By Ryan Drew | Superhost and Vacation Rental Expert | Last Updated February 5, 2025
As an Airbnb host with over 10 years of experience, I’ve seen countless trends and practices come and go, but one thing has remained consistent: making sure my guests feel taken care of goes a long way toward earning positive reviews and repeat bookings. One area that often causes hesitation among hosts is leaving extra toiletries, towels, sheets, and trash bags for guests. Some hosts worry about theft and the extra cost associated with providing more than enough supplies. But after a decade of hosting, I can confidently say that the benefits far outweigh the risks.
The Reluctance of Some Hosts: Worries About Theft
The thought of leaving extra supplies for guests can feel risky to many hosts. Toiletries, towels, and sheets aren’t cheap, and when you leave extras in the property, it’s natural to wonder whether a guest might take advantage of the situation. Theft is a common concern among hosts, especially when it comes to higher-value items like towels and linens.
However, despite these concerns, I’ve found that theft isn’t as big of an issue as some might expect. Over the years, I’ve rarely encountered situations where guests took more than they needed or wanted. Most guests treat the property with respect, and if they do take something home, it’s usually something small, like a towel. But in my experience, the occasional missing item is a small price to pay for the overall guest experience.
The Benefits of Leaving Extras: Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere
Leaving extra towels, toiletries, sheets, and trash bags can enhance the overall experience for your guests. When guests feel that you’ve gone the extra mile to ensure their comfort, it contributes to a positive stay. Here are a few reasons why it’s worth leaving extras:
- Guests Appreciate Convenience: Having extra towels, toiletries, and trash bags available for guests gives them the peace of mind that they won’t run out of essentials during their stay. It’s a simple way to make them feel like they are at home, and it can save them from having to ask you for more.
- Fewer Complaints: By providing ample supplies, you reduce the chances of complaints about things running out too soon. No one likes the feeling of being short on essentials, and ensuring there are extra towels, soap, and trash bags shows that you’ve thought ahead and care about their comfort.
- Increased Positive Reviews: Small details, like ensuring guests have enough toiletries and towels, can lead to positive reviews. When guests are comfortable and don’t have to worry about running out of things, they are more likely to leave favorable feedback.
Starter Packs: Why They’re Not the Best Idea
Some hosts leave “starter packs” for guests—just enough toiletries, towels, and trash bags for a couple of days. This can feel like a cost-effective option, but in my experience, it’s not the best route to take.
While the idea of limiting supplies may seem smart, starter packs can actually lead to negative guest experiences. Here’s why:
- Guests Feel Limited: A starter pack might provide just enough for a day or two, but what if guests need more? They may feel uncomfortable asking for additional supplies, and leaving them with an empty feeling is not ideal for a positive experience. Guests often want to be able to help themselves when they need something, and leaving them to fend for themselves with limited supplies creates unnecessary frustration.
- Unnecessary Hassle for You: If guests run out of something essential like shampoo or towels, you may be asked to supply more during their stay. If you’re not available or don’t respond quickly enough, this can lead to frustration. By offering extras upfront, you reduce the chances of this happening.
- Potentially Negative Reviews: Guests who feel they didn’t have enough supplies may leave a review mentioning the lack of towels or toiletries, which could impact your ratings. A guest’s perception of “not enough” can affect their overall experience, even if they didn’t need the extras.
The Takeaway: The Value of Having Extras
After hosting for over 10 years, I can say with confidence that leaving extra toiletries, towels, sheets, and trash bags for guests is the better approach. While theft is always a small risk, it’s a risk that doesn’t significantly impact your bottom line. By providing more than enough, you create a welcoming environment where guests feel comfortable and taken care of. This can lead to better reviews, happier guests, and more repeat bookings.
So, if you’re hesitating to leave extras because you’re worried about theft, I encourage you to rethink that decision. You’ll find that guests will appreciate the effort, and the positive outcomes far outweigh the minor costs of replenishing the supplies.
