Checklist: Furnish Your Home to Rent on AirBnB
Airbnb is a popular online platform that connects travelers with hosts who offer short-term rentals. It has become a popular choice for both travelers and hosts for a variety of reasons. As a family that travels 3-4 months of the year with young kids, renting out our home on AirBnB has provided us with the perfect way to fund our adventures! I figured I should share what I’ve learned!
If you want to skip ahead to the checklist I created to help you furnish your home as an AirBnB, you can jump straight there: How to Furnish an AirBnB Checklist
Earn Extra Income
One of the most significant benefits of hosting on Airbnb is the ability to earn extra income. Hosts can earn money by renting out their extra space, whether it be a spare room, a guesthouse, or an entire home. This extra income can be used to pay off debts, save for a vacation, or supplement your regular income.
2. Flexibility
Hosting on Airbnb also offers a great deal of flexibility. Hosts can choose when to rent out their space and for how long. This means that hosts can decide to rent out their space on a part-time or full-time basis, depending on their schedule and preferences.
3. Meeting New People
Hosting on Airbnb is also a great way to meet new people from all over the world. As a host, you will have the opportunity to interact with guests and learn about their cultures and backgrounds. This can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both hosts and guests.
4. Control Over Your Listing
Another benefit of hosting on Airbnb is the control that hosts have over their listings. Hosts can set their own prices, choose their own rules and regulations, and decide when and how often to rent out their space. This level of control allows hosts to create a listing that is tailored to their preferences and needs.
5. Promote Local Tourism
Hosting on Airbnb also helps promote local tourism. By offering travelers a unique and authentic experience, hosts can help promote the local economy and culture. This can be especially beneficial for hosts who live in areas that are not typically frequented by tourists.
6. Safe and Secure
Airbnb takes safety and security seriously, and hosts can rest assured that their guests are screened and verified before they arrive. Airbnb also offers a host guarantee program that provides protection for hosts in case of damages caused by guests.
7. Access to Airbnb Support
Airbnb offers hosts access to a support team that is available 24/7 to answer questions and offer assistance. This can be especially helpful for hosts who are new to the platform or who may have questions or concerns about their listing.
How to Furnish an AirBnB
How to Furnish an Airbnb
Hosting on Airbnb offers a variety of benefits, including extra income, flexibility, the opportunity to meet new people, control over your listing, promotion of local tourism, safety and security, and access to Airbnb support. With these benefits, it's no wonder that more and more people are turning to Airbnb as a way to supplement their income and connect with travelers from all over the world.
If you're a short-term rental host looking to furnish your Airbnb property, or just add a few items to your family home to make it AirBnB ready, there are many things to consider. You want to create a space that potential guests will love, while also staying within a tight budget. Here are some tips and tricks for furnishing your Airbnb space.
First, the Basics…
Get your home photo ready. What you are selling on AirBnB is great pictures!! You obviously need to be able to follow through and provide your guests with the experience that they expect, but the pictures are what sells the property and makes your guests want to book, so make sure you get high quality photos that really highlight your space!
If you are renting your own home, all personal effects must be put away. Guests want empty closets, a clean fridge, and uncluttered space.
I know this seems daunting, but you can buy some bins to put your personal effects in and lock them away in a closet. If you have multiple bedrooms, consider listing your home with one less bedroom and using one bedroom as a storage room (that’s what we do!). You can also use a basement room, garage, shed, or designate a closet for owner storage.
It’s ok to leave out items guests might enjoy like children’s toys, games, puzzles, books, etc.
The quick and dirty furnishing list:
Bedrooms: Each room needs clean white sheet set and blanket, a night stand and a bedside lamp.
Living room: needs comfortable seating and a Smart TV
Outdoor space: needs comfortable seating
Office/Work Space: needs a desk & chair, and reliable wifi
Kitchen: needs a coffee maker, dishes, utensils, pots/pans
Bathroom: Needs handsoap, bathtowels, handtowels, non-slip bathmat
Consider Your Floor Plan
Before you start buying furniture pieces, take some time to consider the layout of your Airbnb space. This will help you determine what type of furniture you need and where to place it. For example, if you have a small living area, consider a sofa bed or accent chairs that can be easily moved around to create extra space. If you have a large open space, consider creating separate seating areas for guests to relax and socialize.
2. Start with Basic Amenities
When furnishing your Airbnb property, start with the essentials. This includes basic amenities like toilet paper, hand towels, and kitchen supplies. These items are easy to find and will make your guests feel at home from the moment they arrive.
3. Shop on a Tight Budget
If you're working with a tight budget, there are many ways to furnish your Airbnb space without breaking the bank. Look for great deals on online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, or check out thrift stores and garage sales for gently used furniture pieces. You can also save money by buying furniture sets and shopping at local markets for decor items. Contact local real estate agents because they often have staging furniture that gets sold frequently!
4. Invest in High-Quality Furniture
While it's important to shop on a budget, it's also worth investing in high-quality furniture pieces that will last. Consider purchasing a smart TV, a coffee maker, and comfortable seating options like a sleeper sofa or accent chairs. These items will make your Airbnb property stand out and provide your guests with a good night's sleep.
5. Consider Your Color Scheme
When decorating your Airbnb space, consider your color palette. Neutral colors are a great choice for rental properties, as they are versatile and can match any decor. Consider adding pops of color with area rugs, wall art, and accent pillows to create a warm and inviting space. I think of keeping it neutral as keeping it simple.
6. Don't Forget the Outdoor Space
If your Airbnb property has outdoor space, don't forget to furnish it as well. Consider adding outdoor web cams to provide your guests with an added layer of security. You can also invest in seating and lighting options that will make your outdoor space a great place to relax and socialize.
7. Name Your Airbnb Listing Appropriately
When naming your Airbnb listing, use the name of your city to attract potential guests who are searching for short-term rentals in your area. This will help your listing show up in search results and attract more rental guests. I also like to include any stand out features like a pool or hot tub in the listing title. I just did a search in a lake county near me and came across some good titles that give me a good idea of what I would find in the listing:
Treehouse on private isolated forest
Spacious Family Cottage
Rustic Lodge: 3BR, 2BA with hot tub
Cottage with private beach and boats to cruise in (who wouldn’t click on this one!!)
Then I saw a few listings that weren’t so helpful in their title:
Sunny side up
The View
8. Include Essential Items
When preparing your Airbnb property for rental guests, include essential items like sets of sheets, extra blankets, and hand towels. This will help your guests feel comfortable and welcome during their stay.
9. Create an AirBnB Host Checklist
Creating an Airbnb host checklist can help you stay organized and ensure that you have everything you need before your guests arrive. This checklist should include things like cleaning supplies, toiletries, and kitchen supplies.
10. Consider Hiring a Professional Interior Designer
If you're not confident in your decorating skills, consider hiring a professional interior designer to help you create a stunning Airbnb space. They can help you choose the right furniture pieces and decor items to create an amazing room design that will attract rental guests.
In conclusion, furnishing an Airbnb property can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With a little planning and some creative thinking, you can create a beautiful and welcoming space for your rental guests. Remember to start with the essentials, consider your floor plan and colour scheme, and invest in high-quality furniture pieces. With these tips and tricks, you can create an Airbnb space that will receive great reviews and attract rental
If you want to save sometime, use my checklist below!
AirBnB Host Checklist:
Cleaning supplies
· All-purpose cleaner
· Glass cleaner
· Scrub brushes
· Sponges
· Paper towels
· Trash bags
2. Toiletries
· Toilet paper
· Hand soap
· Shampoo
· Conditioner
· Body wash
3. Kitchen supplies
· Plates
· Bowls
· Glasses
· Silverware
· Pots and pans
· Cooking utensils
· Coffee maker
· Coffee filters
· Dish soap
· Dish towels
4. Basic amenities
· Extra blankets
· Sets of sheets
· Pillows
· Hand towels
· Bath towels
· Hangers
· Iron and ironing board
5. Outdoor supplies
· Seating options
· Lighting
· Outdoor web cams
6. Decor items
· Wall art
· Area rugs
· Accent pillows
· Throws
7. Essential items
· Extra keys
· WiFi password
· Emergency contacts
· Fire extinguisher
· Smoke detectors
· Carbon monoxide detectors
8. Maintenance supplies
· Light bulbs
· Batteries
· Extension cords
· First aid kit
· Plunger
9. Check-in information
· House rules
· Check-in and check-out times
· Contact information for the host
· Local area information
It might seem like a lot, but once you set it up the first time, you just lather, rinse, and repeat! If you are furnishing your own home, like I did, you already have most of the items anyway. It’s just a matter of deciding what you leave for your guests and what you store away. Remember to tailor your checklist to the specific needs of your Airbnb property, and update it as necessary. The other really important thing to note, is that your guests are happy if you are available to them to help if needed. If you will be travelling or not local and able to assist, make sure you have a property manager or trusted co-host who can ensure that your guests have a 5 Start experience at your home.
I hope this is helpful to you, and happy hosting!
