Furnishing Your Short- or Medium-Term Rental  

With more and more people working from home, the opportunity to travel has increased exponentially, and so have profits for owners of Airbnbs, Vrbos, and other short- and medium-term rentals. Having an Airbnb furnishing list, Vrbo furniture checklist, or other tool to keep track of your rental’s furnishings will be very helpful as your business expands. 

It’s important to keep in mind that short- and medium-term tenants will be relying on you to provide all necessary furniture items, appliances, and utensils. Medium-term tenants often rely on the convenience of a furnished unit rather than seeking out a short term furniture rental company and renting furniture that they’ll only have to return at the end of their stay.  

When it comes to short- and medium-term tenants, your property is their home-away-from-home—make sure they’re comfortable, and they’ll be more likely to return. 

The Importance of Furnishing Your Rental

As mentioned above, guests who book your short- or medium-term rental are doing so without a plan to stay long-term. They are paying a higher daily rent in exchange for the convenience of having a fully furnished temporary home. Supplying almost everything your tenant could need during their stay will help you secure positive recommendations from these tenants and possibly even see re-bookings.  

For this reason, the tenant turnover period is especially important for short- and medium-term landlords—you’ll need to ensure that furnishings, supplies, and other items are restored to their original conditions and prepared for the next tenant(s). It’s also likely that guests (knowingly or unknowingly) could take certain items with them when they leave or even damage furniture during their stay.  

By checking your rental supplies, you not only notice which ones need replacement or repair, but you can also file insurance claims when necessary and hold guests accountable. Your rental agreement likely requires guests to leave the property in the condition they found it in, so if a guest steals a blender or punches a hole through the wall, you can notice it and receive compensation to fulfill the liabilities laid out in your agreement.  

By using a short term rental inventory checklist between each stay and promptly dealing with any issues that may arise when completing it, you can ensure your next guests receive the best stay possible.  

Essential Furnishings for Each Room 

Let’s look at a few of the essential items each room in a short- or medium-term rental requires (for a full breakdown, download our checklist above). 

The Kitchen

One of the things that make rentals more attractive than hotels is the access to a kitchen stocked with appliances, utensils, and a dining space. Home-cooked meals not only bring a feeling of comfortability to the rental, but they cut down on meal costs, too.  

As you fill your rental’s kitchen, ensure that each appliance has any necessary accessories as well. For example, a coffee maker will likely need filters and a measuring spoon for grounds, and it’s a good idea to have an organization system already laid out for utensils like spoons and forks to keep the rental tidy. Knife blocks and organizers within the silverware drawer will encourage renters to keep the space clean, and it’ll be easier for you to find and account for these things when going through your checklist following their stay.  

The Dining Room

Your dining room will be one of the many places where guests will make memories and debrief the day’s many activities.  

This space can be primarily minimal but should at least include durable furniture and dining tables. It could also be a good idea to add nice decor like a centerpiece or attractive light feature above the dining table. 

The Living Room

In addition to all the furnishings you typically associate with living rooms like a TV and couch, pay close attention to details like coasters and board games. If you own a beach property, consider adding themed decor or fun games and toys for your guests to enjoy on the seashore. Small items like these make a big difference when it comes to the comfortability of the tenants’ stay, as does the presentation of basic items like the couch and chairs.  Short term rental furniture doesn’t need to be the fanciest, but comfortable, clean, and durable furniture will always make a good impression. And remember to clean all your furniture after each guest’s stay. 

The Bedrooms

When furnishing your rental bedrooms, a clean and tidy appearance should be top of mind. Tenants are more likely to feel comfortable in your space if bed linens are lightly colored, free of any stains or wrinkles, and soft. If you own a rental in an area with harsh winters or sweltering summers, be prepared. Have extra quilts or comforters in the linen closet, and provide layers if guests decide to shed a few blankets in the hotter months. 

The Bathrooms

Bathrooms are another space where being fully stocked and exceptionally clean will pay off. Small details like nicely smelling hand soap or a well-lit mirror can be the difference between an okay stay and one guests find exceptional.  

Outdoors and Miscellaneous

If your rental has outdoor space, furnishing it with even a few porch chairs or a small table can add to a guest’s stay immensely. For those rentals with well sized decks, porches, or driveways, an outdoor grill can be a huge asset for guests looking to grill out in the summertime.  

Lastly, don’t forget those miscellaneous must-have items every vacation rental inventory checklist needs, like a list of house rules or a first-aid kit. 

Conclusion

Aspects like decor and neat landscaping will always endear vacationers and others to your property. This might be their relaxing time off or their temporary living arrangement while on a work assignment— either way, they will want to spend it somewhere that’s clean and well-stocked. You can provide that top notch guest experience by being thorough in your preparation. Start today by downloading Innago’s vacation rental inventory checklist pdf at the top of this page.