A Guide to Furnishing Your Airbnb

Getting Started

Furnishing an Airbnb can be daunting—but it doesn't have to be. Whether you're setting up your first rental or adding another, doing it efficiently can save you time, money, and stress. In this post, I’ll break down the process into three phases: pre-launch, launch, and post-launch. Let’s dive in.

Pre-Launch: Planning & Mood Boarding

The pre-launch phase is all about planning your property’s vibe. A cohesive design makes guests rave about your space, and mood boarding is the key to achieving it.

A mood board is a visual representation of your design choices, covering everything room by room. Use tools like Google Slides: save images, remove backgrounds, and arrange them to visualize each room. This simple approach helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures a consistent design that appeals to potential guests.

Mood boarding not only helps you visualize the look and feel but also helps you plan the budget effectively. By seeing all elements together, you can identify where to invest more for quality pieces and where to save.

‍

Furnishing on a Budget

Furnishing is one of the biggest costs after your down payment. Today, $15-$20 per square foot is a realistic target for quality pieces. To save money, consider using platforms like Minoan, Wayfair Professional, or Trade Discount programs from popular retailers. These programs provide exclusive discounts that can make high-quality furniture more affordable.

Another cost-effective approach is to shop at outlet stores or check out secondhand options like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp. Lightly used items can be found at a fraction of the cost, especially for large pieces like sofas or dining tables. Look out for seasonal sales and use tools like Honey to track discounts.

For a sustainable option, sourcing furniture from reclaimed or upcycled materials is worth considering. DIY resources can help you refurbish these pieces, giving your Airbnb a unique touch while saving money. Sustainable furnishing is becoming more popular and can appeal to eco-conscious guests who value green initiatives.

Launch Phase: Receiving & Staging

Receiving and staging furniture can be challenging, particularly if you’re managing things remotely. Services like Amazon Locker or renting a UPS box can help ensure safe delivery for smaller items. For larger items, using a pod or negotiating bulk deliveries with local facilities can streamline logistics.

Hiring a handyman or using services like TaskRabbit can also make the assembly and staging process much easier. To stay organized, label each box and prioritize assembling key pieces like beds and seating areas first. This will help make your Airbnb functional faster.

When dealing with packaging, consider renting a dump trailer to avoid multiple trips to the dump. Some moving companies also offer debris removal services, which can be a convenient alternative if you’re pressed for time. Proper staging can significantly impact guest experience, so pay attention to details like lighting, decor, and furniture arrangement to create a welcoming environment.

Post-Launch: Making Passive Income

Once your property is set up, find ways to make it work harder for you. One effective method is creating a digital showroom of your Airbnb’s furnishings, which allows guests to buy items they love, earning you a commission. You can use platforms that make setting up a showroom easy, without requiring extensive technical skills. By showcasing your furniture and decor, you provide guests with an opportunity to take a piece of their experience home while generating additional income.

Another way to make extra income is by using affiliate links for items guests frequently ask about. For example, if a guest loves your mattress or kitchenware, having affiliate links ready makes it easy for them to purchase, and you can earn a small commission on each sale. The key is to make these opportunities convenient for guests, adding value to their stay while boosting your revenue with minimal ongoing effort.

Consider leaving a small welcome booklet in the Airbnb, listing the items available for purchase and including scannable QR codes. This gives guests an easy way to browse and buy while relaxing in the space, and adds a touch of personalization that enhances their overall experience.

Conclusion

Furnishing an Airbnb doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking the process into phases—planning, staging, and finding extra income opportunities—you can turn this challenge into a rewarding part of hosting.

Each phase contributes to the overall success of your Airbnb. A well-planned theme, efficient setup, and additional income streams can all make your property stand out to guests. Investing time in the planning and setup phases will lead to a more cohesive and attractive space, ultimately improving guest satisfaction and profitability.

Ready to master each step? Check out my latest video for a complete walkthrough and make the furnishing process an enjoyable experience.

‍

‍