Airbnb Hosting Made Easy: The 10 Essential Items You Need
Have you ever thought about renting out a space on Airbnb but didn’t know where to start?
Today I'm excited to share my secrets on how I transformed a one-bedroom Airbnb suite into a hassle-free, passive income machine. With the right systems in place, you can make the entire process—from check-in to check-out—smooth and seamless, allowing you to sit back, relax, and watch the bookings roll in.
Let's get right into it! Here's a list of essential items that I always have ready in my Airbnb suite to ensure a stress-free hosting experience:
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.
1. Ring Camera: Safety first! Installing a Ring Camera at the entrance of your suite provides both you and your guests with peace of mind. It allows you to monitor arrivals and departures remotely and helps to create a secure environment.
The one that I use can monitor your space via an app on your phone for less than $10/month.
2. Smart Lock: Bid farewell to lost keys and complicated check-ins. A smart lock like the Yale Assure lets you manage access remotely, providing unique PIN codes to each guest. No more handing out keys or waiting for guests to arrive. It's all automated!
I used to use a lockbox and would have to manually change the code for each new guest. Not the worst thing in the world, but I love the ease of pre-programming the smart lock, which also lets me monitor if the door is locked or unlocked via a phone app.
3. Amazon Essentials Towel Set: Keep your guests comfortable and feeling pampered with a high-quality towel set. These towels are soft, durable, and quick-drying to minimize laundry time and provide a hotel-like experience.
I don’t know about you, but I like using white towels when I travel. You can spot stains easily and get them clean using a bit of bleach if needed. And if they do get too ratty from lots of use, these towels are affordable to replace.
4. Laundry and Dishwasher Pods: My rental suite has both laundry and a dishwasher. I like to provide pods so no one can mess up measuring the right amount of soap needed.
They save you (and your guests) time and ensure that your linens and dishes come out fresh and clean after each use.
I have a little baggie of each in my ‘changeover kit’, ready to go for my next guests.
5. High Quality Sheets: Invest in a couple of sets of good-quality bed sheets that match your suite's aesthetic. Having a spare set on hand allows for a quick change between guest stays.
Same as the towels, keep these simple. These are the ones I use and get guest compliments all the time on how comfortable they are. Same as the towels, they are inexpensive to replace if they start to get worn from use.
6. Tools for cleaning: I have guests anywhere from one night to three months or more. I offer extra cleaning (for a charge), but find most guests are fine to do minor cleanups on their own - if they have the right tools.
I keep this small vacuum cleaner, broom and dustpan and a few cleaning supplies tucked away so guests can do the touch ups they want to keep them comfortable longer (without having to bother you!)
7. Travel Soap/Shampoo: Convenience is key. Stock your bathroom with travel-sized soap and shampoo for your guests to use during their stay. It's a small gesture that leaves a big impression.
I used to travel a lot for work and would collect hotel size shampoo, soap, etc. I keep these in a bin in my changeover kit, so they're easy to replace. If you (or your friends) don’t travel much, head to the dollar store for supplies or have these delivered right to your door.
8. Pillow Protectors: Protect your pillows from wear and tear with pillow protectors. They also ensure a hygienic and allergen-free sleeping environment. I always keep 2 sets of these so they can be washed between guests.
A good host will never let a guest sleep on a stinky pillow!
9. Easy-Clean Shower Curtains: Save time on cleaning the bathroom by using easy-clean shower curtains that resist mold and mildew. A quick wipe-down is all you need to keep them looking fresh.
I LOVE this shower curtain (and use it in my own home) for that hotel stay feel, and because I hate wasting time with shower curtain hooks. Throw the whole thing in the wash and your next reset is a breeze. Again, having an extra one around lets you wash one and use the other.
10. A Guest Handbook: The best way to stay ‘passive’ in your airbnb hosting is to answer your guests questions before they even ask. My handbook contains all the information a guest will be looking for: wifi password, where to put the garbage if it’s full, directions to popular locations, restaurant recommendations and of course the house rules.
If you need inspiration, or don’t want to start your Guest Handbook from scratch, download my template and just fill in the blanks!
By having these items on hand and using smart systems like the Ring Camera and smart lock, you can transform your Airbnb suite into a lucrative and relatively passive income stream. The key is to set up the right tools and systems from the beginning, so you can spend more time enjoying the rewards of hosting and less time dealing with mundane tasks.
Remember, creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for your guests will lead to glowing reviews and repeat bookings. So, go ahead and implement these tips, and watch your Airbnb business flourish!
For more on choosing an Airbnb space that fits your life (and the types of guests you want), check out my podcast,
FIRE Yourself First - episode 2. And if you're ready to jump in as an Airbnb host, feel free to use my host referral code to get started!
Happy hosting!
Wendy Verwey
Create a LIFE, not just a living...
thrive@wendyverwey.com
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