The Complete Airbnb Inventory Checklist for 2026

You've just got the keys to a new rental property. The listing photos are up, your calendar's open, and your first guest arrives in 48 hours. So what exactly should be waiting for them when they walk through the door?

After helping hundreds of hosts manage their inventory, we've put together a room-by-room checklist that covers everything from bath towels to bin liners. Whether you're setting up your first property or auditing your tenth, this list has you covered.

Pro tip: Don't just stock it once and forget about it. Setting proper par levels for each item means you'll never get caught out by a last-minute booking.

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Bathroom Essentials

The bathroom is where guests notice missing items first. A single missing toilet roll can tank a review — and that's not an exaggeration. Check our deep dive on why running out of essentials costs more than you think.

Per guest, per stay:

Item	Quantity per guest	Notes
Bath towels	2	Replace if frayed or stained
Hand towels	1	Match your bath towels
Face cloths	1	Optional but adds a nice touch
Toilet rolls	2	Always have spares under the sink
Shampoo	Travel-size or refillable dispenser	Guests prefer wall-mounted dispensers
Conditioner	Travel-size or refillable dispenser	Don't skip this one
Body wash / soap	1 bar or dispenser	Bars look more premium
Toothpaste (mini)	1	Optional — superhosts often include it
Cotton pads / buds	Small pack	A basket on the counter works well
Hair dryer	1 per bathroom	Wall-mounted saves space
Bathroom cleaner	Under sink	For longer stays
Bin with liner	1 per bathroom	Empty between every guest

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Bedroom Essentials

Sleep quality makes or breaks a review. Invest in decent bedding and keep spares ready for quick turnovers.

Per bed:

Item	Quantity	Notes
Fitted sheet	2 sets (one on, one spare)	White lasts longer than colours
Flat sheet or duvet cover	2 sets	Iron or steam before check-in
Pillows	2 per person	Offer one firm, one soft
Pillowcases	2 per pillow, 2 sets	Spares speed up turnovers
Blanket / throw	1	Even in summer — some guests run cold
Mattress protector	1	Waterproof. Non-negotiable.
Pillow protectors	1 per pillow	Extend pillow life dramatically
Hangers	5-10 per guest	Wooden or velvet, not wire
Bedside lamp	1 per side	Working bulbs — check every turnover
Alarm clock or charging cable	1 per side	USB-C and Lightning if possible

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Kitchen Essentials

Kitchen expectations vary wildly by listing type. A city studio needs less than a family holiday home. Scale this list to your property.

Base kit (all properties):

Item	Quantity	Notes
Plates (dinner + side)	2 per guest	Matching sets look better
Bowls	2 per guest	Cereal and soup sizes
Mugs	2 per guest	Oversized mugs are always popular
Glasses (water + wine)	2 per guest each	Tempered glass survives better
Cutlery set	2 per guest	Check for missing pieces every turnover
Cooking pots	2 (small + large)	Non-stick with matching lids
Frying pan	1-2	One small, one large
Baking tray	1	Surprisingly often requested
Chopping board	1-2	Replace when scored
Kitchen knives	Basic set	Keep them sharp — dull knives are dangerous
Tin opener / corkscrew	1 each	Guests will mention it if missing
Kettle	1	Fast-boil preferred
Toaster	1	2-slice minimum, 4-slice for families
Tea towels	3-4	Rotate every stay
Dish soap + sponge	1 each	Fresh sponge every guest
Bin bags	5+ spare	Under the sink
Cling film / foil	1 each	Replace when low
Salt, pepper, oil	Basic set	Top up between stays
Coffee + tea	Selection	Local brands are a nice touch

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Living Area

Item	Quantity	Notes
Throw blankets	1-2	Wash between guests
Cushions	2-4	Zip-off covers for washing
TV remote (with batteries)	1	Label with TV instructions
Board games / books	Small selection	Great for rainy days
Welcome booklet / house guide	1	Digital version is fine too
Spare lightbulbs	Assorted	Match your fixtures

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Cleaning Supplies

Whether you clean yourself or hire a team, these should always be on hand. A well-stocked cleaning kit is essential for fast turnovers between guests.

Item	Quantity	Notes
All-purpose cleaner	1 bottle	Refillable saves money
Glass cleaner	1 bottle	For mirrors and windows
Bathroom cleaner	1 bottle	Limescale remover for hard water areas
Toilet cleaner + brush	1 per bathroom	Replace brush every 2-3 months
Vacuum cleaner	1	Cordless is faster for turnovers
Mop + bucket	1	Microfibre mop head
Dustpan + brush	1	For quick sweeps
Laundry detergent	1	If guests have washer access
Iron + ironing board	1	Or a garment steamer
Bin liners	10+ spare	Multiple sizes
Rubber gloves	2 pairs	Replace often

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Outdoor / Extras

If your property has outdoor space, don't forget:

• Outdoor seating cushions (store indoors when not in use)
• BBQ supplies (charcoal, lighter, utensils) if you offer a grill
• Outdoor lighting (solar is low-maintenance)
• Door mat (replace when worn — it's the first thing guests see)
• Umbrella (one by the front door)
• First aid kit (check expiry dates quarterly)
• Fire extinguisher and smoke alarm (legal requirement in most areas)
• Spare keys (at least 2 sets)

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How Many Spares Do You Actually Need?

Here's a quick rule of thumb based on your turnover frequency:

Turnovers per week	Spare sets of linen	Spare toiletry kits
1-2	2	3-4
3-4	3	5-7
5+	4+	7-10

Want to get more precise? Our guide on setting par levels walks you through the exact formula.

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FAQ

How often should I audit my inventory?

At minimum, once a month. If you're doing high-volume turnovers (3+ per week), a weekly spot-check is worth the 15 minutes. Track what's running low and what's getting replaced most often — that data helps you cut supply costs over time.

Should I buy premium or budget supplies?

It depends on the item. Splurge on bedding and towels — guests feel the difference, and quality lasts longer. Go budget on consumables like bin liners, sponges, and cleaning products. The superhost approach is to invest where guests notice and save where they don't.

What's the most commonly forgotten item?

Toilet paper, spare lightbulbs, and a tin opener. Every. Single. Time.

How do I keep track of all this?

Spreadsheets work when you've got one property, but they fall apart quickly once you scale. A purpose-built inventory tracker lets you set reorder points, assign items to specific properties, and see what's running low before your cleaner texts you in a panic. See how HostStock works →

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Ready to stop guessing and start tracking? HostStock gives you a property-by-property inventory dashboard with automatic reorder alerts. Start your free trial →