Here’s to hosting’ calm & comfort: the essential and smart amenities guide for 2023
In August 2023, the Renty team launched its first Airbnb in Athens. It took us 2 days and €2,600 to procure everything we needed. An important detail: many of the essential items for the launch were already present in the apartment we purchased, so we didn't have to spend money on things like smart locks.
We're eager to share with you all the details that aided us in launching our short-term rental. Awaiting you is a shopping list and a free printable so you can save both time and money.
In the summer of 2023, we turned a new page in Renty's history by launching our first STR in Greece. Our apartment was listed on Airbnb. Just 2 days after signing the contract with the property management company, we received our first booking and were ready to welcome our guests.
Without further ado, let's dive into the Airbnb shopping list that will be useful to anyone deciding to rent out their apartment or house. This list is handy for both newcomers and seasoned hosts. And don't forget about the free printable waiting for you at the end of the article!
Every detail of a vacation rental impacts the guest experience and the reviews received. A well-furnished and well-equipped room can transform a stay into a delightful getaway and even a source of vivid memories. Ultimately, this is the quickest recipe for a successful STR business.
First things first: the keys.
Make five sets of keys right away:
If you hire a property management company, they'll likely ask you to make up to 4 copies of the key to facilitate their operations.
Prepare cleaning supplies: a mop, broom, dustpan, rags, paper towels, and stain remover. Guests might spill wine, stain the sofa with pizza sauce, or come in with muddy shoes. Leave some cleaning supplies easily accessible so they can address accidental messes.
Store major cleaning items – such as a vacuum cleaner, bucket, surface cleaning agents, and other cleaning materials – in a closet that's locked. This way, they'll only be available to cleaners for thorough and regular apartment clean-ups.
We recommend you choose white bed linens and towels – this makes laundering easier and gives guests an added sense of cleanliness. Store spare sets in a locked cabinet within the apartment, making them inaccessible to guests. This way, the cleaning team can quickly conduct cleaning and change the clean linens faster.
Depending on how many people the property can accommodate, you'll also need the appropriate number of bed sheets and towels. We calculated everything four times because doing the laundry is the slowest part of the cleaning process.
Don't forget about seasonality:
To ensure guests not only have a good night's sleep but also get themselves ready for the day, place the following items within easy reach:
Add an alarm clock; it's a small detail that will reassure a guest who is accustomed to a different time zone and fears oversleeping or mixing up the time.
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Purchase toilet paper, shampoo, shower gel, hand sanitizer, and hand soap in bulk. Stocking up in advance is the key to your peace of mind. Install dispensers in the bathroom for convenient use and ensure there are at least two rolls of toilet paper in the restroom: 1 primary roll for two people for 3 days and 1 backup roll. Store the bulk-bought items in a lockable cleaning cabinet. Don't forget to include a hairdryer.
The rule of multiplying by 4 applies to the bathroom too. For instance, if the property can accommodate 2 people, then you should have a minimum of 8 sets of towels.
In total we got:
Install a hot water timer on the electrical board.
Guests will expect a fully equipped kitchen complete with all kitchenware, including dishes, glasses, plates, bowls, cups, utensils, pots, and pans. To calculate the necessary quantity of dishes, use the simple formula: the number of guests your Airbnb accommodates + 2. For instance, if your apartment is designed for 4 guests, you will need 6 plates, 6 bowls, 6 glasses, and 6 cups. The same principle applies to cutlery.
Cabinets should be stocked with basic amenities: coffee, tea, sugar, oil, spices, etc. While guests might not decide to whip up a curry while on vacation, they are very likely to prepare basic dishes. After all, many travelers opt for short-term rentals precisely for the opportunity to cook for themselves.
Additionally, the kitchen should be equipped with:
Don’t Forget: Safety Essentials
It's imperative that properties are fully equipped and furnished with the following amenities for the safety and security of guests:
Entertainment
While a TV is a basic amenity that can offer relief on a rainy day or help guests unwind after a packed day of sightseeing, it alone might not suffice.
Here's what you can add for a richer experience.
Magazine Selections: Offer a curated selection of magazines that cater to diverse interests—from travel and cooking to sports. They're perfect for those in-between moments when guests are looking for something light to engage with.
Games Selections: Consider providing board games or even a simple deck of cards. It's a fun way for guests to bond and enjoy some downtime, especially if they're traveling in a group.
Book Selections: While it might be challenging to predict every guest's literary taste, having a mix of classic novels and recent bestsellers can add a touch of sophistication to the apartment. And if you're looking for a surefire hit, city or local area guidebooks related to your short-term rental's location are always a thoughtful touch. They not only serve as a resource for guests but also show them that you care about their experience exploring the area.
So you've got the basics down. Your Airbnb listing offers a clean space, fresh linens, and functional WiFi. But in a saturated market where travelers have their pick of listings, it's the extra touches that often tip the scales. Thoughtful amenities not only impress your guests but also enhance their experience, making it more likely that they'll leave a stellar review or even return for another stay.
WiFi Extenders: In today's hyper-connected world, WiFi is non-negotiable. But if your property is large or has multiple floors, a standard router might not cut it. WiFi extenders can ensure a strong, stable connection throughout the space, allowing guests to stream, work, or video-call without interruption.
Smart Locks: Security is a top concern for travelers. Smart locks not only add an extra layer of security but also simplify the check-in and check-out process. No more fumbling with physical keys; guests can access their temporary home via a code or even their smartphone.
Streaming Devices: Offering a TV is good; offering a SMART TV is better. This allows guests to log into their Netflix or Hulu accounts and pick up right where they left off in their binge-watching.
Extra Blankets: It sounds simple, but you'd be surprised how many hosts overlook this. A selection of extra blankets in various weights and materials can make all the difference on a chilly night or simply add a touch of homey comfort.
Quality Coffee Makers: Let's face it, the standard drip coffee maker isn't cutting it anymore. Offering a French press, espresso machine, or even a cold brew maker can delight coffee-loving guests and give them a more luxurious morning experience.
Once all details are in place and a thorough cleaning is done, it's time for a photoshoot. Its task is to showcase the apartment on Airbnb and secure the first bookings. With thousands of competitors on the platform, you need to ensure your apartment stands out as special, be it cozy, sophisticated, or authentic – the choice is yours.
We've set aside 2 days for shopping. One day was dedicated to regular shops, and another to IKEA, Zara Home, and other home decor stores. The local stores of chain brands differ in various countries, giving us the opportunity to pick designs that resonate with the spirit of Greece.
Athens is unique in terms of online shopping. Overall, Greece has a lower purchasing power. As a result, delivery of orders can be quite challenging. For instance, while an Amazon order might take 3 days to arrive in Germany, in Greece it could take up to 30 days. And there's no guarantee it won't get lost.
Factoring in delivery time, one can shop in advance from amazon.es, amazon.it, amazon.fr, and amazon.de, as well as AliExpress or Google Shopping. Athens also has a popular local aggregator, Skroutz, where one can find everything from cleaning sponges to mattresses. However, it's primarily advantageous for electronics, like a Smart TV.
Another tip is to use Google Maps to search for the right online store. Just type in the needed item, for example, "cleaning supplies". Among the search results will be links to store websites where online shopping might be available.
By covering the basics and investing in extra amenities, you not only increase your chances of winning over guests but also pave the way for a successful, long-term hosting experience. In the world of Airbnb, comfort and thoughtfulness prevail.
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