Managing a short-term rental comes with its challenges, but a well-stocked property can elevate your guest experience and secure those glowing reviews. Guests notice the effort you put into maintaining your rental and providing thoughtful touches can make all the difference. Whether you’re new to hosting or looking to optimize your current process, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about restocking supplies for your short-term rental.

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Why a Restocked Rental Matters

Before we get into the how-to, let’s talk about the why. A fully stocked rental:

• Improves the guest experience by ensuring visitors have everything they need.
• Saves you time by reducing last-minute trips for missing items.
• Boosts your ratings as thoughtful touches frequently translate to positive reviews.

By keeping your rental well-stocked, you set yourself up for higher guest satisfaction and repeat bookings.

Essentials You Need to Restock

Here are some of the must-have items to keep your rental well-prepared:

1. Bed and bath essentials

Guests expect clean, high-quality linens, towels, and toiletries. Regularly check these items for wear and tear, replacing anything past its prime.

• Sheets and Blankets: Aim for soft, durable materials like 100% cotton or linen with a thread count of 300–800. Neutral colors work best as they feel universally inviting.
• Towels: Offer bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths. Plush options made from Turkish or Egyptian cotton add a luxurious touch.
• Toiletries:
  • Refillable bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
  • Disposable dental kits or razors for emergencies.
  • Makeup remover wipes to avoid stains on your white towels.
  • Extra, extra toilet paper!

Pro Tip: Use eco-friendly products to appeal to sustainability-conscious travelers. Bulk-purchasing refills can save you money.

2. Kitchen Supplies

A well-stocked kitchen is a major draw for Airbnb and vacation rental guests. It helps them feel at home and encourages longer stays.

• Appliances and Tools:
  • Provide basic cooking appliances like a coffee maker, toaster, and microwave.
  • Include utensils, cookware, and a cutting board. Guests who cook will appreciate these small additions. Don’t forget trash bags!
• Pantry Staples:
  • Coffee and tea (offer a mix of regular and decaf options).
  • Cooking oil, salt, pepper, and basic spices.
  • Snacks like granola bars or crackers as a welcoming gesture.

Bonus Tip: Add a reusable shopping bag for your guests to use during grocery runs.

3. Cleaning Supplies

Cleanliness is non-negotiable. Set your rental up with supplies that help maintain cleanliness during a guest’s stay.

• Cleaning Products:
  • Basic items like all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, and dish soap.
  • Biodegradable, non-toxic options are a hit with eco-friendly travelers.
• Tools:
  • A broom, mop, vacuum cleaner, and sponges.
  • Add a small handheld vacuum for quick clean-ups.

Consider leaving clear instructions for emergency cleaning (e.g., how to tackle wine spills).

4. Living Room Comforts

The living room is where guests relax, so it should be cozy and accommodating.

• Entertainment:
  • Offer an assortment of board games or books.
  • A streaming service subscription is often appreciated.
• Seating:
  • Comfortable seating with throw pillows and blankets.
  • Keep decorative items minimal but welcoming, like vases or small plants.

5. Airbnb Supplies for Outdoor Spaces

If your rental has an outdoor space, ensure it’s guest-ready.

• Outdoor Essentials:
  • Lawn chairs or patio furniture.
  • A grill with propane or charcoal (and cleaning tools).
• Seasonal Extras:
  • During colder months, consider offering firewood or blankets for outdoor use.

How to Restock Without Breaking the Bank

Quality restocking doesn’t have to mean overspending. Here’s how to manage your budget effectively:

• Buy in Bulk: Purchase Airbnb toiletries, kitchen staples, and linens in bulk to save costs.
• Use Local Options: Supporting local businesses for some essentials, such as fresh snacks or decorative items, can be cheaper and add unique character to your rental.
• Negotiate Deals: Don’t be afraid to negotiate deals with suppliers or vendors. You never know if they may be willing to offer discounts for bulk purchases or long-term contracts.

Streamlining the Restocking Process

Scheduling restock checks

• After Each Stay: Review the usage of consumables like coffee, toiletries, and Airbnb cleaning supplies.
• Seasonal Deep Restocks: Schedule a comprehensive inventory review every few months to identify items showing wear.

Automate where possible

Tools like Host Tools can help streamline your hosting operations by automating cleaning schedules.

Communication with guests

Provide your guests with a welcome letter upon their arrival to showcase what’s included. This makes guests feel more at home, knowing that everything they need has been intentionally provided.

Bonus Upgrades That Guests Will Love

Want to go the extra mile? Consider these small but impactful upgrades:

• Plush Robes and Slippers: Offering these will make your rental feel more like a 5-star hotel.
• Guide to Local Favorites: Include a booklet showcasing nearby restaurants, attractions, and grocery stores.
• Smart Home Features: Install automated lights, locks, or smart speakers to provide a modern touch.

Final Thoughts on Restockig Supplies

Keeping your short-term rental well-stocked isn’t just about meeting basic requirements; it’s about exceeding expectations. By investing in quality essentials, regularly checking inventory, and automating your hosting tasks, you’re setting your Airbnb listing apart from the competition.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!