How to stock your airbnb best practices

Question

I recently converted my home into a STR. I wanted to stock it with nice to haves like laundry detergent, drying sheets, shampoo, body wash, conditioner, scent oils for a diffuser etc. So far I have been providing a fixed amount that should suffice for a few days. But people are able to book for as long as they want. And if they run out they get more of these nice to haves themselves. My question is about what the best practice here. Should I provide enough for the entire stay? should I put all my available stock in a closet somewhere and leave it up to trust?

John Underwood · Answer

Just clearly state that you supply a starter supply of listed items and you should be fine.

Sarah Kensinger · Answer

We have a property just north of yours and to be honest I would not be leaving a ton of supplies out for the type of guest avatar that comes through. The only exception is dishwasher pods, we leave the entire tub out. But most stays in that market are 7-10 days, so leave enough out for that and then if the guest runs out, they will need to supply their own supplies. If a guest pitches enough of a fit about running out, you can Instacart supplies within a couple hours.

Andrew Steffens · Answer

We are in Tampa so a similar market.

We provide a starter set which is clearly communicated to guests (thought some people do not like it and clearly do not read which you cannot help) generally consisting of:

- 2 Laundry Pods

- 2 Dishwasher pods

- 2 Rolls of Toilet Paper per bathroom

- 2 Paper Towel Rolls

- 2 Trashbags

- All soaps are refillable including dish soap, hand soap, and body washes/shampoos.

They are expected to get their own should they run out of anything.  This works well I would say 98% of the time.

Jeremy Jareckyj · Answer

Standard stock is fine. If they book for longer stays, I would message them and make them aware that you do a starter pack of supplies and then it is their responsibility to restock.

Madri Koppe · Answer

I think it’s normal and expected that hosts provide an initial supply of these items. You want to make this clear that additional items need to be purchased by the guests so they are aware. This should be on the posting. If you do get someone who stays for an extended period you can remind them again after the booking.

Jonathan Soto · Answer

just specify you have starter items in your listing

Christina B. · Answer

Hi Jonathan. There's no precise figure because no one will understand your STR or market as well as you do- or, as well as you will (with time). When I first began, working with a property management company, they asked me to provide (and list clearly) the starter set that came with the house. It was on the more limited side in general (for a few days' worth). However, we left out a fairly full container of laundry pods. Guests seemed fine with this (or would say something privately, thank goodness- not in reviews). However, we have a higher end market so it always struck me as strange that we'd only provide such a small amount since it doesn't cost that much more to provide more. Then, a guest got called out for sneaking in 4 dogs (we only allow 2). And after their visit, more than 48 of those detergent pods "disappeared". So we moved to liquid and only leaving it a third full. Etc.

When I took over management, I've gone with providing more since having a well-stocked kitchen and house seems more consistent with the experience we want to provide. But I try to balance that "more" with reasonable use (for the time period they're there). It's adjustable based on size, erring on the side of generosity. So, for example, a 4-night stay for a group of 12? 2 extra toilet paper rolls in every bathroom (we have 4), extra paper towels, extra trash bags, at least 8 dishwasher pods, etc. But a 4-night stay for 2 persons? We'll still provide extra but just not quite as much.

Beyond check lists, getting stocks replenished correctly and consistently is really dependent on the cleaners and quality review. Re-stock is supposed to happen a certain way but I recently had a group staying for Christmas who reached out to ask if there were extra paper towels. There should have been but this was missed in the rush of holidays and high traffic. I apologized and said (and truly meant) I'd follow up on it and improve for the future. They luckily took it in stride (and the grocery store is 10-minutes away) and still left us a 5-star review.

But now, I'm wondering what can be simplified and what are more sustainable practices in the long run. So I'm still learning all the time. And I can see why the different offerings (some stock light, others heavily) make sense. The more you provide, the more complicated it gets for your cleaner or whoever manages quality review. I wouldn't leave it all to trust, however. For most guests, you'd be fine. But a few guests are going to burn you. Also, keeping track of inventory is important as well (as is a trustworthy cleaner and that can get tricky if you have too much stock). You'll figure it out over time.

Andrew Street · Answer

Hello Jonathan! Providing essentials like laundry detergent, toiletries, and scent oils is a great touch for guests! It's common practice to stock enough for a few days, as you've been doing, and let guests purchase more if needed for longer stays. To keep things simple, you could store extra supplies in a locked closet. This approach balances guest convenience with managing costs and inventory.

Happy to connect and share more tips!

Jorge Vazquez · Answer

Hey Jonathan, after managing rentals for years, I’d say stick to providing a “starter supply” of the basics like TP, trash bags, and soap—it’s what most guests expect. Just let them know upfront they’ll need to restock for longer stays. Lock away extra supplies; trust is great, but accidents (or curious kids) happen. And watch out with scents—unscented products keep everyone happy. Keeps costs low and guests satisfied!

Garrett Brown · Answer

Hey Jonathan! Sounds like you are going to be a good host already. I would stock around 4 Tide pods, 4 dryer sheets, 4 things of TP per bathroom, full roll of trash bags ( I would leave that one up to trust that they are using for a valid reason)., 2-4 paper towel rolls, etc. You can also leave out some bulk hotel toothbrush/toothpastes, make up removers, earplugs, sleeping masks, etc. if you really want to step up a "In Case You Forgot" basket.You can keep a closet with extra of things that has a lock on it and if someone is irrate because they don't have enough pods, you can at least have a back up solution for them if you choose too. Main thing I would think of if you are targeting families are things like pack and plays, cribs, gamerooms for kids, etc. as well. You'll learn what works best for your property as it rolls along.

How to stock your airbnb best practices

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