Airbnb Essentials Hosts Shouldn't Forget to Include

As an Airbnb host, you probably wear many hats, doing everything from marketing and selling to communicating with guests, washing and cleaning. It is a lot to manage, but everything you do helps to give your guests a unique experience, including filling your property with everything they need and a few home comforts they want. If you’re just starting out and are wondering what you need to buy for your property, here are a few essentials to get you started in Airbnb management.

Stocking your Airbnb Property

Working your way around your property room by room assessing what you have and identifying what is missing is a great way to ensure your guests have everything they need. It can also be helpful to think about what you would want if you were staying somewhere or what you have found helpful when you have stayed places in the past. A few general items you need/may want to include are:

• WiFI,

• Instructions for household gadgets and appliances

• Local information – e.g. maps, guidebooks, places to eat and drink

• Iron and ironing board

• Washing machine and dryer

• Safe for valuables

• Extension cables for charging electronic devices if your property has limited plugs

• Phone chargers for the most common makes

• Extra light bulbs

Safety Essentials

• Fire alarms

• Carbon monoxide alarms

• Fire extinguishers and fire blankets

• Fully stocked and accessible first aid kit

• Childproofing if advertising your property to families with babies and young children

The Lounge

The lounge is the place where families or couples come together or where business people relax after a busy day at work. Therefore, making it as comfortable as possible should be a priority. Start by providing somewhere nice to sit, with enough seats for the number of guests you are accommodating. Additional items include:

• TV, potentially with TV package

• Games console or other entertainment such as board games, books and DVDs

• A sofa bed or futon that can also double as extra sleeping space

The Kitchen

Those that chose Airbnb often do so because they are looking for a more personal experience a than they would get in a hotel. A fully-stocked kitchen is a big part of this, enabling guests to have breakfast without getting out their pyjamas and to cook their dinner should they wish to stay in. Here’s a few items to think about:

• Fridge and freezer with space for your guests’ food

• Enough plates and cutlery for the number of guests you have

• Pots, pans and other cooking utensils

• Tea, coffee, fresh milk and sugar

• Dry goods that guests won’t want to buy when travelling, e.g. salt and pepper, some herbs and spices, sauces such as tomato ketchup, breakfast items (bread), pasta, rice and butter

• Bin bags

Bedrooms

A good night’s sleep is important, and a comfy bed with fresh sheets is essential for that. But also consider adding:

• Storage space for guests to put away/hang up their clothes

• Hair dryer and potentially straighteners if you want to add a little something extra

• Alarm clock

• Mirror

Bathroom

Toiletries are easy to forget and can, if your guests are flying hand luggage, be difficult to travel with. Therefore, the more extras you provide, the more likely you are to be able to meet your guest’s needs. A few ideas include:

• Plenty of toilet paper

• Towels and bath mats

• Toiletries, e.g. shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap

• Feminine products

• Disposable razors

• Mirror

• Non-slip mats if required

Plan For Problems

Something else to think about is a contingency plan for if something goes wrong. Ensuring you have spare keys and a list of trusted tradespeople you can call on if, for example, one of your pipes springs a leak and your guests need a plumber, will limit any potential issues that may arise. Your contact details should also be obvious in the property so guests can contact you if they need.