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Essential STR Supplies Checklist

The complete shopping list for your short-term rental. Every item you need, recommended quantities, and where to buy in bulk.

15 min read Beginner

Nothing tanks reviews faster than missing essentials. This comprehensive checklist covers everything from kitchen basics to guest welcome items. Bookmark it and use it for every property setup.

Pro Tip: Buy 3 sets of linens per bed and 2x the towels you think you need. This allows for laundry turnaround without scrambling.

Kitchen Essentials

Cookware

Pots (3 sizes)

Small (2qt), medium (4qt), large (8qt) with lids

Pans (2-3)

8" and 12" skillets, one non-stick recommended

Baking sheets (2)

Half-sheet pans with silicone mats

Baking dish

9x13 glass or ceramic

Utensils & Tools

Cooking utensils

Spatula, slotted spoon, ladle, tongs, whisk, wooden spoons

Knife set

Chef's knife, paring knife, serrated bread knife + knife block

Cutting boards (2)

One large, one small (plastic for easy cleaning)

Measuring tools

Measuring cups, measuring spoons

Mixing bowls (3)

Nesting set, various sizes

Colander

Large, stainless steel or silicone

Can opener

Manual (electric ones break)

Bottle/wine opener

Corkscrew + bottle opener

Vegetable peeler

Simple Y-peeler

Dinnerware & Glassware

Rule of thumb: Provide 2x your max guest count for everything (guests break things).

Dinner plates

2x guest count

Salad/appetizer plates

2x guest count

Bowls

2x guest count (soup/cereal size)

Coffee mugs

2x guest count

Drinking glasses

2x guest count

Wine glasses

4-8 (stemless are more durable)

Flatware set

2x guest count (forks, knives, spoons)

Small Appliances

Coffee maker

Drip machine or Keurig (Keurig = less cleanup)

Toaster

2-slice or 4-slice based on capacity

Electric kettle

For tea, instant oatmeal, etc.

Blender

For smoothies (optional but appreciated)

Kitchen Consumables

Coffee & filters

Or K-cups if using Keurig

Tea bags

Variety pack

Sugar & creamer

Sealed containers or individual packets

Salt & pepper

Grinders look nicer than shakers

Olive oil

Basic cooking oil

Dish soap

Refillable dispenser looks cleaner

Dishwasher pods

If dishwasher equipped

Sponge

Fresh for each guest

Paper towels

1 roll displayed + extras in cabinet

Trash bags

Extra bags under current liner

Aluminum foil & plastic wrap

In drawer or cabinet

Bedroom & Linens

Per Bed

Sheet sets (3)

Fitted, flat, pillowcases. White or light neutrals for hotel feel.

Duvet + cover

White duvet cover, machine-washable

Pillows (4 per King/Queen)

2 firm, 2 soft per bed

Pillow protectors

Waterproof for hygiene

Mattress protector

Waterproof, encasement style

Extra blanket

In closet for cold guests

Bedroom Furniture & Extras

Nightstands (2)

With drawers or shelf space

Bedside lamps (2)

Matching, with USB ports if possible

Dresser

For longer stays

Hangers (10-15 per closet)

Matching wood or velvet

Luggage rack

Foldable, stores in closet

Full-length mirror

Wall-mounted or standing

Blackout curtains

Essential for sleep quality

Bathroom Supplies

Per Bathroom

Bath towels

2 per guest, white preferred

Hand towels

2 per bathroom

Washcloths

2 per guest

Bath mat

Machine-washable

Shower curtain + liner

Or glass door (easier cleaning)

Toilet brush + holder

Enclosed, discreet style

Wastebasket

Small, with lid preferred

Plunger

One per property (store discreetly)

Bathroom Consumables

Toilet paper

2+ rolls visible, extras under sink

Hand soap

Refillable dispenser (no cheap bottles)

Shampoo

Wall-mounted dispenser or quality bottles

Conditioner

Same presentation as shampoo

Body wash

Matches shampoo/conditioner set

Tissues

Box on counter or vanity

Pro Tip: Wall-mounted dispensers look more upscale than bottles and prevent theft. Hotel brand options: Gilchrist & Soames, Hunter Amenities.

Living Areas

Furniture Essentials

Sofa

Stain-resistant fabric (performance velvet, crypton)

Coffee table

With books, tray, candle

Side tables

Lamp placement + drink surfaces

TV + stand/mount

Smart TV with streaming apps

Area rug

Anchors furniture grouping

Throw blankets (2)

Draped on sofa/chair

Throw pillows (4-6)

Varying sizes and textures

Dining Area

Dining table

Seats max guests + 2

Dining chairs

Comfortable for longer meals

High chair

If family-friendly property

Cleaning Supplies

Stock these for guest access and cleaner use:

Vacuum

Upright or stick vacuum (Dyson, Shark)

Broom & dustpan

For quick sweeps

Mop

Swiffer or spin mop

All-purpose cleaner

Mrs. Meyer's, Method, etc.

Glass cleaner

Windex or equivalent

Disinfectant spray/wipes

Lysol, Clorox

Laundry detergent

If washer/dryer provided

Dryer sheets

Or wool dryer balls

Iron + ironing board

Compact, stored in closet

Guest Amenities

Welcome Items

Welcome book/binder

House rules, WiFi, local recommendations

Local snacks

Optional but memorable welcome touch

Bottled water

2-4 bottles in fridge

Convenience Items

Phone chargers

Lightning + USB-C at minimum

Power strips

In bedrooms for travelers

Flashlight

For emergencies

First aid kit

Bandages, pain relievers, antiseptic

Umbrella

1-2 for guest use

Hair dryer

One per bathroom minimum

Games/cards

Board games, deck of cards for rainy days

Books

Coffee table books, local guides

Tech & Safety

Required Safety Items

Smoke detectors

Every floor + bedrooms (test monthly)

Carbon monoxide detector

Required if gas appliances or attached garage

Fire extinguisher

Kitchen + each floor

Emergency numbers card

Police, fire, hospital, your contact

Tech Essentials

Smart lock

Keyless entry (August, Schlage, Yale)

WiFi router

Reliable, password posted visibly

Smart thermostat

Nest, Ecobee for remote control

Noise monitor

Minut, NoiseAware (no recording)

Exterior camera

Ring, Nest - disclosed in listing

Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor seating

Weather-resistant chairs/sofa

Outdoor table

For dining or drinks

Grill

Propane or charcoal + supplies

Outdoor cushions

Weather-resistant, bring in seasonally

String lights

Create ambiance

Doormat

Front and back entrances

Where to Buy in Bulk

Category Best Sources
Linens & Towels Amazon Basics, Target (Casaluna), Standard Textile
Kitchen Essentials Amazon, IKEA, WebstaurantStore
Consumables Costco, Amazon Subscribe & Save, Sam's Club
Furniture Wayfair, IKEA, Facebook Marketplace, Amazon
Decor HomeGoods, Target, H&M Home, Wayfair
Tech/Smart Home Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot
Cleaning Supplies Costco, Amazon Subscribe & Save
Budget Tip: Create Amazon wishlists for each category. When setting up a new property, you can quickly order everything needed without forgetting items.

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