How much does it cost to setup a house for Airbnb?

So you've made the decision to convert your long-term rental to a short-term Airbnb, the tenants have moved out, and you're ready to order everything needed to furnish and stage your rental.

The first thing to consider is that reservations are made with the eyes, not by reading the listing.

Pictures are so important so as you stage the spaces, think about what the pictures will look like first.

To get your property noticed on Airbnb and VRBO, you must pick quality items and have professional photos. 

So how much should it cost to stage your home for Airbnb?

Roughly $5k per bedroom for the rental unit, this includes the bathrooms and kitchen/living areas. 

So for example, a studio apartment would cost $5k. A 2BR would cost $10k, a 3BR $15k. 

Keep in mind that guests expect at least the quality of a hotel so you can't go cheap.

In short, here is how much you should expect to spend by room.

1. Kitchen: $1,000

- pots/pans/baking sheets

- utensils

- microwave

- plates/bowls

- Keurig machine / coffee station

- knife set

Often overlooked kitchen items to not skimp out on:

- toaster

- countertop oven (most guests won't use the main oven)

- oil/vinegar/spices

- hot mats to protect your countertops and table

2. Living Room: $2,500

- couch

- TV (Smart TV w/ Roku)

- rug

- wall decorations

- end tables

Often overlooked living room items to not skimp out on:

- extra pillows

- throw blankets

3. Bedroom $3,000

- Bed (if you only have 1BR, get a KING bed)

- three sets of sheets for every bed (this increases the speed in which your cleaner can turn the unit)

- Pillows

- work desk

Often overlooked bedroom items to not skimp out on:

- table lamps with USB /outlet charging ports. Guests hate getting on the floor to plug in their phones

- standing desk

- white noise maker

- closet hangars

- closet organizers (especially for longer-term guests)

- pillow and mattress protector (the kind that fully wraps around the mattress, expect accidents to happen)

4. General House $2,000

- Nest Thermostat

- Schlage Encode Digital Keypad Lock

- Ironing board

- Air Mattress

- artwork/wall art for larger walls

Often overlooked general house items to not skimp out on:

- Entryway bench and shoe rack holder

- vacuum / broom

- table coasters to protect your table and countertops

5. Bathroom $500

- Toilet caddy over the toilet (to store extra towels, toilet paper, etc in open sight)

- Hair dryer and straightener

- Toothbrush holder (no one likes to put their toothbrush on a common surface, oh gross)

Often overlooked bathroom items to not skimp out on:

- Bidet (saves on TP and Asian/European travelers often look for this amenity)

- Makeup towels (usually black so they don't ruin your main towels/sheets)