Airbnb Apartment Setup Checklist: Furnishing, Photos & Amenities

A well-prepared apartment earns higher rates, better reviews and fewer problems. Use this room-by-room checklist to set up your short-term rental properly the first time.

Before you buy anything: set the standard

Choose a consistent style: neutral palettes, warm lighting and a few local accents look timeless and photograph well. Aim for hotel-level cleanliness with the warmth of a home. Prioritise durability, because short-term rentals experience heavy daily use.

Living room

• Comfortable sofa (consider a durable, easy-to-clean fabric).
• Coffee table and side tables.
• Smart TV with streaming access.
• Good lighting: ceiling, floor and table lamps with warm bulbs.
• Curtains with blackout lining where possible.
• Art, plants and cushions for personality.

Bedrooms

• Quality mattress, because sleep drives reviews.
• At least two sets of white bed linen per bed and spare duvets.
• Pillows with firm and soft options.
• Bedside tables with lamps and charging ports.
• Wardrobe space, hangers and a luggage rack.
• Blackout curtains and a fan or air conditioning where appropriate.

Kitchen

• Fridge, cooker, microwave, kettle and toaster.
• Pots, pans, knives, chopping boards, utensils and a can opener.
• Plates, bowls, glasses, mugs and cutlery for the maximum guest count.
• Coffee, tea, sugar, salt, pepper and cooking oil as starter supplies.
• Dish soap, sponges, bin bags and cleaning products.

Bathrooms

• Reliable hot water and good water pressure.
• Two towels per guest plus hand towels and a bath mat.
• Shampoo, body wash and hand soap.
• Toilet paper stocked generously.
• Hair dryer.

Work and connectivity

• Fast, reliable Wi-Fi with the network name and password clearly displayed.
• A proper desk and comfortable chair.
• Extra power sockets, adapters and chargers.
• Backup power or UPS for the router where possible.

Safety and access

• Smoke detector, first aid kit and fire extinguisher where applicable.
• Smart lock or keypad entry for flexible check-in.
• Secure parking details and clear access instructions.
• Emergency contact numbers on display.

Photography tips that lift bookings

1. Hire a professional photographer experienced in interiors.
2. Shoot in daylight with curtains open and lights on.
3. Declutter and style every surface.
4. Capture each room, the balcony or view, and building facilities.
5. Lead with your most striking photo, usually the living room or view.
6. Refresh photos after any significant upgrade.

Welcome touches that earn five stars

• A handwritten welcome note.
• Bottled water, tea, coffee and a few snacks.
• A short digital guidebook with restaurants, supermarkets and emergency contacts.
• Local products or artwork that tell the story of the place.

Key takeaways

• Invest in the mattress, linen, lighting and Wi-Fi first.
• Stock the kitchen and bathroom for the maximum guest count.
• Professional photos pay for themselves quickly.
• Small welcome touches turn good reviews into great ones.

Montaire also offers setup and styling services to take this off your hands.

Want a professional team to handle this for you? Montaire Collection manages short-term rentals end to end. Book a free consultation or explore our property management services.