Designing a short-term rental (STR) isn’t just about pretty photos — it’s about building a guest-ready, revenue-generating machine. And the difference between a 5-star stay and a frustrated review often comes down to the details you forget to furnish.
So let’s eliminate guesswork.
This post gives you a room-by-room STR setup checklist, covering:
Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing a tired listing — this guide has you covered.
STRs are part hotel, part home. That means you need both:
This checklist will help you hit both goals — room by room.
Every great stay starts with a great night’s sleep.
✔ Bed frame (queen or king preferred)
✔ High-quality mattress (10”+ memory foam or hybrid)
✔ 2 nightstands
✔ 2 lamps or sconces
✔ Full-length mirror
✔ Dresser or luggage rack
✔ Blackout curtains or shades
✔ Ceiling fan or portable fan
✔ Smart TV (optional, not expected)
✔ Wall art or accent wall
✔ 2 sets of sheets per bed
✔ 4+ pillows per bed (2 soft, 2 firm)
✔ Duvet with washable cover or comforter
✔ Spare blanket
✔ Hangers in closet
💡 Pro tip: Label each linen set by room to avoid cleaner mix-ups.
This is where guests go from “this is nice” to “wow, they thought of everything.”
✔ Bright, neutral lighting
✔ Large mirror
✔ Sturdy towel bars/hooks
✔ Waterproof bath mat
✔ Shelves for toiletries if no vanity space
✔ Shampoo, conditioner, body wash (full-size or stocked minis)
✔ Hair dryer (under the sink is fine)
✔ Plunger + toilet brush
✔ Spare TP and feminine products
✔ First-aid kit
Bonus: Add a steamer, makeup towel, or cotton swabs — tiny touches = major reviews.
Even if guests don’t plan to cook, they expect a well-stocked kitchen.
✔ Dining table with seating for all guests
✔ Barstools if there’s a counter
✔ Open shelving or buffet for coffee/tea setup
✔ Plates, bowls, glasses (double guest count)
✔ Silverware + serving utensils
✔ Non-stick pots and pans
✔ Chef’s knife + cutting board
✔ Can opener, peeler, measuring cups
✔ Mixing bowls, baking sheets
✔ Toaster, blender, microwave
✔ Coffee maker (ideally drip and Keurig)
✔ Kettle
✔ Wine/bottle opener
✔ Coffee, tea, sugar, creamer
✔ Olive oil, salt, pepper
✔ Dish soap, sponge, paper towels
✔ Trash bags, cleaning spray
✔ Dishwasher pods (if applicable)
💡 Pro tip: Use labeled bins for snacks, mugs, and bar tools — it keeps counters clean and styling sharp.
This is thumbnail territory. Make it stylish and functional.
✔ Comfy couch (seats 3+ minimum)
✔ Coffee table (ideally wood or metal)
✔ 1–2 accent chairs
✔ TV console or media shelf
✔ Rug large enough to frame the area
✔ Smart TV (with streaming capability)
✔ Strong Wi-Fi (display login info clearly)
✔ Overhead lighting + lamps
✔ Layered throw blankets
✔ Books, games, cards
✔ Neutral art or a bold gallery wall
✔ Indoor plant or faux fiddle fig
✔ Desk + chair in quiet zone
✔ Task light
✔ Easily accessible outlets or USB plugs
✔ Pack ’n Play + fitted sheet
✔ High chair
✔ Plastic dishware
✔ Outlet covers + corner guards (if targeting family bookings)
✔ Local guidebook or QR code welcome guide
✔ Board games
✔ Outdoor games (cornhole, spikeball)
✔ Beach gear (towels, cooler, umbrella)
This is your underused money-maker. Guests love outdoor living — even if it’s a small patio.
✔ Outdoor dining table or lounge seating
✔ Durable, weather-resistant chairs
✔ String lights or lanterns
✔ Grill (plus propane or clear instructions for charcoal)
✔ Outdoor rug or turf
Bonus points: hammock, fire pit, outdoor games, or mural wall for Instagrammable moments.
✔ Smart lock or keypad + backup key
✔ Fire extinguisher
✔ Smoke + CO2 detectors
✔ Flashlight or lantern
✔ Toolkit (hidden from guests)
✔ Extra light bulbs, batteries, air filters
✔ Security camera (exterior only, disclose in listing)
✔ Locked owner’s closet or cleaner’s bin
✔ Extra linens + towels
✔ Restock inventory (TP, paper towels, soaps)
✔ Basic tools (screwdriver, light bulbs, zip ties)
✔ Label maker (you’ll thank yourself later)
Pro tip: Don’t keep everything out. Cleaners will appreciate a system — and guests will never know what they’re not supposed to touch.
| Home Type | Setup Time | Average Budget (Furnish + Stock) |
| 1BR Condo | 2 weeks | $10K–$15K |
| 3BR House | 3–4 weeks | $20K–$30K |
| 4–5BR Luxury Home | 4–6 weeks | $40K–$60K+ |
Time-saving tip: Order from vendors that allow consolidated shipping. Work backward from photo day and over-pad install week for surprises.
Consider using software like Breezeway to track restocks and cleaner checklists.
A fully stocked, stylish STR isn’t about perfection. It’s about:
When guests feel cared for — and surprised by little extras — they book again, leave better reviews, and boost your bottom line.
👉 Download our Ultimate STR Setup Checklist
👉 Get help sourcing, furnishing, and staging your next STR with Joseph Ellen Designs
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