How to stock your airbnb best practices
West Palm Beach · Member since 2023 · 21 posts · 31 votes
How to stock your airbnb best practices
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John UnderwoodPro Member
Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votesJust clearly state that you supply a starter supply of listed items and you should be fine.
16 Replies
- West Palm Beach · Member since 2023 · 21 posts · 31 votes1y
Also this is in West Palm Beach targeted for families on vacation. So I want to make it an enjoyable and comfortable experience but I dont want to spend too much
- 1yJohn UnderwoodPro MemberInvestor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
Just clearly state that you supply a starter supply of listed items and you should be fine.
- 1yAndrew SteffensBusiness MemberTampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
We are in Tampa so a similar market.
We provide a starter set which is clearly communicated to guests (thought some people do not like it and clearly do not read which you cannot help) generally consisting of:
- 2 Laundry Pods
- 2 Dishwasher pods
- 2 Rolls of Toilet Paper per bathroom
- 2 Paper Towel Rolls
- 2 Trashbags
- All soaps are refillable including dish soap, hand soap, and body washes/shampoos.
They are expected to get their own should they run out of anything. This works well I would say 98% of the time.
Vacation Rentals of Florida53 Reviews - Realtor · PInellas County Largo, FL · Member since 2016 · 902 posts · 810 votes1y
I make sure they have enough TP, DIsh pods, Laundry pods, and Trash Bags for the entire stay. The only issue I've had is a small period where the laundry pods would always be empty at turnover. That stopped when I stopped using third-party cleaners, but I also started to only leave enough for the stay.
I use a small Dawn hand dish liquid that I fill between guests and larger hand soap dispensers in the bath and kitchen that I fill between guests. They have never run out. I want guests to do their laundry throughout the stay and keep up with the dishes and trash :-).
I also fill my K-cup dispensers between guests. Most don't use them all; some fill them themselves with their preferred coffee or tea.
I've also had guests buy their own TP and trash bags and leave the extra.
As for toiletries, I leave the traditional "Starter Set" of shampoo, a little bar soap, conditioner, and lotion (the tiny hotel bottles). I have yet to have a guest ask for a refill or mention the quality (I tried to pick a nice-looking, not-too-expensive brand).
Be careful with the scents -- I had a run of people pulling out and hiding the scents and one or two people complained that they were scent-sensitive in private notes. As an aside, my laundry pods for the guests and liquid for the turnovers are "free and clear" and have never gotten a complaint.
I have had guests break into my owner closets, but oddly never steal (they were kids probably looking for liquor). I still wouldn't give people an all-access closet. I'd let them ask or reach out to them after a week or so for longer stays. I'd automate the email/message so I don't forget, too!
- 1yJorge VazquezBusiness MemberReal Estate Broker · Tampa, FL · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 679 votes
Hey Jonathan, after managing rentals for years, I’d say stick to providing a “starter supply” of the basics like TP, trash bags, and soap—it’s what most guests expect. Just let them know upfront they’ll need to restock for longer stays. Lock away extra supplies; trust is great, but accidents (or curious kids) happen. And watch out with scents—unscented products keep everyone happy. Keeps costs low and guests satisfied!
Graystone Investment Group4.6268 Reviews - 1yMichael BaumPro MemberOlympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
Hey @Jonathan Baptiste, so we are a bit different than some.
We have a large house that can sleep 12 comfortably and we provide a lot of stuff.
At least 8 rolls of TP plus 4 in the closet they can access. A full box of 250 dryer sheets, a big Tide liquid and fabric softener (liquid). No pods. 3 rolls of paper towels. A big stack of paper plates. On the go coffee cups with lids, a big bottle of Dawn and the quick spray Dawn and much more.
It isn't that expensive and makes it easy for guests. I will say we are way out of town with just a small market close so it makes sense to have a fully loaded house.
We only provide 2 small soaps and 2 shampoo bottles in each bathroom. Most people bring their own.
We also have a bin of razors, q-tips, cotton balls and even a bunch of contact lens cases in the master bath. You never know what people are going to forget and need.
- Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 292 votes1y
Hello Jonathan! Providing essentials like laundry detergent, toiletries, and scent oils is a great touch for guests! It's common practice to stock enough for a few days, as you've been doing, and let guests purchase more if needed for longer stays. To keep things simple, you could store extra supplies in a locked closet. This approach balances guest convenience with managing costs and inventory.
Happy to connect and share more tips!
- 1yGarrett BrownPro MemberRental Property Investor · Houston, TX · Member since 2024 · 505 posts · 551 votes
Hey Jonathan! Sounds like you are going to be a good host already. I would stock around 4 Tide pods, 4 dryer sheets, 4 things of TP per bathroom, full roll of trash bags ( I would leave that one up to trust that they are using for a valid reason)., 2-4 paper towel rolls, etc. You can also leave out some bulk hotel toothbrush/toothpastes, make up removers, earplugs, sleeping masks, etc. if you really want to step up a "In Case You Forgot" basket.
You can keep a closet with extra of things that has a lock on it and if someone is irrate because they don't have enough pods, you can at least have a back up solution for them if you choose too.
Main thing I would think of if you are targeting families are things like pack and plays, cribs, gamerooms for kids, etc. as well. You'll learn what works best for your property as it rolls along. - Boulder, CO · Member since 2023 · 169 posts · 95 votes1y
Hi Jonathan. There's no precise figure because no one will understand your STR or market as well as you do- or, as well as you will (with time). When I first began, working with a property management company, they asked me to provide (and list clearly) the starter set that came with the house. It was on the more limited side in general (for a few days' worth). However, we left out a fairly full container of laundry pods. Guests seemed fine with this (or would say something privately, thank goodness- not in reviews). However, we have a higher end market so it always struck me as strange that we'd only provide such a small amount since it doesn't cost that much more to provide more. Then, a guest got called out for sneaking in 4 dogs (we only allow 2). And after their visit, more than 48 of those detergent pods "disappeared". So we moved to liquid and only leaving it a third full. Etc.
When I took over management, I've gone with providing more since having a well-stocked kitchen and house seems more consistent with the experience we want to provide. But I try to balance that "more" with reasonable use (for the time period they're there). It's adjustable based on size, erring on the side of generosity. So, for example, a 4-night stay for a group of 12? 2 extra toilet paper rolls in every bathroom (we have 4), extra paper towels, extra trash bags, at least 8 dishwasher pods, etc. But a 4-night stay for 2 persons? We'll still provide extra but just not quite as much.
Beyond check lists, getting stocks replenished correctly and consistently is really dependent on the cleaners and quality review. Re-stock is supposed to happen a certain way but I recently had a group staying for Christmas who reached out to ask if there were extra paper towels. There should have been but this was missed in the rush of holidays and high traffic. I apologized and said (and truly meant) I'd follow up on it and improve for the future. They luckily took it in stride (and the grocery store is 10-minutes away) and still left us a 5-star review.
But now, I'm wondering what can be simplified and what are more sustainable practices in the long run. So I'm still learning all the time. And I can see why the different offerings (some stock light, others heavily) make sense. The more you provide, the more complicated it gets for your cleaner or whoever manages quality review. I wouldn't leave it all to trust, however. For most guests, you'd be fine. But a few guests are going to burn you. Also, keeping track of inventory is important as well (as is a trustworthy cleaner and that can get tricky if you have too much stock). You'll figure it out over time.
- 1ySarah KensingerPro MemberReal Estate Consultant · OH · Member since 2023 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
We have a property just north of yours and to be honest I would not be leaving a ton of supplies out for the type of guest avatar that comes through. The only exception is dishwasher pods, we leave the entire tub out. But most stays in that market are 7-10 days, so leave enough out for that and then if the guest runs out, they will need to supply their own supplies. If a guest pitches enough of a fit about running out, you can Instacart supplies within a couple hours.
- Member since 2022 · 12 posts · 3 votes1y
Thanks Christina for the detailed reply. This is very helpful.
it’s definitely a learning process. how long have you been doing Airbnb
from @Christina B.:
Hi Jonathan. There's no precise figure because no one will understand your STR or market as well as you do- or, as well as you will (with time). When I first began, working with a property management company, they asked me to provide (and list clearly) the starter set that came with the house. It was on the more limited side in general (for a few days' worth). However, we left out a fairly full container of laundry pods. Guests seemed fine with this (or would say something privately, thank goodness- not in reviews). However, we have a higher end market so it always struck me as strange that we'd only provide such a small amount since it doesn't cost that much more to provide more. Then, a guest got called out for sneaking in 4 dogs (we only allow 2). And after their visit, more than 48 of those detergent pods "disappeared". So we moved to liquid and only leaving it a third full. Etc.
When I took over management, I've gone with providing more since having a well-stocked kitchen and house seems more consistent with the experience we want to provide. But I try to balance that "more" with reasonable use (for the time period they're there). It's adjustable based on size, erring on the side of generosity. So, for example, a 4-night stay for a group of 12? 2 extra toilet paper rolls in every bathroom (we have 4), extra paper towels, extra trash bags, at least 8 dishwasher pods, etc. But a 4-night stay for 2 persons? We'll still provide extra but just not quite as much.
Beyond check lists, getting stocks replenished correctly and consistently is really dependent on the cleaners and quality review. Re-stock is supposed to happen a certain way but I recently had a group staying for Christmas who reached out to ask if there were extra paper towels. There should have been but this was missed in the rush of holidays and high traffic. I apologized and said (and truly meant) I'd follow up on it and improve for the future. They luckily took it in stride (and the grocery store is 10-minutes away) and still left us a 5-star review.
But now, I'm wondering what can be simplified and what are more sustainable practices in the long run. So I'm still learning all the time. And I can see why the different offerings (some stock light, others heavily) make sense. The more you provide, the more complicated it gets for your cleaner or whoever manages quality review. I wouldn't leave it all to trust, however. For most guests, you'd be fine. But a few guests are going to burn you. Also, keeping track of inventory is important as well (as is a trustworthy cleaner and that can get tricky if you have too much stock). You'll figure it out over time.
- Property Manager · USA · Member since 2018 · 85 posts · 50 votes1y
I always tell guests that toiletries should be considered as a starter pack. That cut down on complaints about not having enough toiletries for people with longer stays.
However, I suggest you should have enough toiletries for a 5 day stay.
Most hosts have a closet where they store extra supplies, so yes it's very important o have a locked supply closet.
Hope this helps!
- Lender · Newark, NJ · Member since 2016 · 695 posts · 252 votes1y
just specify you have starter items in your listing
- Interior Decorator · CA · Member since 2020 · 78 posts · 30 votes1y
I think it’s normal and expected that hosts provide an initial supply of these items. You want to make this clear that additional items need to be purchased by the guests so they are aware. This should be on the posting. If you do get someone who stays for an extended period you can remind them again after the booking.
- 1yGary NelsonBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Branson, MO · Member since 2016 · 141 posts · 93 votes
Stocking your Airbnb is an opportunity to create a standout guest experience. Start with durable, high-quality basics: plush towels, soft linens, and a fully stocked kitchen with sharp knives, pans, and essentials like oil and spices. Add thoughtful touches like a Keurig or French press, USB chargers, and local travel guides. When it comes to stocking your STR with essentials, balance is key. Providing a starter supply of items like laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and toiletries is common practice and works well for short stays. For longer stays, you can set expectations in your listing by clarifying that guests are responsible for restocking once the provided items are used up. If you'd like to offer more flexibility, consider keeping extra supplies in a locked closet and making them available upon request. Feel free to message me and I can send you my tried and tested list.
Gary Nelson Real Estate, EXP Realty, LLC553 Reviews - Real Estate Agent · Salt Lake City, UT · Member since 2020 · 490 posts · 205 votes1y
Standard stock is fine. If they book for longer stays, I would message them and make them aware that you do a starter pack of supplies and then it is their responsibility to restock.
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