The Complete Airbnb Inventory Checklist for 2026
HostStock Team
5 January 2026

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