The Ultimate Vacation Rental Essentials Checklist: What to Include for a 5-Star Guest Experience
Whether you’re new to vacation rental hosting, or a seasoned property manager looking to improve your setup, knowing what to stock in your rental home can make a huge difference in your guests’ overall experience. At Joseph Ellen Properties, guest comfort is a top priority — and we’ve learned firsthand that the small details often leave the biggest impression.
To help hosts and homeowners elevate their rental game, we asked two of our experienced property managers, Ashley and Sasha, to share the top items every short-term rental should have. These essentials are designed to cover all the basics, create a seamless arrival experience, and eliminate the need for guests to run errands as soon as they check in. Ashley and Sasha experience first-hand what guests ask for, complain about not being available and express appreciation for having in the home.
Sasha
JEP Property Manager
Ashley
JEP Property Manager
This guide is perfect for:
- Vacation rental owners setting up their first property
- Rental hosts looking to increase 5-star reviews
- Property managers fine-tuning their amenities
- Guests curious about what to expect at a well-stocked rental
Read on to find out exactly what to provide — and why — to ensure your vacation rental stands out.
Why Amenities Matter in Short-Term Rentals
Today’s travelers are savvy, and they expect more than just a clean space. Guests are looking for comfort, convenience, and the feeling of being cared for. That’s where thoughtful amenities come in.
A well-stocked vacation rental:
- Improves guest satisfaction
- Reduces guest questions and complaints
- Increases positive reviews
- Boosts repeat bookings and referrals
“We want our guests to roll in on night one and not have to make a pit stop at the store,” says Ashley.
Including these basic items help to combine hotel amenities with private home luxuries. No one wants to arrive, ready to unwind and relax from a day of travel, only to realize they have nothing to cook or clean with in the kitchen, or no soap to shower with before heading out to dinner.
The Top Vacation Rental Essentials: What Every Guest Needs
Below is a checklist curated by Ashley and Sasha, based on their experience managing high-performing vacation rentals across Northeast Florida. These are the non-negotiables when it comes to setting up your property.
🧺 Bathroom & Laundry Basics
A clean, comfortable bathroom experience goes a long way. Make sure every bathroom includes:
- Hotel-size toiletries – Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are a must. These don’t have to be fancy, but they should feel fresh and usable.
- Hand soap – Stock each sink with a quality hand soap.
- Fresh bath towels – Provide at least two per guest and keep extras in a closet or under the bathroom sink.
- First aid kit – Accidents happen. Having a simple, stocked kit available gives guests peace of mind.
- Laundry pods – If your property includes laundry facilities, provide pods (or powder) and clearly labeled instructions.
Guests often aren’t expecting to do laundry on vacation, but if they extend their stay, have a spill, or hit the beach, they’re always grateful it’s not only there, but the supplies needed are provided.
🍽️ Kitchen Essentials
A few kitchen basics make the home feel functional and inviting:
- Coffee, creamer, and sugar – One of the most appreciated details. Stock enough for at least the first couple of mornings.
- Paper towels – Keep one roll on the counter and extra under the sink.
- Dish soap + dishwasher pods – Clean kitchens make for happy guests. Include pods for the dishwasher and a bottle of dish soap for hand washing.
- All-purpose cleaning spray – Guests will appreciate being able to wipe down counters or clean up spills easily.
- Trash bags – Include extras under the sink or in a labeled drawer.
Optional but appreciated:
- Olive oil, salt, pepper
- A few basic cooking tools. Having the basics- pizza cutter, can opener, bottle opener, corkscrew for wine, spatulas, pots, pans, etc.- ensure guests can cook and enjoy meals without making a trip to the store or sacrificing convenience.
🛏️ Bedroom Comforts
Bedrooms should feel like a restful escape. In addition to clean sheets and pillows, consider:
- Extra blankets – For chilly nights or guests who prefer more coverage.
- Luggage racks or closet space – Help guests feel organized and at home.
- Hangers- providing hangers for the guest is another way to make the property feel homey, and the guests feel welcomed.
☀️ Outdoor Amenities
Especially in Florida or other warm-weather destinations, the outdoor space can be a huge draw. Here’s what to include:
- Propane for gas grills – Always make sure there’s a full tank and a backup on site
- Clean patio furniture – Comfortable, inviting, and arranged with purpose
- Pool towels – Separate from bath towels, and stocked nearby
- Pool floats- If the property has a pool, floats and pool toys are a great way to set the home apart from other rentals or vacation accommodations.
The outdoor space, should feel like a second living area. not an after-thought. Many guests choose vacation rentals for the privacy and luxury of their own outdoor area, so it’s important they have time to enjoy the space, without running to the store every time they want to start a new activity or cook a meal.
🎲Other Amenities
Including other amenities, such as:
- Board games
- Card games, deck of cards, die
- Outdoor activities- yard games, balls, etc.
- Beach items- chairs, umbrella, cooler, beach balls, sand toys, etc.
These items are just another way to set your property apart from others. Not only having these items but showcasing them on listings is a great way to boost bookings. Families with young kids, groups of friends looking for a fun vacation, or anyone hoping to soak up the sun on the beach, will love to have one less thing to worry about packing, or even buying once they arrive.
🧼 Arrival Starter Kits
The idea here is simple: Guests shouldn’t have to run to the store the minute they arrive. A well-rounded starter kit makes the stay smoother and shows attention to detail.
Include:
- Toilet paper (at least 2 rolls per bathroom)
- Paper towels (1 on display, 1 backup)
- Laundry pods
- Dishwasher pods
- All-purpose cleaning spray
- Dish soap
- Hand soap
- Hotel-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash
Make sure all items are neatly arranged and easy to find. These items help ensure guests have a comfortable stay and help to make your home feel like theirs.
Tips for Property Owners & Vacation Rental Hosts
Beyond the essentials, here are a few additional tips for hosts looking to optimize their rentals:
- Think like a guest – Stay overnight in your rental and take notes. What do you reach for? What’s missing?
- Label everything – Clear labeling (especially for things like laundry detergent, remotes, or grill instructions) prevents confusion.
- Restock consistently – Create a checklist for your cleaning crew, property inspector, or property manager to confirm all starter supplies are topped off before each new guest arrival.
- Add local touches – Think local coffee, a welcome note, or a guide to the best nearby restaurants. These personal touches go a long way.
- Stay flexible – Trends in guest expectations change. Listen to guest feedback and adapt accordingly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Up Your Vacation Rental
While knowing what to include in your vacation rental is essential, it’s just as important to understand what to avoid. Over the years, we’ve seen how small oversights can negatively affect a guest’s experience. Whether you’re a new host or managing multiple properties, these common mistakes can easily be addressed with a bit of planning and attention to detail.
1.Overlooking the Basics
Some hosts focus heavily on decor and forget the functional elements. Beautiful interiors won’t make up for the frustration of not having enough toilet paper, missing cookware, or no hand soap in the bathroom. Make sure the basics are covered before anything else.
2. Skipping Safety Essentials
Safety should always come first. Ensure your property has a fire extinguisher, working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and a stocked first aid kit. Guests appreciate knowing they’re in a safe and well-maintained space.
3. Inconsistent Cleaning Standards
One of the quickest ways to get a negative review is a poorly cleaned home. Work with a professional cleaning team and provide a checklist to ensure every surface is spotless. Don’t forget about overlooked areas like ceiling fans, under beds, and inside drawers. Working with a cleaning team consistently helps ensure all consumables are restocked between each guest… no one wants to feel like someone else has been in a space before them.
4. Failing to Communicate Clearly
Lack of communication can leave guests confused or anxious. Provide clear instructions on how to access the property, how to operate appliances, and what the checkout process looks like. Consider a welcome binder or digital guidebook with everything they need to know.
5. Not Thinking Seasonally
Stock your rental according to the season. Extra blankets in winter, bug spray and fans in summer, or even umbrellas during rainy seasons show thoughtfulness and preparation. Tailoring your amenities to the time of year creates a more comfortable experience. In Northeast Florida especially, weather is unpredictable, so it’s good to make sure your home is prepared for any condition, any time.
6. Ignoring the Outdoor Space
In many locations — especially in Florida — the outdoor space is just as important as the inside. Keep patios clean, grills functional, and outdoor furniture in good condition. A poorly maintained backyard can feel like a missed opportunity to guests hoping to enjoy the weather.
7. Forgetting About Tech Needs
Modern travelers often work remotely or stream content during their stay. High-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and easy-to-find charging stations are now considered standard, not bonus features. If your tech setup is outdated or unreliable, it’s time for an upgrade.
By avoiding these common mistakes and staying proactive about guest needs, you can turn a good rental into a great one. It’s not just about what you provide — it’s about the experience you create.
Why Joseph Ellen Properties Prioritizes These Details
At Joseph Ellen Properties, we manage a diverse collection of beautifully designed vacation homes throughout Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Saint Augustine, and beyond. Whether it’s a cozy bungalow or a luxury poolside retreat, every home is stocked with these essentials because convenience matters.
We’ve fine-tuned our system so that guests feel truly taken care of. It’s not about overwhelming them with extras — it’s about anticipating what they’ll need.
By investing in these details, our properties consistently receive high ratings and glowing reviews, and we see repeat guests’ season after season. That’s the power of intentional hosting.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to raise the bar at your current rental property, stocking your vacation home with the right items is key to creating a memorable experience. By covering the basics — and doing it well — you’re not only meeting guest expectations, you’re exceeding them.
With the right setup, your guests can focus on what really matters: relaxing, exploring, and enjoying their time away.
Looking for help managing your short-term rental in Northeast Florida? Joseph Ellen Properties offers full-service property management and guest experience expertise. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create a 5-star stay — every time.
