The Ultimate Airbnb Checklist: Where to Splurge and Save (2024)

Setting up an Airbnb for the first time is stressful.

Between finding the perfect property, writing the best listing description, and setting everything up…there are countless decisions to make.

One of the most important things you’ll do is make a plan for all of your furniture and supplies. As a new Airbnb host, you can’t risk forgetting a thing!

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out this complete room-by-room checklist (100+ essential items for your Airbnb!)

And, make setting up your Airbnb even easier by downloading the complete printable guide:

Once you know exactly what you need, you’ll want to decide which items will have the highest impact on your guests. Those are the items worth splurging on.

Don’t just guess what those items are. I’ve rounded up the furniture and supplies worth investing in as well as which items you can safely save on below.

Airbnb Checklist: High-Impact Items Worth the Splurge

1. 75″ Smart TV

Investing in a TV that fits your space is one important component in creating an overall feeling of relaxation for your guests.

These days, having a Smart TV that allows guests to easily watch Netflix and other streaming services is a must-do.

Go above and beyond by showcasing your large TV as the anchor to your cozy living room. Mount it on the wall and highlight it in photos on your listing. My guests have noted they enjoyed the “big” TV in my Airbnb.

2. High-quality Seating

To really double down on creating a cozy living room, it’s worth it to spend a little more on a high-quality, comfortable, and stylish sofa.

Along with your TV, these two items create an inviting and relaxing space for your guests.

When potential guests view your listing, it’s as if your living room is saying, ‘Welcome! You can kick your feet up and relax here.‘

This beautiful sectional checks alllll the boxes without breaking the bank.

And, make sure you have enough seating. I recommend having at least two more seats than your maximum occupancy.

3. Memory Foam Mattresses

Ensure your guests have a great night’s sleep by opting for memory foam mattresses (king size, when possible!)

Be sure to mention your memory foam mattresses in the description on your listing so guests know they’ll sleep well if they stay with you.

My Airbnb guests frequently comment on how comfortable the beds are in both reviews and private messages.

4. Household Supplies

Don’t skimp on the basic necessities and household supplies.

Every bathroom in my Airbnb is stocked with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, q-tips, and cotton balls.

The kitchen has tea (I love that these come in their own boxes/dispensers that I just put right into the cupboard), coffee, ziploc bags, food storage containers, spices, dish soap, oven mitts (these are the hands-down best oven mitts, they work perfectly and hold up really well), and cutting boards (these are FANTASTIC super high-quality at a great price.)

The laundry room has detergent, stain remover, bleach, and dryer sheets. It’s all in the details!

My guests certainly notice that I went all-out with these touches:

5. Porcelain Dishes (and plenty of ’em!)

Have you ever been to an Airbnb with so few dishes that you have to wash them after every meal? Don’t let your guests feel that same frustration.

Better yet, skip the plastic Ikea dishes altogether and head to Target where you’ll find this beautiful set of porcelain plates, bowls, and mugs.

Buy at least twice as many dishes as your maximum occupancy to ensure no one goes plate-less at dinner time.

My guests LOVE that I invested in plenty of high-quality dishes for them. One guest said:

“What an amazing place! My teens were impressed, and that’s hard to do. Very clean, kitchen had all you needed to cook as well as many plates, cups, etc. so you were not washing dishes after every meal to prepare for the next one.”

Airbnb Checklist: Items You Can Safely Save On

1. Dining Chairs

I don’t know about you, but the cost of most dining chairs absolutely blows my mind. With your Airbnb, these are sure to get scratched and chipped over time.

The key to finding good dining chairs for your Airbnb is to find chairs that are high-quality, durable, stylish, and inexpensive.

Sound hard to find? Don’t worry, I’ve rounded up three great options for you:

1. These faux leather mid-century modern dining chairs look great, hold up well over time, and are a GREAT price:

2. Another great option is this set of sleek, durable, and low-priced dining chairs (these chairs have quickly become some of the most popular dining chairs for Airbnbs – I see them everywhere!):

3. If you have an outdoor dining table (and you should!) or just love a beautiful farmhouse design, these are the dining chairs for you (again, they’re super durable, stylish, and you can get them on Amazon for a fantastic price):

2. Towels

You can count on your towels to get used and abused.

Your guests will grab them when the kids come inside covered in mud, when they’re wiping makeup off their faces, and so on.

Avoid the stress of throwing out costly towels by opting for the Grandeur Hospitality bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths from Amazon. I love that they’re just soft enough and not too expensive.

3. Grill

When it comes to buying a grill for your Airbnb, fancy just ain’t worth it. Traegers and Webbers can easily run you $1,000+.

Instead, consider this Dyna-Glo 4-burner propane grill. It’s not too expensive and if your guests are anything like mine, it’ll get used frequently! (Just make sure you keep the propane stocked.)

5. Nightstands

When it comes to Airbnbs, expensive nightstands just aren’t worth the investment. Think about it–your guests are guaranteed to put water glasses and other drinks down on their nightstand every night. What they’re guaranteed to not do? Go searching for a coaster before they put it down. On top of that, your nightstands don’t need to provide any storage; guests just aren’t there long enough to need it!

So, skip those expensive wooden nightstands with drawers and opt for these super inexpensive yet durable, stylish, and waterproof nightstands instead.

Recommended:

• The Best Room-By-Room Airbnb Checklist: 100+ Essential Items
• 10 Mistakes First-Time Hosts Need to Avoid When Listing With Airbnb
• How to Start an Airbnb: 7 Key Steps to Set Up Your Rental

Which items are essential for your Airbnb? Let’s chat in the comments!

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