Shop My Airbnb Hosting Essentials: Everything I Use & Love, Broken Down by Room

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When I first started hosting at The Mountain View Cottage, I had a shell of a house — three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and I had nothing in them but the windows and the doors. I stood in the middle of it and started dreaming: fancy down pillows, plush comforters, cozy throws, everything ironed and perfectly placed. I even wanted to do the Beddys beds for the bedroom with the twin beds. I wanted it to feel like a boutique hotel. I needed to fill the space and that I did. Over time I created an Airbnb Hosting Essentials list that I get to share with you today.

Speaking of hosting, if you're ever in the Harpers Ferry, West Virginia area and looking for a place to stay, The Mountain View Cottage is our cabin — you can read more about the full space in our Modern Vacation Cabin Rental post.

That dream of a boutique-hotel feel shaped how I approach every hosting essential to this day. Below is a room-by-room breakdown of exactly what I use — the products that made the cut, with links to everything on my Amazon storefront. I also added in a few extras such as overlooked Airbnb Essentials. Browse the full shop or jump right to the category that's most useful for you right now.

 

Function First

The first question I asked myself when furnishing our first Airbnb — and every one since — was: how will our guests actually use this? How does it function in the real world of guest stays? What about guests with children, or guests with pets? Any item I bought had to serve its intended purpose, but also had to be durable and reasonably long-lasting for the price.

We see stays ranging from three or four days to weeks on end and that constant in-and-out traffic takes a real toll on everything in the space. Guests also don't always use things the same way — one guest may be careful with a can opener, another may not be. I also looked for items that could serve multiple purposes. Take this tree stump table, for example — it functions as a table, a seat, a footstool, and even a step stool. By having multi-use pieces like this, you can meet the needs of a wide range of guests: the tired traveler who needs to put their feet up, or the guest who just needs a little boost to reach a tall cabinet.

How Much To Buy

A question I get a lot in one-on-one coaching sessions is: how do I know how much to buy? This was hard for me when I first started hosting too. What if things run out? What if I can't find that product again? The what-ifs were abundant — so I rushed out and bought multiples of everything, sometimes to an excessive degree.

Here's what I learned: it depends entirely on the category.

For things like artwork and floral decor, buying multiples was completely unnecessary. We bought extras thinking we'd need backups, but we haven't had to replace a single piece. Decor like that just takes up storage space — buy what you need and move on.

For sheet sets, on the other hand, multiples are absolutely worth it. We keep three sets of sheets per bed, and that system genuinely works for us. One set is always on the bed. One is either being laundered or is with the cleaner. And the third is there as a backup — in case there's a stain on the set that's on the bed or we need a quick replacement between stays. That three-set rotation keeps turnovers smooth and stress-free.

For consumables like liquid hand soap and shampoo, we did buy extras — but I wouldn't necessarily recommend doing the same. Things change over time.

You may want to switch up scents to match changing guest tastes or the season. Buying in bulk locks you into a product before you know if it's the right long-term fit. Stock enough to get through a few stays, then reassess. It's more important to have the right supplies on hand.

Where To Buy

When I'm sourcing any item for the Airbnb, I run it through a simple mental checklist before I buy. Every product should be able to answer yes to these 4 questions:

• Does it fit the category? It should serve the intended purpose well and match the overall feel of the space.
• Is it easy to replace? If it breaks, wears out, or goes missing, can you get another one quickly?
• Is it low in cost? Not cheap in quality, but reasonably priced so replacing it doesn't sting.
• Is it findable? This one matters more than people realize — the item should be consistently and readily available from the same place you bought it. If it's always in stock, you can reorder without hunting.

Amazon is our go-to for most things, and a big reason for that is reliability. Take the Beckham Hotel Collection pillows — they are almost always in stock on Amazon, they're well-reviewed, and they're easy to reorder when it's time to refresh. That kind of consistent availability is exactly what you want in a hosting staple.

Jump to the section you need:

Airbnb Welcome Area Checklist

Depending on the layout of your home, the welcome area and entry way may merge into one. I like to include a welcome basket and snacks in our warm welcome and in my post on Airbnb and Vacation Rental Welcome Basket Ideas Guests Will Love I explain how to set up the guest welcome basket. This can be a nice addition to your welcome area.

• Entryway Table
• Coat Rack
• Umbrella Holder
• Welcome Mat

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Airbnb Entryway Checklist

This is the first warm welcome into your Airbnb and it has the power to make or break your reviews. In The First 5 Minutes post I talk a lot about how the look of your place when a guest first enters signals to them what type of host you are. Here is what I use to make that impact long lasting.

• Rugs
• Entryway Tables
• Wall Art
• Lighting
• Benches
• Storage Baskets
• Flowers

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Airbnb Bedroom Checklist

The bedroom is where guests form their first real impression of your space. Quality linens, a comfortable mattress setup, and thoughtful extras go a long way toward earning that five-star sleep review. We did not skimp on our bedroom items but we went for functionality and comfort. Some of this was trial and error — we tried pillows that didn't work, returned them, read Amazon reviews, and tried again until we found the right ones.

• Table Lamps
• Headboards
• Mattresses
• Mattress Protectors
• Mattress Pad
• Vintage Mirror
• Full Length Mirrors
• Accent Chairs
• Pillows
• Zippered Pillow Protectors
• Waterproof Pillow Protectors
• Pillow Covers
• Rugs
• Blankets & Throws
• Curtains
• Luggage Rack
• Benches
• Art
• Overhead Lamps
• Chandelier Lights
• Sheet Sets
• Duvet Covers
• Duvet Inserts

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Airbnb Bathroom Checklist

A well-stocked, spotless bathroom signals to guests that you think ahead. I keep things simple, elevated, and consistent across every stay — here's exactly what I use.

• Bath Towels
• Hand Towels
• Washcloths
• Foot Towels
• Makeup Towels
• Soap Dispensers
• Shampoos & Conditioner
  
• Shower Curtains
• Shower Liners
• Hair Dryers
• Lighting
• Hand Soap/Body Wash
• Plunger
• Toilet Paper
• Toilet Wands
• Waste Baskets
• Storage Baskets
• Night Stand or Dresser
• Full Length Mirrors

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Airbnb Living Room & Ambiance Checklist

The living room sets the tone for the whole stay. Cozy throws, warm lighting, and a few well-chosen decor pieces make a space feel intentional rather than generic.

• Sofa or Pull Out
• Rugs
• Accent Chairs
• End Tables
• Coffee Tables
• Coffee Table Books
• Fireplace
• Lamps
• Smart TV
• Wall Mount
• Remotes
• Baskets
• Blankets
• Decor Objects

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Airbnb Dining Room Checklist

• Dining Room Table
• Dining Chairs
• Rugs
• Bar Stools
• Dining Benches
• Wall Art

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Airbnb Kitchen Checklist

Guests who cook appreciate a kitchen that's actually equipped. I stock mine with the basics done well — good coffee, reliable cookware, and the pantry staples that make a stay feel like home.

Cookware

• Frying Pans
• Pots & Pans
• Food Storage Containers
• Cutting Boards
• Cutlery Set
• Cutlery Organizer
• Baking Pans
• Knife Block
• Kettle
• Mixing Bowls
• Trays
• Spoons

 

Kitchen Gadgets

• Ice Cream Scoop
• Colander
• Strainer
• Garlic Press
• Lemon Squeezer
• Wine Opener
• Pizza Cutter
• Pizza Storage
• Pizza Pan
• Popcorn Bowl
• S'mores Skewers
• Chopsticks
• Chip Clips
• Pitcher
• Placemats
• Drink Coasters
• Potato Peeler
• Wire Masher
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Can Opener
• Oven Mitts
• Paper Towel Holder
• Canisters
• Utensil Holder
• Spoon Rest
• Spice Rack
• Salt and Pepper Shaker
• Dinnerware Set
• Bowls

Coffee And Tea Corner

• Coffee Maker
• Pour Over 
• Keurig
• Kettle
• Coffee Grinders
• Coffee
• Decaf Coffee
• Coffee Pods
• Sweeteners
• Creamer
• Flavorings
• Coffee Filters
• Coffee Cups
  
• Disposable Coffee Cups 
• Drinking Glasses

Kitchen Appliances

• Toaster
• Air Fryer
• Panini Press
• Blender
• Crock Pot
• Waffle Iron
• Rice Cooker
• Microwave

Kitchen Linens

• Napkins
• Dish Towels

 

Shop all the things I use in my Airbnb Kitchen here.

Kitchen Clean Up

• Paper Towels
• All Purpose Cleaner
• Large Trash Bags
• Small Trash Bags
• Dishwasher Pods
• Dish Soap
• Hand Soap
• Clorox Wipes
• Trash Can
• Vacuums
• Broom and Dustpan

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Airbnb Host Operations Checklist

The behind-the-scenes stuff matters just as much as the pretty details. These are the tools and supplies that keep my turnover smooth, my guests informed, and my reviews consistent.

• Smart Lock
• Replacement Batteries
• Keypad Lock
• Nest Thermostat
• Hospitable. I did a review of this product here.
• StayFi
• The Host Co.
• Cameras
• BlueHost
• Shopify
  
• Pricelabs
• Ring Doorbell Camera
• Extension Cord
  
• Digital Wifi Sign 
  
• Air Purifiers
• Useful Small Gadgets and Tools

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Airbnb Laundry Room Checklist

• Iron
• Ironing Board
  
• Hampers
• Laundry Detergent
• Steamer
  
• Fabric Softener
• Dryer Sheets
• Washing Machine Cleaner
• Lint Bin 
• Vent Brush 
• Washer&Dryer

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Airbnb Baby Gear Checklist

• Mini Crib
  
• Crib Sheets
• Mini Crib Mattress
• Crib Mattress Protectors
• Baby Blanket
• Waterproof mattress pad
• Wall Socket Protectors
• Baby Gates
• Baby Bath
• High Chair
• Baby Bowls
• Baby Spoons
• Baby Monitor
• Blackout Curtains 
• White Noise Machine
• Baby Night Light Projector

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Airbnb Safety Checklist

• Fire Extinguisher
• Tool Kit
• Smoke Detectors
• Carbon Monoxide Detector
• Fire Spray
• Fire Blankets
• Batteries
• First Aid
• Emergency hosting supplies
• Safety Signage

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Airbnb Cleaning Checklist

• Cleaning Liquids
• Vacuums, Mops, Supplies
• Paper Products

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Airbnb Family Game Room Checklist

• Toys
• Games
• Kids Books
• Tent
• Rug
• Signage

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Airbnb Firepit Area Checklist

Outdoor spaces and little surprise extras are what guests remember and talk about. These are the finishing touches that turn a good stay into a great one.

• Pergola
• Fire Pit
• Adirondack Chairs
• Wood Stump End Table
• String Lights
• Lanterns
• Outdoor Pillow Cover
• Outdoor Pillow Inserts
• Swinging Egg Chairs
• Outdoor Trees

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Airbnb Back Deck Checklist

• Picnic Style Dining Set
• String Lights
• Rug
• Pillow Covers 
• Red Lanterns
• Plant 
• Grill
• Grill Cover
• Grilling Tools
• Trash Cans

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Airbnb Miscellaneous Checklist 

• FlexiSnake
• Guidebooks
• Airbnb Signs and Labels
• Surge Protectors
• Extension Cord
• River Gear
  

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Shop Everything in One Place

Rather browse it all at once? Head over to my Amazon storefront where everything is organized and ready to shop. I update it regularly as I find new favorites, so bookmark it for later too.

If you found this helpful, check out some of my other hosting posts below — and if you have questions about any of the products, drop them in the comments or reach out directly. Happy hosting!