The Airbnb Essentials List That Earned Me 9 Years of 5 Stars
By Ryan Drew | Superhost and Vacation Rental Expert | Last Updated April 29, 2026
After 9 years hosting in Boise and testing hundreds of products across my own listings, I’ve narrowed it down to the items that actually move the needle on reviews — and the ones that don’t. This is that list. Not a generic roundup. Every item here is something I’ve bought, used, and kept buying.
I’ve organized it by room so you can work through your rental section by section. If you want a shorter, printable version, grab the 86-item interactive checklist here — you can tick items off as you go.
“Bedding and bathroom supplies are where guests notice quality most. Spend more there than anywhere else. Guests remember how they slept and how the bathroom felt — not the throw pillows.”
Quick Reference: What Matters Most
Airbnb Bathroom Essentials
Guests judge your bathroom harder than any other room. A hotel-quality bathroom — white towels, clean dispenser, soft toilet paper — signals that you take hosting seriously. Cut corners here and it shows up in your reviews within weeks.
- ☐ Hotel-Quality Bath Towels
- ☐ Hand Towels & Wash Cloths
- ☐ Bulk Body Wash
- ☐ Bulk Shampoo & Conditioner
- ☐ Shower Soap Dispenser
- ☐ Black Makeup Washcloths
- ☐ Shower Walk-Off Mat
- ☐ Hotel Quality Hand Soaps
- ☐ Hair Dryer
- ☐ Towel Hooks
- ☐ Trash Can
- ☐ Toilet Plunger
- ☐ Toilet Paper
- ☐ Shower Curtain
We tested and ranked every major towel, shampoo dispenser, and toiletry for short-term rentals.
Airbnb Bedroom Essentials
Sleep quality is the single biggest driver of 5-star reviews. “Comfortable bed” or “great sleep” appears in more of my positive reviews than any other phrase. This is where to spend your budget — not on decor.
I use the same sheets, pillows, and mattress protector across all my Boise listings. White, hotel-style, easy to bleach. The mattress protector has saved me from replacing mattresses more times than I can count.
- ☐ Comfortable Mattress
- ☐ Mattress Protector
- ☐ Bed Frame
- ☐ Hotel Quality Bed Sheets
- ☐ Hotel Quality Pillows
- ☐ Pillow Protectors
- ☐ Hypoallergenic Comforter
- ☐ Duvet Cover
- ☐ Throw Blanket
- ☐ Rollaway Folding Bed
- ☐ Mattress Topper
- ☐ USB Alarm Clock
- ☐ Luggage Rack
- ☐ End Tables
- ☐ USB Table Lamps
- ☐ Full-Height Mirror
- ☐ Crib
- ☐ Noise Maker
- ☐ Hangers for Clothing
- ☐ Tissues
Sheets, pillows, mattresses — tested across multiple listings after 100+ washes. Here’s what actually holds up.
Airbnb Living Room Essentials
Airbnb living rooms should include a smart TV, fast Wi-Fi, and a charging station. Furniture should be comfortable and easy to clean — leather works well. Table lamps with built-in outlets and USB ports add convenience guests actually use.
- ☐ Smart Television
- ☐ Super-Fast Wi-Fi Router
- ☐ DVD / Blu-Ray Player
- ☐ Wi-Fi Password Frame
- ☐ Smart Thermostat
- ☐ Charging Station
- ☐ No Smoking Signage
- ☐ Colorful Throw Pillows
- ☐ Board Games and Cards
- ☐ Books on Local Topics
- ☐ Streaming Services
- ☐ TV Safety Straps
- ☐ Coasters
Smart locks, thermostats, routers — the living room tech that actually improves your reviews.
Airbnb Safety Essentials
Guest safety and security are top priorities. These items also protect you legally as a host. Every item on this list is non-negotiable.
- ☐ Smart Door Lock
- ☐ Video Doorbell
- ☐ Video Surveillance
- ☐ Key Lockbox
- ☐ Fire Extinguisher
- ☐ First Aid Kit
- ☐ Smoke Detectors
- ☐ Carbon Monoxide Detector
- ☐ Outlet Protectors
- ☐ Window Safety Locks
- ☐ Cordless Blinds
- ☐ Fire Blanket
- ☐ Emergency Lighting
- ☐ Fire Egress Ladder
Airbnb Kitchen Essentials
One major reason guests choose Airbnb over hotels is the ability to cook. A well-stocked kitchen is a booking driver — guests filter for it specifically. Start with a great coffee setup. Everything else follows.
- ☐ Quality K-Cup Coffee (Bulk)
- ☐ Coffee Station Organizer
- ☐ Tea Bag Sampler Packs
- ☐ Pots & Pans
- ☐ Plates / Dishes
- ☐ Silverware
- ☐ Coffee Cups & Glasses
- ☐ Knives
- ☐ Rice Cooker
- ☐ Spice Rack
- ☐ Water Filter Pitcher
- ☐ Cooking Oil Dispenser
- ☐ Smoothie Maker / Juicer
- ☐ Salad Spinner
- ☐ Kitchen Scissors
- ☐ Mixing Bowls
- ☐ Kitchen Utensils
- ☐ Strainer / Colander
- ☐ Wine Opener
- ☐ Wine Glasses
- ☐ Dish Towels & Garbage Can
- ☐ Meat Thermometer & Grater
- ☐ Pizza Cutter & Dish Drying Rack
- ☐ Dishwashing Soap & Sponges
- ☐ Food Storage / Tupperware
- ☐ Garbage Bags & Hot Pads
- ☐ Salt, Pepper & Sugar
- ☐ Sandwich Bags & Matches
Stove / Oven
Microwave
Toaster →
Coffee Machine →
Dishwasher
Blender →
Electric Mixer →
Garbage Disposal
Coffee makers, cookware, knife blocks — our tested kitchen picks for high-turnover rentals.
Airbnb Utility Room Must-Haves
- ☐ Ironing Board
- ☐ Iron and Spray Bottle
- ☐ Hamper / Laundry Sorter
- ☐ Retractable Clothes Line
- ☐ Dryer Sheets for Linens
- ☐ Spot / Stain Remover
- ☐ Laundry Detergent
Airbnb Cleaning Essentials
- ☐ Vacuum (Dyson Cordless)
- ☐ Ozone Machine — eliminates odors completely between guests
- ☐ Broom & Dustpan
- ☐ Mop
- ☐ Cleaning Supplies / Disinfectant
- ☐ Bleach
- ☐ Carpet Spot Remover
- ☐ Rags
Family-Friendly Airbnb Amenities for Kids
Family bookings are often longer stays and higher value. Adding a few child-safety items lets you check the “suitable for children” filter on Airbnb and open your listing to a larger booking audience.
- ☐ Baby Bath & Baby Monitor
- ☐ Crib & High Chair
- ☐ Stair Gates
- ☐ Plastic Cups, Plates & Utensils
- ☐ Fireplace Guards
- ☐ Table Corner Guards
- ☐ Window Guards
- ☐ Bibs & Changing Table
- ☐ Bottle Warmer
- ☐ Pool Floats & Pool Games
- ☐ Outdoor Games & Bicycles
- ☐ Kids Books and Toys
- ☐ Board Games
- ☐ Gaming Console
- ☐ Bunk Beds & Night Lights
- ☐ Babysitter Recommendations List
Outdoor Airbnb Supplies
Outdoor spaces are among the most-searched amenities on Airbnb. A fire pit, BBQ, or hot tub can push your nightly rate significantly higher and fill shoulder-season dates that otherwise sit empty.
- ☐ Durable Outdoor Furniture
- ☐ Umbrella & Lounge Chairs
- ☐ Hot Tub or Jacuzzi
- ☐ Outdoor Heaters
- ☐ Kids Play Area
- ☐ Hammock & Porch Swing
- ☐ Fire Pit & Wood
- ☐ S’mores Supplies
- ☐ Outdoor Blanket
- ☐ BBQ Grill & Charcoal
- ☐ Hornet / Wasp Catcher
- ☐ Mood Lighting
- ☐ Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers
- ☐ Landscaping — mow, stain fence, level pavers
Airbnb Business Traveler Essentials
Business travelers book longer, pay more, and leave cleaner. These items get you into the “work-friendly” filter and attract a higher-value guest type.
- ☐ Fast, Reliable Wi-Fi (50+ Mbps)
- ☐ Dedicated Workspace with Good Chair
- ☐ Office Supplies & Good Lighting
- ☐ Power Strips with USB Ports
- ☐ Quiet Environment
- ☐ Self Check-In
- ☐ Local Information Guide
Luxury Airbnb Amenities
These aren’t essentials — they’re differentiators. Pick the ones that match your listing type and target guest.
- ☐ Plush Robes & Slippers
- ☐ Premium Sleep Setup
- ☐ Indulgent Bath Products
- ☐ Gourmet Breakfast Items
- ☐ Daily / Mid-Stay Housekeeping
- ☐ Curated Local Bar
- ☐ Personalized Welcome Note
- ☐ Local Insights & Guidebook
- ☐ Outdoor Comfort Upgrades
Airbnb Essentials for Pets
Pet-friendly listings charge a pet fee and fill faster in most markets. A few targeted items lets you flip on the pet-friendly filter without much extra cost.
- ☐ Pet Sleeping Area
- ☐ Water & Food Bowls
- ☐ Pet Toys & Treats
- ☐ Pee Pad
- ☐ Pet First-Aid Kit
- ☐ Pet Waste Bags
- ☐ Pet Bed or Blanket
- ☐ Pet Gate & Pet Carrier
- ☐ Chew Toys
- ☐ Pet-Friendly Cleaning Supplies
Airbnb Beach Essentials
- ☐ Beach Towels & Blankets
- ☐ Canoes / Kayaks
- ☐ Coolers
- ☐ Adirondack Chairs & Umbrellas
- ☐ Beach Bags & Beach Hats
- ☐ Sunscreen
- ☐ Beach Toys & Beach Games
- ☐ Snorkeling Gear
- ☐ Flip Flops
- ☐ Waterproof Speaker
- ☐ Portable BBQ Grill
- ☐ Inflatable Rafts
Accessible Airbnb Amenities
Accessibility features unlock a dedicated Airbnb filter and a guest segment that has very few options. Even partial implementation — grab bars, wide doorways — is worth noting in your listing.
- ☐ Accessible Pool / Hot Tub
- ☐ Ramps / Stair Retrofit
- ☐ Disabled Parking Spot
- ☐ Lighted Pathway at Entrance
- ☐ Flat / Smooth Walkway to Door
- ☐ Lowered Cooking Surfaces
- ☐ Lowered Vanity Height
- ☐ Grab Bars in Shower
- ☐ Braille Signage
- ☐ ADA Door Hardware
- ☐ Large Doors (36″ min)
- ☐ One-Hand Faucet Operation
- ☐ Roll-In Shower (Barrier Free)
- ☐ Folding Shower Bench
- ☐ Accessible (Taller) Toilet
- ☐ Wide Clearances Throughout (36″)
86 must-have items organized by room. Click, tick off, shop. Free download — no signup required.
- → Airbnb Bathroom Essentials — towels, dispensers & toiletries
- → Airbnb Bedroom Essentials — sheets, pillows & mattresses tested
- → Airbnb Living Room Essentials — smart tech & furniture
- → Airbnb Kitchen Essentials — coffee, cookware & appliances
- → Airbnb Beach Essentials
- → Interactive Checklist — 86 items to tick off as you shop
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