What supplies do I need for my first guest?

Linens and towels, toiletries, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, trash bags, kitchen basics, light bulbs, batteries and a first-aid kit. The supplies list below is a good starting point.

What safety items are necessary?

Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit and clear emergency information. Check local requirements as they vary.

How far ahead should I prepare?

Start at least two weeks before your first booking, so you can test everything and fix problems.

Should I stay at the property for a trial night?

A trial night, or having a friend stay, is one of the best ways to find problems before real guests do.

Airbnb Host Checklist: What to Do Before Your First Guest

By Master Modules Hosting editorial team · Updated October 25, 2026

How the Airbnb host toolkit works, step by step before the first guest

Before the first guest arrives, confirm the rules, test the safety equipment, stock the supplies, prepare the guest information and do a full trial run. This checklist helps you work through that in order. Tick off each item and keep the list to reuse when you add another property.

1. Legal and administrative

[ ] Local permit, registration or license, if required
[ ] Insurance reviewed with your insurer
[ ] Lease, mortgage or association rules checked
[ ] Tax registration where required
[ ] A separate bank account or card for the rental
[ ] A simple log to record bookings and expenses

Rules vary by place. Check your local government and ask a qualified professional when in doubt.

2. Safety

[ ] Smoke detectors in bedrooms and hallways, tested
[ ] Carbon monoxide detector near sleeping areas and fuel appliances
[ ] Fire extinguisher where guests can find it
[ ] First-aid kit
[ ] Emergency numbers posted
[ ] Locks and window latches working
[ ] Clear exits and no tripping hazards
[ ] Hot water temperature set safely

3. Comfort and basics

[ ] Comfortable mattress, at least two pillows per bed
[ ] Two sets of linens per bed
[ ] Towels: bath, hand and face per guest, plus spares
[ ] Blackout curtains or blinds in bedrooms
[ ] Heating and cooling working
[ ] Reliable Wi-Fi tested in every room
[ ] Working lights and spare bulbs
[ ] Hangers, a luggage space and a mirror

4. Kitchen

[ ] Cookware, plates, glasses and cutlery for the maximum number of guests
[ ] Coffee maker, kettle and toaster
[ ] Can opener, corkscrew and cutting board
[ ] Dish soap, sponge and dish towels
[ ] Salt, pepper, oil and a few staples
[ ] Trash bags and a bin

5. Supplies list

Item	Starting stock
Toilet paper	4+ rolls per bathroom
Hand soap and shower gel	1 full plus 1 spare
Trash bags	One box
Cleaning products	All-purpose, glass, bathroom, floor
Paper towels	2 rolls
Light bulbs	3 spare
Batteries	AA and AAA
Laundry detergent	One bottle

6. Guest information

[ ] Welcome book printed and placed
[ ] Digital guide link or QR code ready
[ ] Wi-Fi sign and check-out sign printed
[ ] House rules written and shown in the listing
[ ] Pre-arrival, check-in and check-out messages ready
[ ] Key or lock code set, with a backup

See what to include in a welcome book for the full list.

7. Listing

[ ] Photos taken in daylight, after cleaning
[ ] Accurate description and amenity list
[ ] Calendar and minimum stay set
[ ] Cleaning fee reflects your real turnover cost
[ ] Cancellation policy chosen

8. Turnover plan

[ ] Cleaner or your own schedule arranged
[ ] Turnover checklist printed and tested
[ ] A place to store linens and supplies
[ ] Laundry plan

The turnover checklist guide goes room by room.

9. Trial run

[ ] Spend a night or have a friend stay
[ ] Use every appliance and every switch
[ ] Take notes: what was confusing, missing or noisy
[ ] Fix the list and repeat

Plan the rest of the month

This is the end of the setup checklist, not the end of the work. The first-month plan shows how setup, guest experience, turnovers and tracking fit together.

Ready-made pieces

The Stayworks Host Kit includes a printable welcome book and digital welcome guide, 60 printable house signs and 30 checklists, including an inventory checklist and a guest-ready final check, all editable in Google Docs or Word. It is $19.00 one time.

Quick checklist

Legal and insurance first.
Safety equipment tested.
Supplies stocked.
Guest information printed.
A trial run before real guests.