My Airbnb Setup Checklist: What I Actually Use in My Top-Rated Rentals

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Setting up a new Airbnb rental property can feel overwhelming, especially for new Airbnb hosts trying to figure out what actually matters! After seven years of Airbnb hosting and self-managing our multiple top-rated rentals on 30A, I’ve learned that the goal isn’t to have everything—it’s to have the right things that are easy to maintain, easy to replace, and consistently lead to 5-star reviews. And, today, I am sharing my tried-and-true Airbnb setup checklist with you!

This itemized Airbnb checklist includes links to exactly what I use across my own rental properties. Every item has been tested with real guests, and this list is built around what holds up over time, what guests actually appreciate, and what makes turnovers easier for both Airbnb hosts and their cleaners.

I also have detailed Airbnb hosting posts for each space that break down the exact products I use (along with alternatives), how many to buy, and what to avoid. I’ll link to those Airbnb Buying Guides throughout this post!

This Airbnb setup checklist is perfect for new Airbnb hosts, initial Airbnb property setup, and anyone furnishing a short-term rental in 2026! This post includes clickable links to shop and a free printable version at the bottom.

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If you’re short on time and can’t read my entire Airbnb setup checklist, I’ve curated Amazon Lists with my recommended products and trusted alternatives for new Airbnb hosts.

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Ready to elevate your rental even more? Check out my detailed Airbnb Buying Guides, where I show you exactly what I use, how I stock it, and expert tips you shouldn’t miss. Learn from my first-hand Airbnb experiences, both as a host and a guest, what most new hosts overlook and avoid costly mistakes!

Airbnb Setup Checklist

Before I jump into my Airbnb setup checklist, which includes everything you should buy for your new Airbnb, I want to quickly share my strategy and some additional tips!

My Airbnb Hosting Setup Strategy & Why This Works

Before you start buying everything under the sun for your new Airbnb rental property, it’s important to think about how your property will actually function during real guest stays.

Before you become a host, it’s easy to think that you will do better and offer more, but in reality, the best intentions rarely go unpunished. Sometimes, offering the basics really well is better than offering a whole bunch of extras you can’t execute properly!

In my Airbnb hosting strategy, everything I use needs to be easy to replace, clean, and restock. If something doesn’t check all three boxes, it usually becomes a problem over time.

I standardize as much as possible across my Airbnb properties. This makes it easier for me and my cleaners to manage inventory, replace items, and maintain consistency. That’s why I recommend my favorite Target dishes. It’s because they are easy to restock, unlike harder-to-find options.

If you’re new to Airbnb hosting, read my posts on which Airbnb essentials to buy in multiples and what to avoid in your Airbnb. This will save you time and money as you go through my Airbnb setup checklist and purchase everything you need to get started as an Airbnb host!

How Much to Buy When You Setup Your Airbnb

One of the biggest mistakes new Airbnb hosts make when setting up is not buying enough of the most-used items. I recommend buying multiples of anything that gets used every stay, such as bedding, towels, and dishes.

For example, I always have at least three sets of bedding per bed (usually five), extra towels, and additional dishware, so I’m never scrambling to replace missing items between guests. Doing this will save you time, money, and stress.

Airbnb Setup Checklist: What I Use in My Rentals

In this Airbnb setup checklist, I will go through the rooms or areas one by one. I’ll link to the specific items I use and related blog posts that offer other options, too. This is helpful if you need different setups or want to explore alternatives, such as cotton vs. microfiber sheets.

Plus, I want to remind you what guests actually care about! And that is that your place is clean, fresh, uncluttered, and has what they need. Add-ons like fancy welcome baskets are worthless if the towels are stained!

Keep in mind that some hosts won’t need all the items on my Airbnb setup checklist, especially if you have a small condo or offer a glamping experience! But I want to list out everything just to ensure you don’t miss anything!

Long Term Rentals at and Airbnb Pros and Cons

Airbnb Bedroom Setup Checklist

Your Airbnb bedroom is one of the most important spaces in any Airbnb, and it’s where hosts should prioritize comfort and durability. These link to exactly what I use in all of my rentals.

However, in some cases, such as pillows, I use two different styles. And, my guests rave about the gel pillows! So, I will link to that post so that you can shop confidently!

Bedding and Protection

I always keep multiple sets of everything to ensure turnovers are fast and avoid last-minute issues with guests. In most Airbnb rentals these days, the cleaning companies take laundry off-site to be washed. So, we usually have three sets of bedding in rotation at all times. One on the bed, one being laundered, and one ready to go for the next turn.

Additionally, I keep two extra sets of sheets and duvet covers in the cleaner’s closet for quick replacement if stains occur. Linens should be treated as consumables in rentals!

On top of that, I have a 3-layer mattress protector and mattress pad system that keeps my Airbnb mattress 100% protected. And, for more info on choosing the best mattress for your Airbnb, read my in-depth Airbnb Mattress Guide.

One of my biggest (and most overlooked) Airbnb hosting tips is to talk to your cleaners! Ask them what type of system they prefer. My cleaners like duvets and duvet covers, while others may prefer quilts. I promise you that no one will want thick comforters, as they are bulky and very difficult to launder!

Shop My Airbnb Bedding List

Bedroom Furniture and Layout

I keep everything simple and functional so it looks clean, photographs well, and holds up over time. Keep surfaces clutter-free so guests have space. If possible, add a mirror above the dresser as an extra place to get ready.

If you have space, add a desk and office chair to create a workspace for guests. This is something many people look for, as more and more people work remotely. These are small things, like the extras below, but they consistently show up in 5-star reviews.

Bedroom Extras

Airbnb Bathroom Setup Checklist

Bathrooms are one of the fastest places to lose a 5-star review. So, I keep everything clean, consistent, and easy to maintain. So, you’ll essentially find very basic items here the bathroom section of my Airbnb setup checklist.

You want to avoid clutter in your Airbnb bathrooms and ensure you have a high-quality toilet. Keep things clean, bright, and fresh. I prefer using softer light bulbs rather than warmer ones above the mirrors when setting up Airbnb bathrooms. People appreciate this extra touch when getting ready!

Towels and Linens

I find that white towels are much easier for Airbnb hosts to clean, bleach, and replace. There is a reason why those are used in hotels. That said, if you have a cabin or different setting, it’s ok to go with another neutral, such as grey or beige.

If your dining area is larger, consider adding a hutch or storage cabinet. You can add small keyed cabinet locks to these and use them to store kitchen and dining extras for your cleaners to access as needed.

Guest Supplies

I keep this simple so guests always know what to expect and my cleaners can restock quickly. Our cleaners supply single-use toiletries, and in my Airbnb House Manual, I list exactly what we provide so there are no surprises at check-in.

I have a list of my recommended single-use toiletry sets and amenities to make it easy to find exactly what you want!

You can also opt for wall-mounted shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. If you do, I highly recommend going with tamper-proof dispensers. And, you MUST make sure that you can execute this properly. I can’t tell you how many hotels I have stayed in (even 5-star ones) where these dispensers were nearly empty. This is a major pain point, so it must be executed properly every turn. If you do go this route, I have some options for dispensers and products in the following list!

Shop My Airbnb Bathroom List

Airbnb Living Room Setup Checklist

In this section of my Airbnb setup checklist, we discuss the main living space and any other family-room-style areas, such as a loft or a bonus basement.

Your living room should feel comfortable while still being durable enough for frequent guest use! Again, you want to avoid clutter and keep things feeling fresh and simple. I have a post about buying Airbnb furniture that includes some of my favorite places to shop when setting up a new rental property!

Airbnb Seating & Living Area

I use sofa beds in my one-bedroom Airbnb properties to increase occupancy and flexibility for families with kids. That said, it’s not always about more heads in beds. If your rental already has multiple bedrooms and needs a living area for gathering, I would skip the sleeper sofa. Consider offering a roll-away bed instead!

If you do opt for a sofa bed in the living area, make sure you use blackout curtains in that room. You can see my recommendations for Airbnb hosts here: Airbnb Sofa Bed Guide.

I added blankets, but I am not a huge fan of having them in rentals unless they are washed between guests. It seems like it would be standard practice, but pretty much every time we rent an Airbnb, the living room blankets are covered in hair and clearly unwashed. I have also encountered issues with Airbnb guests using them as beach blankets, and they are often hard to clean again. For more of my overthinking on that topic, read my Airbnb blankets post!

I recently replaced the rugs in a couple of my rentals, and have been very happy with this jute area rug from Target!

Airbnb TV Setup

I always use Roku smart TVs in guest mode so Airbnb guests can log in to their own accounts, and everything resets automatically at checkout. Not only are they simple to use, but they are also very affordable. I like to mount these TVs flush on the wall above a console table or cabinet.

If I have a sofa bed, I use the cabinet for the sofa bed bedding. Otherwise, it’s a great place for games, books, and to store extras like sound machines, extension cords, backup controllers, etc.

We always have extra Roku remote controllers on hand. I have two out at all times for the TVs and extras in my cleaner’s closet just to be safe. Adding a small tray or bowl to the center of your coffee table can serve as a dedicated “home” for the controllers at check-in and checkout.

For more Airbnb furniture and design inspiration, checkout my big list of top-rated favorites!

Shop Airbnb Furniture

Airbnb Welcome Area Setup Checklist

If you have a large rental home, I like the idea of a small console table, a shoe rack, and a coat hook setup near the front door. This serves as a place for hosts and guests to store things like keys, garage door openers, welcome baskets, local information, and just a place to drop backpacks and take off shoes when you walk in!

Airbnb Dining Room Setup Checklist

The dining room in your Airbnb (including any bar or counter seating) should be able to accommodate the number of guests that you sleep. I have a full post on choosing the best dining room furniture for your Airbnb, including some of my personal favorites from Wayfair.

Dining Room Furniture

I highly recommend skipping the rug in your dining area. While I know they help tie a space together at home, guests are often much more careless in a rental, and a rug is likely to need constant deep cleaning. In fact, you’ll likely notice that in my Airbnb setup checklist, I prefer to have only one big rug in the main living areas.

Airbnb Kitchen Setup Checklist

For most Airbnb hosts, the goal is not to create a fully stocked chef’s kitchen. It’s to provide the essentials that guests actually use while keeping everything easy to maintain. Of course, there are some exceptions in luxury properties or rentals set up for events and entertaining.

Also, I have a great blog post on Airbnb kitchen essentials that goes into more detail on everything in this section of my Airbnb setup checklist!

Dishes & Silverware

I always buy extras of these Airbnb kitchen items so I can quickly replace missing or broken ones, which happen more often than most Airbnb hosts expect. You can see my exact dishes and silverware sets, how many I buy, and what I avoid here: My Favorite Airbnb Dishes & Silverware.

In that post, I mentioned that I like to provide an extra set of cups and diningware for kids. Parents really appreciate that extra touch!

Cookware and Tools

Consider what guests will be cooking in your place. If you offer grills at your Airbnb, then make sure to have grilling tools available as well. It’s best to stay in your rental and cook a meal before hosting your first guest. That makes it easy to figure out what is missing in your Airbnb’s kitchen!

After reading through my Airbnb setup checklist, you may enjoy reading my entire list of Things to Do Before Launching Your Airbnb!

Cooking Supplies

These are the basics that most Airbnb kitchens should have, which is why they are included in my Airbnb setup checklist. That said, I always like to leave some extra items, such as tin foil, plastic wrap, and plastic bags. These can go missing or get consumed quickly. So, either have plenty of extras on hand for your cleaners to replace them.

Or, what I do instead is simply not advertise them. That way, they are a nice surprise, but help me avoid the pain point of a guest expecting something and it not being there.

Coffee and Appliances

You don’t need all the extra small appliances on this Airbnb setup checklist beyond the microwave, but if you have the storage space and a full kitchen, they are nice extras.

If you have read my separate Airbnb Coffee Setup post, you’ll know that I like to provide a Keurig on the counter and a full-size coffee maker in the cabinet of our small rentals. Unless you are in a rural area with limited access to coffee shops or a grocery store, I am not a fan of coffee stations in Airbnbs. Rarely are they executed well, and often things are sticky and half-filled. Again, keeping things simple helps minimize pain points!

I also recommend purchasing a label maker and labeling where the small appliances and cookware belong in your cabinets. Guests actually appreciate knowing where things go!

Towels & Supplies

The cleaning supplies listed here are kept under the sink for guests to use, not for your cleaning company. I find that most guests do a great job cleaning up after themselves when given the opportunity! The Folex is key, enabling them to clean up upholstery spills quickly. And, while you don’t ever want guests to need to use pest control. Having spray on hand is great for those one-off times when ants sneak in or similar!

I always leave a roll of trash bags in the kitchen because, honestly, I want my guests to clean up after themselves! On the other hand, we only provide one starter roll of paper towels (provided by our cleaners). While I would love to have an endless supply, we simply don’t have anywhere to store extras in our small studio condos!

The kitchen is one of the most-used areas in any Airbnb, so reliability matters more than anything. It’s better to have duplicates of important items, such as tongs, wine keys, and scissors, than to have them missing when your guests arrive.

For consumables, get with your cleaners and make sure you have a plan for what is left at each turn. My cleaners leave a small container of dish soap, a fresh sponge wrapped in a dish towel, and a roll of paper towels. Again, in your Airbnb House Manual, communicate what you supply so your guests know what to bring.

Kitchen Extras

The above are extras in this Airbnb setup checklist that you may want to include depending on where your new Airbnb rental is located.

For example, our top-rated 30A condos are at the beach. We provide a soft backpack cooler and have several ice packs in the freezer for guests to use. If your rental is in the mountains with a fire pit, a s’mores kit may be a great idea!

And buy a lot of clip clips, because guests really appreciate them and often take them home. But they are inexpensive enough to keep plenty on hand.

Shop My Airbnb Kitchen List

Airbnb Tech Setup Checklist

These days, you can make your Airbnb rental as smart as you’d like! It’s standard to have smart locks at your Airbnb, but many hosts have smart thermostats, dehumidifiers, outdoor security cameras, and much more.

In addition to your Airbnb smart locks, I always recommend having an extra lockbox, either mounted on a door frame or nearby, to store actual keys in case of an emergency. If your lock stops working, you can give your guests the code for this box so they can still easily enter and exit your Airbnb rental.

The smart dehumidifier is optional based on your location. We are in a warm, tropical climate, so I have a Midea Cube Dehumidifier in a locked closet with my water heater, which drains into that drain pan. I can monitor it remotely, set it to a desired level, and let it run as needed. You probably don’t want something that guests have to worry about emptying.

It’s up to you to decide if you want a Ring Doorbell or an outdoor security system. Many hosts do, and of course, you will need to make sure that is disclosed when you set up your new Airbnb listing!

And, do not forget those surge protectors! I had to emergency replace a router in one of my rentals twice this past year after power outages. Then, we realized that my surge protector must have gone bad. So, we replaced it with a much higher quality version!

Shop My Airbnb Tech List

A peak into the living room and bedroom of a condo on 30A.

Airbnb Safety & Emergency Setup Checklist

This is one of the most important parts of Airbnb hosting and something I never skip. Some of these I hit on in earlier sections, but you always want to have the necessary safety items in your short-term rental property!

If you are looking for some additional tips for staying ahead of safety and weather emergencies at your Airbnb, read my post about Airbnb Emergency Prep. These include other items, such as snow shovels for hosts in cooler climates!

Shop My Safety List

Laundry/Cleaning Airbnb Setup Essentials

Having the right Airbnb supplies speeds up turnovers and helps Airbnb hosts maintain consistency across stays. You will need to talk to your cleaning company to determine what they bring versus what you need to provide. Most professional Airbnb cleaning teams arrive with their own supplies.

I did include some basic cleaning supplies in the kitchen section above, but you will also want to provide a vacuum and, if desired, laundry machines and supplies.

I prefer unscented or lightly scented products since many guests are sensitive to strong smells. It’s up to you how much you want to provide of the consumables. Some hosts put a small glass jar with 5 or so laundry pods, while others leave a whole container.

Shop My Laundry List

Baby-Friendly Airbnb Setup Checklist

If you want to attract families with young children, adding a few baby-friendly items can make a big difference for Airbnb guests. We provide these baby items in our one-bedroom rentals, and about half of our guests use them and likely booked with us because we offer these extra Airbnb amenities.

This is great because these young families often travel during the shoulder seasons, helping you stay occupied year-round! Read my post called How to Create a Baby-Friendly Airbnb for more on this topic!

I keep this simple, but it helps my listings stand out for families traveling with young kids. And, you likely don’t need a mini crib and a pack and play. I personally prefer the mini crib as it’s much easier to clean. We also offer waterproof, soft bed liners for parents of children prone to accidents. I get quite a few compliments on these!

Also, if the crib may be set up in an area without blackout curtains, I recommend buying these portable blackout curtains to help with naptime!

Shop My Baby List

Games & Entertainment Checklist

I don’t recommend putting too many extras into a short-term rental property, but it’s nice to offer some puzzles and games for rainy days. In my Airbnb Games blog post, I offer additional tips, including buying games that can be played even if pieces go missing. Games like Monopoly seem fun until several cards go missing, making it hard to play!

Look for items that are easy to add and don’t require much maintenance. Some of my favorites games and entertainment items include:

Airbnb Extras Setup Checklist

These Airbnb extras aren’t required, but they consistently improve guest experience. Some are location-based, while others, like the hooks I put all over my Airbnbs, can easily be added to any rental! Also, I highly recommend setting up a desk or workspace if you have room, possibly in a living area or a bedroom.

A handful of these items at the end of this list are for your own use (not the guests). And, you may be wondering why I don’t list things like lighters or candles, but there is a reason! I actually have a list about Things NOT to Include in Your Airbnb Rental!

If your Airbnb has outdoor space, read my Airbnb Outside Furniture Guide for outdoor furniture, decor, game and other ideas for your outdoor space!

Shop All Airbnb Extras

Print This Airbnb Setup Checklist

Setting up a new Airbnb rental is my favorite part of the process! It’s so fun to put together strategically, and you can use this Airbnb setup checklist to make sure you didn’t forget anything!

If you want me to email you a printable checklist, just click here!

More Airbnb Hosting Resources

Whether you’re using my Airbnb setup checklist to get started or working on improving your Airbnb, I have dozens of Airbnb hosting blog posts full of valuable, first-hand experience that will help you work smarter, not harder, to earn those 5-star reviews, increase occupancy, and generate real profits!

Shop My Amazon Airbnb Lists

Not only am I an Airbnb host, but I am also an award-winning travel writer and photographer on the go. I streamline my Airbnb hosting workflow and proactively communicate with my guests so I can actually live my own life, too!

It’s the small things, such as requiring guests to communicate with me via the Airbnb app and utilizing an Apple Watch to help me never miss a notification while keeping my phone out of my hands, that really make a difference in my quality of life as an Airbnb host!

Click here to browse all of my Airbnb hosting blog posts, or you can visit my 5-Star Airbnb Hosting landing page and browse topics by category!

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Pin My Airbnb Setup Checklist for Later

Save this Airbnb checklist so you don’t forget anything. That way, you can come back to it later! And, I know it can feel overwhelming as you set up your new Airbnb. But, just take this Airbnb setup checklist room by room and make sure to have fun!