Set up the kitchen and bathroom like someone who'll actually use them
Guests decide whether a stay feels like a vacation or a chore in the first few minutes, and the kitchen and bathroom do most of that work. Stock and set them up the way a guest will actually use them, and you get better reviews, fewer “where’s the…” messages, and photos that sell the place before anyone books.
See it as your guests see it
Set up the kitchen like you're about to cook dinner in it. Set up the bathroom like you're about to take a shower after 10 hours of travel. That one habit catches most of what a stock list misses: the spatula buried behind the baking sheets, the toilet paper three cabinets away from the toilet. Towels that are out of reach, amenities that aren't clearly labeled, a shower system that takes an MIT degree to figure out what makes hot water, and what shoots out a glacial river.
The lists below are what a professional install crew stocks, plus where everything goes. And remember, where it goes matters as much as what it is.
What should an Airbnb kitchen have?
Put like with like
Guests open a cabinet expecting a system. Give them one:
- Serving dishes together
- Flatware in an organizer, never loose in a drawer
- Glasses near the coffee mugs
- Pots and pans together
Check out our Host Recommended Cookware options or our favorites for all of this.
Match the appliances
Same color toaster and coffee maker, in every property. A mismatched pair is instantly noticed. It shows up in a guest's mind when they get there, but also in all of the photos that help guests choose where to stay in the first place.
After you've done that, be sure to hide the cords, space the appliances apart, and wipe down the counters and stainless steel until there's no streak or residue left.
What goes in a rental laundry area?
Keep the iron, ironing board and detergent in the same closet as the washer and dryer when you can. Wrap the iron's cord neatly, and put the ironing board somewhere a guest would look for it. Simple and neat wins here.
What should an Airbnb bathroom have?
How should you hang towels in a rental bathroom?
Big racks get bath towels. Small racks and hooks get hand towels. Short on towels? Fill the racks that show up in your photos first:
- Behind the toilet
- Next to the sink
- The opposite wall
Fold bath towels in thirds lengthwise, then in half, and hang them over the rack. Fold hand towels in half, then in half again. Use towels with matching stripes in the same bathroom.
You can get all of the towels you need, hassle free, in one of our HostGPO BathBOX sets.
The details guests notice
- Hang the shower curtain on the toilet side of the tub, outside the tub. This is a small detail, but a pro move. If the shower spout is unsightly, let the curtain cover it.
- Lay the bath mat inside the tub for photos.
- Line up the bottles on the edge of the tub, labels facing out, nozzles pointing the same way.
- Close the toilet lid.
- Wipe every mirror, counter and fixture until there are no water spots.
What to stop stocking
Skip toothbrush holders, unbranded soap dispensers and decorative tissue box covers. They add clutter to the counter, and guests tend to wonder who used them last.
FAQ
What kitchen items does an Airbnb need?
A coffee maker, toaster, dishware, flatware, pots and pans, utensils and bowls, plus dish soap, dishwasher detergent, a sponge and paper towels. Add a microwave if your layout calls for one.
What toiletries should an Airbnb provide?
Shampoo, conditioner and body soap in the shower, hand soap and lotion at the sink, and toilet paper, tissues and earplugs in the cabinet.
How do you fold towels for an Airbnb?
Fold bath towels in thirds lengthwise, then in half, and hang them over the rack. Fold hand towels in half, then in half again.
Which towel racks should you fill first?
Every rack gets a towel. If you're short, fill the racks in your photos first: behind the toilet, then next to the sink, then the opposite wall.
Should an Airbnb have an iron?
Yes. Keep an iron, ironing board and detergent in the laundry closet when you can.
