Creating a One-Stop Airbnb Checklist for You to Follow

Are you an Airbnb host? If you’ve just got into the home rental game, having a dedicated Airbnb checklist is non-negotiable. A clear template will help you optimize your inventory and offer the right amenities to guests. This is important, since you’ve got to stand out from the growing crowd of vacation rentals in what seems to be a hotly contested market.

That’s where offering superior stays in comparison to others becomes vital to keep your property performing optimally in terms of bookings and reviews. Smooth operations and happy and satisfied guests are the pillars of any successful Airbnb venture. So, we’ve prepared a one-stop checklist that’ll help you navigate the journey towards becoming a popular and successful host.

Why Every Host Needs the Right Checklist?

An Airbnb host checklist’s a no-brainer really! There’s quite a lot to do when you’re setting up and missing out on something important can really jeopardize your guest experiences. At the same time, a checklist will help you bypass some really rookie hosting errors as well. From keeping the property clean to easier checkouts and other vital details, there’s a lot that you need to keep in mind in this business.

That’s where a checklist will ensure that every guest who stays with you gets the same treatment, service, and amenities, irrespective of the booking date. A proper list also helps you swiftly get your space ready for new guests and save time in the bargain, without forgetting anything. Lastly, but most crucially, checklists can help you adhere to all local regulations and Airbnb guidelines, including those pertaining to safety standards and other compliances.

Starting an Airbnb Checklist for You

If you’re just setting up, here’s a handy Airbnb checklist for guests that you’d do well to follow.

Getting Your Property Ready

Let’s take a zone-wise approach towards all the major areas in your property.

Bathrooms-

Let’s face it; bathrooms can make or mar the guest experience, so you’ll have to bring out your A-game here. Here’s what you’ll need:

Non-Negotiable	Optional Extras (Highly Recommended)	Luxury Additions
Mirror	Body Lotion	Slippers
Bath & Hand Towels	Shower Rack for the Toiletries	Massage/Rain Shower
Shampoo & Conditioner	Toothpaste	Premium Bathrobes
Hand Soap	Disposable Toothbrush	Clothing Iron
Body Wash/Shower Soap	Hair Dryer	Plush Towels
Towel Hooks & Hangers	Air Fresheners	Dryer/Drying Rack

While you can’t neglect the non-negotiable category, it’s up to you to figure out what you can integrate from the other two sections to make your guests happier.

Bedroom:

Bedrooms are the biggest areas of focus in any Airbnb hosting guide you’ll come across. Reason being- they’re the centerpiece of the guest’s stay and plus the quality of sleep and relaxation can make/break the experience.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Bed linen and pillow (at least two per head)
Closet, dresser, and shelves
Heater/fan/air conditioner
Hangers for clothes
Bedside tables
Comfortable mattress
Curtains/shades
Waterproof mattress covers

Here’s what you should add to make guests happier:

Easily accessible charging outlets
Television with entertainment/streaming
Reading lamp
Extra blankets, pillows, and bed linen
Décor/art
Mirror
Chair or sofa
Tissues
Clock

Kitchen:

The kitchen also has a big role to play, since many people choose Airbnb rentals for the freedom to cook their own meals. Here’s what you should provide in the kitchen:

Essential	Recommended Upgrades	Pro Additions
Tea & Coffee Kit	Microwave Oven	Welcome Basket of Food & Snacks
Electric Kettle	Wine Glasses	Basic Grocery Items
Oven/Stove/Toaster	Coffee Maker	Bottle of Wine
Kitchen Towels and Oven Mitts	Dishwasher	Unique Décor Theme
Knives	Basic Spices, Salt & Pepper	Garbage Disposal Facilities
Strainer	Napkins & Paper Towels	Provisions for Cooking/Preparing Food for Guests
Pans and Pots of Multiple Sizes	Vinegar & Oil
Serving Dishes	Dishwasher
Cooking Utensils	Containers for Food Storage
Strainer	Bottle Opener
Mixing Bowls	Eating Zone with Chairs
Measuring Spoons/Cups
Silverware
Refrigerator & Freezer
Soap, Sponge & Drying Rack
Cleaning Supplies (Broom, Cleaner, Sponges, Dish Soap)

Common Areas:

Your common areas are also important for successful Airbnb hosting, since they have a direct impact on the quality of guest experiences. Here’ s a checklist to stay ready:

Chairs & Couches
End & Coffee Tables
Wi-Fi
Television
Fan/Heater/Air Conditioner

Add-Ons:

Books, Magazines, Games, Toys, etc.
Cushions, Blankets, Work Desks
Smart TVs
Décor and Plants
Mirrors
Pen & Paper
Recliners
Unique Seating Options like Swings and Bean Bags
Home Theater

Check-In/Check-Out:

This is also essential since you’ll want to give your guests more convenience on their trips. One of the best ways to impress them is with a keyless entry system, giving them the flexibility and freedom to check-in and check-out as per their convenience. They won’t have to meet the host or other personnel for the keys or worry about keeping track of the same. You can consider smart locks for this purpose, with digital key-codes for granting access to guests.

Safety Aspects:

Fire Safety Equipment (Fire Extinguisher & Smoke Detector)
Basic First Aid Supplies
Emergency Numbers in Easily Accessible Locations

Cleanliness & Staff Shortages:

Coming to the tail-end of your checklist, here are some points worth noting regarding these two issues.

You shouldn’t fail to keep the property neat and clean before every stay, with special attention for kitchens, bathrooms, surfaces, linen, and floors.
While hiring professional cleaning staff and other personnel is a good idea, shortages of staff may lead to delays and complications that leave guests unhappy.
You should thus have a system in place to quickly deal with staff shortages in case it ever happens.

The above-mentioned items for the four key zones of your property will be your one-stop inventory reference while setting up your Airbnb and in between stays.

How Else to Create a Memorable Stay for Your Guests

Now, while we’ve ticked off the basic Airbnb checklist above, there’s a lot more that you can do to enhance guest satisfaction. Here’s a checklist of extras that you can also consider in this case.

Printable guides for local attractions
Restaurant and transportation recommendations/phone numbers
Area maps
Pool/beach towels if applicable
Umbrellas
Picnic baskets
Fast and dependable Wi-Fi with workspaces for business guests
Ironing board and iron
Multiple charging and docking stations
Office supplies for corporates
Access to printers and additional power strips
Cribs, high chairs, and child-proof locks for families with kids
Night lights

If you’re a pet-friendly property, don’t forget water and food bowls, waste bags, pet beds, and information about local vets and emergency services. You may also consider adding cleaning supplies and a spare leash if needed.

Acing Ongoing Airbnb Hosting

So yes, you’ve got your Airbnb host checklist in place now. But there’s also other things that will help you ace your ongoing hosting game (this is for people who’ve already set up).

Parameter	What to Do
Bookings & Calendar	Don’t forget/mess up your calendar and booking details. Use a professional booking management system to streamline and stay on top of all bookings.
Turnovers & Cleaning	Automate turnovers with keyless entry or trained personnel. Hire professional cleaning services with provisions to meet sudden staff shortages.
Guest Reviews & Issues	Be prompt and responsive to all guest issues and queries. Honesty works along with an effort to solve the problem or answer the question sincerely. Adopt a professional approach towards asking guests for feedback. Have a feedback book or online guest management system that allows you to get your reviews and suggestions for improvement. Also, respond publicly to bad reviews, stating your intention to solve the issue for future stays.
Scaling the Business & Growing Listings	Along with identifying suitable properties for expansion, you’ll also have to adopt a smart marketing strategy. Use smart tools and technologies to streamline bookings and guest communication. Personalize interactions and marketing to get more repeat guests. Make sure you have attractive listings that draw more people while coming up with a dynamic and compelling pricing strategy.

Signing Off

Becoming an Airbnb host is no piece of cake, but at the same time it’s an enjoyable journey too! Want some help for a smoother ride? Download our free and printable Airbnb host checklist to help you stay on top of things seamlessly. You can also check out advanced Airbnb management system , a mix of unique technology and the right checklist will help you succeed for sure!