
• Low-frequency consumables: Batteries, pet waste bags: Maintain a minimum inventory of at least 1 day’s worth of these items.

Additional Tips:

• Track inventory levels regularly: Use a spreadsheet or inventory management software to keep track of your stock levels.
• Set reorder points: Determine the minimum inventory level at which you need to reorder an item to avoid stockouts.
• Consider seasonal variations: Adjust your inventory levels based on expected guest occupancy and seasonal demands.
• Implement a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system: Use older inventory first to avoid spoilage or expiration.
• Partner with local suppliers: This can be a convenient option for perishable items or frequently used supplies.

Final Thoughts

Equipping your short-term rental with a comprehensive selection of amenities is a crucial step in creating a memorable guest experience. Every positive review is a testament to the impact of thoughtful touches. While basic supplies fulfill functional needs, personalized items create lasting impressions, and safety features build trust. This trifecta transforms a simple “stay” into a “share-worthy experience.”

As a dedicated Airbnb host, your efforts to elevate the guest experience are well worth the investment. This is the essence of providing competitive hospitality. Repetitive tasks like managing multiple calendars, communicating with guests, and assigning cleaning duties should not consume your valuable time.

Consider leveraging vacation rental software like Hostex to automate these mundane tasks, freeing you to focus on what truly matters.