The Complete Airbnb Setup Checklist (Everything You Need)

Setting up an Airbnb property?

You need more than you think. And less than you're probably planning to buy.

Most new hosts either under-buy (guests complain about missing basics) or over-buy (spent $5,000 on stuff nobody uses).

We've furnished 50+ properties in Indianapolis. Here's exactly what you need. Nothing more. Nothing less.

This is the checklist we use for every property. Copy it.

Bedroom Essentials

The Bed

What you need:

• Quality mattress (medium-firm, $500-$1,200)
• Mattress protector (waterproof, non-negotiable!)
• 2 sets of sheets (wash one, use one)
• Duvet + duvet cover (easier to clean than comforter)
• 4-6 pillows (variety of firmness)
• 2 pillow protectors per pillow

Don't cheap out on: Mattress and pillows. Bad sleep = bad reviews.

Pro tip: White or neutral bedding. Looks clean. Easy to bleach.

Bedroom Furniture

Must-haves:

• Bed frame (sturdy, no squeaking!)
• 2 nightstands (one per side)
• 2 lamps (guests hate overhead lights at night)
• Dresser or closet with hangers (10+ hangers minimum)
• Blackout curtains or blinds

Nice-to-haves:

• Full-length mirror
• Luggage rack
• Alarm clock (or mention phone charger spots)

Skip: Decorative pillows (annoying to guests), fancy headboards (not worth it)

Bathroom Essentials

Basic Supplies

What you need:

• Bath towels (2 per guest)
• Hand towels (2 per bathroom)
• Washcloths (2 per guest)
• Bath mat (non-slip!)
• Shower curtain + liner (if needed)
• Toilet paper (2 rolls per bathroom minimum)
• Hand soap dispenser (refillable)
• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash (hotel-size or refillable dispensers)
• Hair dryer
• Trash can with lid

Pro tip: Towels in white or light colors. Easier to bleach. Look cleaner.

Bathroom Extras (That Get Noticed)

• Extra toilet paper (under sink or visible)
• Tissues
• Cotton swabs
• Basic first aid kit (band-aids, pain reliever)
• Plunger (hidden but accessible)

Why it matters: Guests mention these in reviews. "Host thought of everything!"

Kitchen Essentials

This is where hosts either over-buy or under-stock. Here's the right balance.

Cookware & Bakeware

What you need:

• 2 pots (small, large)
• 2 pans (small frying pan, large skillet)
• Baking sheet
• Cutting board (2+)
• Mixing bowls (set of 3)

Skip: Specialty items (pasta pot, wok, etc.). Most guests won't use them.

Utensils & Tools

What you need:

• Chef's knife, paring knife, bread knife
• Can opener (manual + electric backup)
• Bottle opener, corkscrew
• Spatula, wooden spoon, ladle, tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander

Dishes & Glassware

Formula: (Max occupancy + 2) of each

What you need:

• Dinner plates
• Salad/dessert plates
• Bowls
• Mugs
• Drinking glasses
• Wine glasses (optional but nice)

Pro tip: Buy cheap but not disposable. IKEA works great. Guests break stuff.

Small Appliances

Must-haves:

• Coffee maker (drip is fine, Keurig if you want)
• Microwave
• Toaster or toaster oven

Nice-to-haves:

• Blender
• Electric kettle

Skip: Instant Pot, air fryer, fancy espresso machine. Most guests don't use them.

Kitchen Supplies

What you need:

• Dish soap + sponges (3+)
• Dish towels (4+)
• Pot holders (2)
• Trash bags (10+ under sink)
• Paper towels (1 roll on counter, extras in pantry)
• Aluminum foil, plastic wrap, zip-top bags
• Coffee + filters (enough for 3 days)
• Basic seasonings (salt, pepper, oil, sugar)

Pro tip: Label where you keep backup supplies. "Extra coffee in freezer, extra paper towels in pantry."

Living Room Essentials

Furniture

What you need:

• Sofa (seats as many guests as you host)
• Coffee table
• Side table + lamp
• TV stand
• Curtains or blinds

Nice-to-haves:

• Armchair
• Throw blankets (2)
• Extra pillows

Skip: Fragile decor. Guests will knock it over.

Entertainment

What you need:

• Smart TV (40"+ for living room)
• Streaming device (Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV)
• 2 remotes labeled clearly ("TV Power" / "Roku")
• Instructions (in welcome guide)

Pro tip: Pre-login to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+. Guests love this.

Don't: Share your personal accounts on your primary devices. Use separate profiles or old devices.

Tech & Connectivity

WiFi Setup

What you need:

• Router that covers entire property (mesh system if large)
• 100+ Mbps minimum speed
• Simple network name + password
• WiFi info posted in 3 places (welcome guide, fridge magnet, bedroom)

Test it: Every room. Every corner. No dead zones.

Smart Home (Optional But Useful)

Worth it:

• Smart lock (self check-in is huge!)
• Smart thermostat (control remotely, save energy)
• Exterior security camera (disclosed in listing!)

Skip: Smart lights, voice assistants, automated blinds. Guests don't care.

Cleaning Supplies (For Guests)

Yes, you have a cleaner. But guests need some basics.

What to provide:

• Broom + dustpan
• Vacuum (small handheld is fine)
• Mop or Swiffer
• All-purpose cleaner
• Paper towels
• Trash bags

Where to put them: Clearly labeled closet or under-sink area.

Why: Guests spill things. They want to clean it up. Make it easy.

Laundry (If You Have It)

Washer/Dryer Supplies

What you need:

• Laundry detergent (full bottle, under sink or on machine)
• Dryer sheets or wool dryer balls
• Instructions (on machine or welcome guide)

Pro tip: Single-load pods are easier than liquid. Guests won't use too much.

Outdoor Space (If You Have It)

Basic Furniture

What you need:

• Outdoor seating (as many seats as you host)
• Small table
• String lights or outdoor lighting
• Grill (if you want — guests love this!)

Maintenance items:

• Propane tank (if gas grill)
• Grill cleaning brush
• Outdoor cushion storage (keep them dry!)

Pro tip: Outdoor space gets mentioned in reviews. Make it usable!

Safety & Legal Requirements

Non-Negotiable Safety Items

What you need:

• Smoke detectors (every bedroom + hallway + kitchen)
• Carbon monoxide detectors (every floor)
• Fire extinguisher (kitchen, easily accessible)
• First aid kit
• Emergency contact list posted
• Flashlights with batteries

Check these: Monthly. Test batteries. Replace as needed.

Why: Required by law in most places. Also, guest safety (obviously).

Supplies to Restock Between Guests

Your cleaner should check these after every checkout:

Bathroom:

• Toilet paper (2 rolls per bathroom)
• Hand soap (refill if low)
• Shampoo/conditioner/body wash (refill if low)

Kitchen:

• Paper towels (1 roll visible)
• Dish soap (refill if low)
• Sponge (replace if used)
• Trash bags (check under sink)
• Coffee + filters (restock)

Bedroom:

• Check sheets/towels for stains or wear (replace if needed)

Living room:

• Remote batteries (test monthly)

What NOT to Buy

Save your money. Skip these:

• Expensive art or decor: Guests don't care. It'll get damaged.
• Fancy appliances: Instant Pot, bread maker, fancy espresso machine. Nobody uses them.
• 100 throw pillows: Annoying to guests. They throw them on the floor.
• Scented candles or air fresheners: Some guests are sensitive. Just keep it clean and neutral.
• Cheap furniture: Sounds like a deal. Falls apart in 6 months. Buy mid-range.
• Your personal stuff: Don't store your things there. Guests will use/break it.

Budget Breakdown (Real Numbers)

Here's what it actually costs to furnish a 2-bedroom STR:

| Category | Budget Range | |----------|-------------| | Bedroom furniture + bedding | $1,500-$2,500 | | Bathroom supplies | $200-$400 | | Kitchen (cookware, dishes, appliances) | $500-$1,000 | | Living room furniture | $1,000-$2,000 | | Tech (TV, WiFi, smart lock) | $600-$1,200 | | Cleaning supplies | $100-$200 | | Safety items | $100-$200 | | Outdoor furniture | $300-$800 | | Total | $4,300-$8,300 |

You can do it cheaper (IKEA everything). Or fancier (West Elm everything).

This range gets you quality that lasts without overspending.

Where to Buy Everything

Furniture:

• IKEA (affordable, decent quality)
• Wayfair (good selection, delivery)
• Facebook Marketplace (inspect carefully!)

Bedding & towels:

• Amazon Basics (cheap, works fine)
• Target (mid-range, good quality)

Kitchen supplies:

• Target
• IKEA
• Restaurant supply stores (bulk deals)

Tech:

• Amazon
• Best Buy

Pro tip: Buy in bulk when you can. Multiple properties? Amazon Business account saves money.

Final Thoughts: Start Right

You don't need a $20,000 property to get 5-star reviews.

You need the right basics. Good quality where it matters (bed, towels, WiFi). Functional everywhere else.

Use this checklist. Don't skip items. Don't overbuy.

Set up your property right. Then focus on getting bookings.

Ready to Set Up Your Property?

Need help furnishing your Indianapolis property?

We help STR owners source, furnish, and set up properties from scratch. We know what works, what's worth the money, and where to find the best deals.

What we do:

• Property walkthrough + furnishing plan
• Shopping list with links
• Setup coordination
• First booking preparation

Schedule a Free Property Setup Consultation