Category: cooking

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When I embarked on the Airbnb life, there were so many things to consider.  Trying to plan for multiple what-if scenarios and the wide array of weather possibilities, it is super easy to fill up suitcases before you even blink an eye. 

But I only had one car, and I had no option but to fit everything I’d need into that one car.  From clothing to medications, to electronics to home conveniences, the car filled up super quick!  At some point I had to put my foot down.  I had to realize that I may just have to do without some items, or I may have to buy them as I go.  Or if I’m lucky, my host may actually have some of the things I’ve left behind.

I realize that a lot goes into making an Airbnb home aesthetically pleasing, and having numerous odds and ends may detract from a host’s efforts to keep things simple and clutter-free.  I completely get that. 

But if there are ways to add a few of these items to your space without sacrificing your look, please give it some thought.  You may not realize how handy these items are to Airbnb guests, especially the long-term ones, but I promise you, the perfect small gesture makes such a big difference.

I also realize you don’t want to break the bank with random knick-knacks and unnecessary items. The good news is that some of these items can be picked up on trip to your local dollar store or Walmart. Or even easier, some can be purchased with a quick click on Amazon, and then tucked away in your home pretty easily.

Here’s my list of simple amenities that add value to my stay as a long-term Airbnb guest, and I’ll link to a few things as well:

KITCHEN

• Oven mitts: Cute and clean, not dingy and old.
• Dish towels: I’m all about reusing and reducing, so going through paper towel after paper towel is annoying to me.
• Toaster: Basic is good, no need to get fancy. Just something that I can toast a bagel or waffle in.
• Chip clips: This is such an overlooked necessity. I like sealing everything that I open.
• Olive oil: I’ve been carrying my own but it’s nice if there’s some in the house in case I run out.
• Paper towel holder: It’s perfectly fine to set the towels on the counter, but a holder is great to have.
• Dish soap dispenser: Makes washing dishes so much more convenient.
• Dish drying rack: Some people prefer to wash dishes in between dishwasher loads, so a rack helps.
• Full set of silverware: Two sets are even better. It takes a while to fill up a dishwasher load, so going through four spoons happens pretty quickly.
• Cooking utensils: Nothing fancy, just a spatula, large spoon, and wooden spoon. Long term visitors will likely cook a meal or two.
• Pots and pans: Clean and usable (ie., non-crusty). I am begging you, please do not just leave your crustiest dishware that you know is well past its lifespan for your guests to use. Opt for an inexpensive set of a couple of pots and pans. I’d rather it be cheap than crusty.
• Cookie sheets: These have been the unsung hero of my airbnb stays. You don’t realize how many things get reheated in the oven until you don’t have a cookie sheet.
• Cutting boards: Otherwise people may opt to cut directly onto your counter…and you may not want that. Cutting boards will help. And if it’s a set that has a different board for meat, veggie, etc…even better!
• Mat for the kitchen: Drips happen. It’s nice to have a floor mat by the sink.
• Tea kettle: I boil water every day for some reason or another. Though pots do the trick, I love not having to watch the pot while I wait for my water to boil…the whistle gets my attention just perfectly.
• Counter spray: I love Method which is good for pets and children, but whatever works best for you is perfect.

BATHROOM

• Qtips and cotton balls: Always a good bathroom staple
• Sewing kit: When I purchased pants and they had a hole in them, I was so happy to see a needle and thread in my host’s bathroom.
• Hand lotion: Hotel samples or a small bottle next to each sink is wonderful!
• Hair dryer: This is a pain to lug around, so it’s so convenient if there is one in the home
• Disinfectant wipes/cleaning spray: It’s nice to have a few handy for guests.

BEDROOM/LIVING ROOM

• Full length mirror: I like knowing how I look from head to toe. What if my shoes look stupid?? I need to know! This is definitely something you could get inexpensively from your local Walmart or Target.
• Extension cords: Everything in our lives requires a plug, and wall sockets just aren’t enough.
• Chargers/wall adapters: A little help with the effort of staying powered up is so appreciated.
• Hangers: A walk-in closet means nothing without hangers and they are so bulky for travelers.
• Lamps: There’s something nice about soft lighting. Sometmes overhead lights can be a bit harsh and it’s nice to have options.
• Tissues/Kleenex: Just toss a box on the nightstand, perfect!
• Ironing board: A small dorm sized one is fine.
• Hamper/laundry basket: As a long-term guest, having a place to put dirty laundry is really nice to have.
• Extra blankets/comforters: For the couch or to layer up onto the bed, definitely a thoughtful touch.
• Rug: If you have hardwood, a landing pad for your feet is really nice when you hop out of bed.

BONUS ITEMS (Not necessary, but definitely nice to have)

• A second tv: Definitely not a must, but certainly nice when multiple people are staying long-term.
• Dressers: Long-term guests will want to unpack. Having designated spaces for clothes is really helpful.
• Nightstands: You don’t appreciate them until you don’t have them, that’s for sure. A bedside space for your gadgets and medications is helpful.
• Desk: Because I’m full-time teleworking on the road, it’s so nice to have a designated space for those times that I want to sit at a desk, particularly when I am on web meetings and such.
• Blender: It is totally not necessary to have a vitamix or some kind of super expensive appliance, a blender of any sort would be nice to have on standby for long term guests. Not every guest will use it, but for the ones that will, they will appreciate that it’s there.

I do not expect every house to have EVERY item. I realize that a lot of these may not even be feasible due to space constraints. And trust me, your guests realize that as well. I also know that running an airbnb can be costly, exhausting, and sometimes less-important things have to go by the wayside. I know that every experience is unique in its own way, and whether you have a sewing kit or not will not sway a guest’s opinion one way or another. Please use these lists however you see fit.