Successfully managing a vacation rental requires a lot of preparation. From complying with local regulatory laws to knowing what to stock for your guests, there’s a lot to think about. Most short-term rental hosts start their business without any training or experience. There’s no guidebook to running a short-term rental—you learn by doing. But wouldn’t it be great to have a checklist of all the things you need to be a great host? We thought so too! In this article, you’ll find a full vacation rental inventory checklist complete with all the supplies you’ll need to wow your guests, leaving them happy and eager to write a positive review.
What to stock in your vacation rental kitchen
One of the best perks of staying in a short-term rental instead of a hotel is having the ability to cook your own meals. A kitchen with no supplies and gadgets isn’t of much use. Here’s a list of items to stock in your vacation rental kitchen so guests can create their own family meals and lasting memories.
Appliances
- Toaster
- Coffee maker
- Tea kettle
- Blender
- Brita water pitcher
- Ice trays (2)
Cookware and bakeware
- Pots and pans set
- Non-stick skillet
- Cutting boards
- Baking sheets (2)
- Glass baking dishes (2)
- Mixing bowls
- Oven mitts
- Hot pads
Dinnerware and glasses
- Dinner plates (2x occupancy)
- Salad plates (2x occupancy)
- Bowls (2x occupancy)
- Mugs (2x occupancy)
- Water glasses (occupancy +4)
- Stemless wine glasses (occupancy +2)
Flatware and utensils
- Forks (2x occupancy)
- Spoons (2x occupancy)
- Knives (2x occupancy)
- Chef’s knives
- Scissors
- Wooden spoons
- Cooking utensils
Serveware
- Serving platters (4)
- Salad bowl
- Serving bowls (2)
- Serving pitcher
- Cheese board
Pantry
- Ground coffee
- Tea
- Sugar
- Stevia sweetener
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Seasonings
Cleaning and storage
- Paper towels
- Trash bin
- Trash bags
- Recycling bin
- Dishwashing soap
- Soap dispenser
- All-purpose cleaner
- Kitchen towels (8)
- Linen napkins (12)
- Glass Tupperware set (6)
- Knife block
- Utensil holder
- Cutlery organizer
- Paper towel holder
- Sponge holder
What to stock in your vacation rental bedroom
Guests view their time away from home as a chance to relax and recharge from their everyday routine. This includes a good night’s sleep! Make sure you make the beds with high-quality sheets, warm blankets, and comfortable pillows. Sure, supplying your guests with lower-quality bedding might be cost-effective. However, having high-quality bedding provides your guests with a more comfortable stay and could be the difference between a bad and good review.
- Duvet cover (2 per bed size)
- Duvet insert (1 per bed size)
- Mattress pad (1 per bed size)
- Mattress (1 per bed size)
- Pillows
- Sheet set (2x per bed size)
- Pillowcases (4x per bed size)
- Pack and Play sheet set
- Luggage rack (1 per bedroom)
- Extra throw blankets
What to stock in your vacation rental bathroom
A tidy and clean bathroom filled with high-quality products provides guests with a spa-like experience. This starts with the basics, from appliances to luxury travel-sized toiletries. When it comes to bath towels, a common rule of thumb is to leave two per guest. You might also consider having a closet with a few extra towels stocked.
Bathroom basics
- Handsoap
- Hairdryer (2x per home)
- Plunger and brush caddy
- Shower setup
- Curtain and liner
- Rings
- Rod
- Toilet paper
- Tissues
- Wastebasket and extra bags
- Floor mat
Towels
- Bath (2x occupancy)
- Hand (2x occupancy)
- Washcloths (2x occupancy)
Bath products
- Shower gel
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
Housekeeping supplies for your vacation rental
Stock up on these basic organization and cleaning supplies so guests can unpack, unwind, and keep their space tidy.
Cleaning supplies
- Disinfectant
- All-purpose cleaner
- Vacuum
- Spray mop
- Floor cleaner
- Broom and dustpan
- Paper towels
- Sponges
- Dishwasher detergent
- Dish soap
- Bleach
Laundry
- Laundry detergent
- Clothing hangers (100 per home)
- Iron and ironing board
- Drying rack
Power
- Light bulbs
- Power strips
- Extension cords
Trash
- Large trash bags
- Small trash bags
- Kitchen trash bags
What to provide for your vacation rental outdoor space
Outdoor space is a top amenity for guests. You want to ensure guests have everything they need so the outdoor space is as functional and comfortable as being inside. If your vacation rental has a yard, patio, deck, or porch, consider supplying these items to improve your guests’ outdoor experience.
- Tables and chairs
- Grill
- Grilling tools and brush
- Lighter
- Fire pit
- Marshmallow sticks
- Plastic tumblers
- Hammock
- Yard games
- Pool towels
We believe that maintaining your vacation rental should be as easy as checking a few boxes. Our vacation rental inventory checklist is a great place to start, but if you’d rather enjoy more positive reviews, increased occupancy, and maximized revenue without having to do a thing, partner with AvantStay for end-to-end vacation rental management.
We offer flexible management programs to give you peace of mind. From financials to design to maintenance, we take care of your home as if it were our own. Our proprietary tech suite powers bookings, operationalizes in-field management, and activates an elevated guest experience. We take care of all the work to maximize your home’s income so you can sit back and reap the rewards—it’s that simple. Get started with our vacation rental management experts today!