HostPrep Kit / Free guides

Airbnb supplies list: what to stock, par levels and linen counts

Guests notice two things about supplies: when something basic is missing, and when a host has thought ahead. A clear supplies list, with a set amount for each item, takes care of both.

This guide covers what to stock in each room, how to set par levels so restocking becomes a quick count, and how much linen you need to keep turnovers moving.

Supplies by room

Start with the basics, then add what suits your property and your guests. A city studio for business travelers needs different things from a family cabin.

Kitchen

• Dish soap, sponges and a dish brush
• Dishwasher tablets, if there is a dishwasher
• Paper towels and trash bags
• Salt, pepper and cooking oil
• Coffee, tea, sugar and filters if needed
• Aluminum foil or food wrap
• A starter pack of cleaning spray and cloths

Bathroom

• Toilet paper: at least two rolls per toilet plus spares
• Hand soap at each sink
• Shampoo, conditioner and body wash
• Bath towels, hand towels, washcloths and a bath mat
• A hair dryer
• A small trash can with liners
• A plunger and toilet brush

Bedrooms

• Mattress protectors and pillow protectors on every bed
• Two pillows per guest, plus a spare
• Extra blanket in each room
• Hangers: around eight per wardrobe
• A lamp or light within reach of each side of the bed

Living area and general

• Spare light bulbs and batteries for remotes
• A basic first aid kit
• A flashlight
• Laundry detergent if there is a washing machine
• An iron and ironing board, or a steamer
• Your welcome book and Wi-Fi sign

Check local rules for any required safety equipment, such as smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms or a fire extinguisher. Requirements differ by place.

Small extras guests notice

None of these are essential, but they are cheap and often mentioned in reviews:

• A phone charger with common cable types by the bed
• A few local snacks or a bottle of water on arrival
• Makeup remover wipes, so guests do not use the white towels
• A sewing kit, cotton swabs and a few disposable razors
• Basic spices, a bottle of vinegar and a pack of pasta for a first-night meal
• A pack of playing cards or a board game
• An umbrella by the door

Keep a note of which extras guests actually use. Restock those and drop the rest.

Set a par level for each item

A par level is the amount you always want on hand. When the count drops below it, you restock. It turns "Do we need more toilet paper?" into a simple number.

1. Work out use per stay. How much of the item one booking usually uses. Toilet paper might be four rolls for a weekend.
2. Count stays between shopping trips. If you restock every two weeks and have three stays a week, that is six stays.
3. Multiply and add a buffer. Use per stay x stays between trips, plus about 25 percent extra for busy weeks and larger groups.
4. Write the par level on the shelf or the list. Your cleaner can then count and report what is short.

Example: four rolls per stay x six stays = 24 rolls, plus 25 percent = 30 rolls. If the count is 12, buy 18.

In a spreadsheet, put par level in column C and the count in column D. To buy: =MAX(0,C2-D2). Cost: =E2*UnitPrice, using a column for the price you usually pay.

How much linen you need

A common rule is three sets of sheets and towels for every bed: one on the bed, one in the wash and one ready on the shelf. If you have back-to-back bookings or send linen to a laundry service that takes a few days, four sets is safer.

• Sheets: 3 sets per bed (flat or fitted sheet, duvet cover)
• Pillowcases: 3 per pillow
• Bath towels and hand towels: 3 per guest at maximum occupancy
• Bath mats: 3 per bathroom
• Mattress and pillow protectors: 2 per bed, so one can be washed

Choose one color, usually white, for all linen. It is easier to match, easier to bleach and easier to replace.

Tips

• Keep a locked owner's closet for spare stock, so guests do not use it all
• Buy in bulk for items you use every stay, but only once you know your real use
• Ask your cleaner to report anything below par in the handover note
• Check supplies again after your first few bookings and adjust par levels
• Replace stained or thin towels promptly. Guests photograph them.
• Keep receipts for supplies together in one folder, so you know what each month really costs
• Label shelves in the owner's closet so anyone restocking can see where each item goes