The Forgotten Essentials:
How to Properly Set Up an Airbnb in Sydney

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If you think a smart TV and a few fluffy cushions are all it takes to get your property ready for Airbnb, think again. Hosting a short-term rental (STR) is an art and a business. In Sydney’s Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore, where guests expect style and substance, your setup needs to be more than skin deep. This guide isn’t just another checklist; it’s the collective wisdom of years spent navigating the highs and lows of property management. We’ll help you avoid the all-too-common traps, and make sure your property is ready to impress, perform and produce. 

Why Details Matter in Short-Term Rentals 

It’s one thing to have a pretty property. It’s quite another to run a high-performing Airbnb that feels effortless to guests and painless to manage. The difference lies in the detail. From the second a guest walks through the door, every moment should feel considered. Not just the sparkling wine in the fridge, but the corkscrew to open it. Not just the Wi-Fi password, but the speed to support four Zoom calls and Netflix. 

We’ve seen it all—from properties praised in photos but criticised in person, to homes that quietly win five-star reviews week after week. Here’s what we know. 

Skip to: Bonus Essentials for Hosts Who Want Five-Star Consistency 

Skip to: Secret Touches That Guests Remember Forever 

Top 15 Forgotten Essentials for Airbnb Setups (That Make All the Difference) 

1. Pillow Maths and Sleep Comfort 

Each guest should have two pillows—ideally of different firmness levels. A good night’s sleep is one-third of their stay, and everyone sleeps differently.  King bed? Four pillows. Single bed? Two pillows. It’s basic comfort maths. 

2. Bedding Configuration Clarity 

Most properties don’t change bedding setups between bookings, but they must be communicated. If the bed is splitable (e.g., king to two singles), mention it and be consistent. Avoid last-minute surprises. 

3. Coffee Machine (With Pods) 

In Sydney, coffee is practically a ritual. Provide a reliable pod coffee machine and enough capsules to get guests through the first few mornings. 

4. Full-Length Mirror 

People want to see what they look like. For weddings, dinners, work events, or just beach selfies. It’s functional, not vanity. 

5. Hangers—Lots of Them 

Give guests room to unpack. Ten hangers per person should be your base number. It’s a subtle sign that you’ve thought about their comfort. 

6. Cutlery, Crockery and Glassware for Max Guests + 2 

If your property sleeps six, stock at least (6+2) eight times two (16) of everything. Broken glasses, surprise guests, and dishwashers in cycle are all real scenarios. 

7. Board Games & Rainy-Day Distractions 

Rainy-day magic. Uno, Scrabble, playing cards—keep it simple, but keep something. A great touch for families or couples caught in by weather. These little touches make homes feel fun and family-friendly. 

8. Batteries & a Small Screwdriver 

Remotes, torches, toys—things fail. A small toolkit empowers guests to quietly fix problems without ringing your phone late at night. 

9. Garden Blower & Outdoor Essentials 

Especially in leafy Northern Beaches properties, a light cordless blower keeps outdoor spaces clean. Guests hosting lunches or BBQs will silently thank you. Give guests the power to tidy their surroundings without calling you for help. 

10. Squeegee in the Shower 

Helps keep glass clean and makes cleaning feel easier for guests who care. And yes, some do. 

11. Pest Spray 

Regular professional pest control is a must. But in between, leave one can of spray somewhere discreet. Especially helpful in summer months. 

12. Keyless Entry, Lockbox & Spare Keys 

We strongly recommend keyless entry. It simplifies access, improves security, and avoids lockout dramas. Always have a lockbox as a backup. Guests arriving late or tech failing still need a way in. 

13. Extra Cleaning Gear 

Surface spray, cloths, bin liners, broom, dustpan, mop, vacuum, and a simple bucket. Let guests tidy without stress if they want to. 

14. Floorplan with Fuse Box & Water Shutoff Marked 

Laminated diagram or digital guidebook: include where to find these. When something goes wrong, time matters. 

15. Fire Safety & Emergency Instructions 

Smoke detectors, an extinguisher, a first aid kit, and an evacuation plan aren’t just good business—they’re legal essentials. Be prepared, and show guests you take safety seriously. 

Bonus Essentials for Hosts Who Want Five-Star Consistency 

• Handwritten welcome note with personalised recommendations (e.g. best local coffee) 
  Personalised notes make guests feel instantly special, like the home was prepared just for them. 

• Towels: 2 per guest, plus extras for pool or beach  
  There’s nothing worse than wet, reused towels. Fresh ones ensure comfort and cleanliness. 

• Bin labels for recycling, landfill and organic waste 
  It helps guests do the right thing effortlessly—and keeps your property council-compliant. 

• Owner’s digital and printed house manual and guidebook with appliance instructions and local insights 
  Not just how to turn on the oven, but where to get great takeaway. It bridges the gap between home and hotel. Guests want information without searching. A printed guide is always appreciated. 

• Kids’ items: plastic plates, colouring books, high chair (if applicable) 
  Help parents breathe easier. No broken crockery or dinnertime dramas. 

• Picnic rug or waterproof outdoor blanket 
  Perfect for Balmoral sunsets or harbourfront snacks. It encourages adventure. 

• Beach gear: beach bag, sunscreen, umbrella (store discreetly) 
  When guests arrive unprepared, this makes them feel instantly cared for. 

• Wine glasses, champagne flutes, cocktail shaker 
  To celebrate properly, guests need the right glass and something to shake. 

• Universal power adaptors and spare phone chargers 
  This small touch often earns big gratitude from international travellers. 

• Non-stick cookware, trivets, chopping mats, oven mittens 
  It’s about cooking comfortably and safely, without damaging benchtops or burning fingers. 

• Fridge magnets with Wi-Fi, emergency contact, and checkout instructions 
  It keeps important info front of mind, even if they lose your welcome email. 

• Bathroom magnifying mirror 
  An unexpected luxury. Guests often mention it in five-star reviews. 

• Throw blanket on sofas and reading chairs 
  Soft, stylish and snuggle-friendly. Especially lovely in winter. 

• Shoehorn, lint roller, sewing kit 
  Little fixes, big impressions. Especially helpful for business travellers. 

These thoughtful extras make guests feel not just accommodated, but seen. 
 

Secret Touches That Guests Remember Forever 

• Handwritten welcome note with personalised recommendations (e.g. best local coffee) 
  Personalised notes make guests feel instantly special, like the home was prepared just for them. 

• Quality chocolate or bottle of wine in the fridge 
  The universal welcome. A treat waiting upon arrival instantly lifts the mood. 

• Seasonal comforts: fans in summer, heating in winter 
  In the absence of air conditioning, these small, seasonal additions show that you’ve thought ahead. 

• Fresh flowers or a subtle, hypoallergenic diffuser 
  Ambience without overwhelm. It makes the space feel lived-in, not clinical. 

• Grocery starter pack: milk, tea, instant coffee, sugar, olive oil, salt & pepper 
  It gets guests through the first morning. Especially helpful after a late-night arrival. 

• Spotify playlist QR code for mood music 
  A curated playlist sets the vibe and makes the stay feel unique. 

• Shoe storage near the front door 
  Keeps floors clean and subtly encourages good habits. 

• Umbrellas by the door for rainy surprises 
  Saves the day and wins the review. Especially useful in unpredictable weather. 

• Felt pads under furniture to reduce noise 
  Minimises echo and scuff marks, and makes guests feel less like they’re disturbing neighbours. 

• A ‘Did You Forget?’ drawer with toothbrush, earplugs, sewing kit 
  It saves guests from awkward chemist runs and shows thoughtful hospitality. 

• Fresh robes and slippers for premium-tier homes 
  For high-end listings, this signals comfort and care. Guests love a hotel-level detail. 

These thoughtful extras make guests feel not just accommodated, but seen. 

Final Thoughts: Setting Up for Success 

When it comes to running a short-term rental, success hides in the small stuff. Guests won’t always notice when everything works perfectly, but they’ll always notice when it doesn’t. 

We’ve helped hundreds of property owners in Sydney’s Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore turn their beloved homes and investment properties into top-performing short-term rentals. Our full-service approach to Online Travel Agencies and Airbnb property management means we take care of the setup, the service, and the strategy. 

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Want to get your property guest-ready with confidence? 

Download our printable Airbnb Setup Checklist (PDF), and if you’d like to chat about how we can help, get in touch. 

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Choosing the Right Rental Strategy for Your Property

Setting your property up for Airbnb is a powerful first step, but long-term success comes from choosing the rental model that best fits your goals. At Property Providers, we offer tailored solutions to suit every kind of homeowner, from those seeking high-yield short-term returns to others who prefer the consistency of long-term leasing. Whether you want the flexibility of short stays, the stability of executive relocations, or a hybrid approach that balances both, our expert team can help you unlock your property’s full potential. And if you’d rather throw it over the shoulder and leave it all to us? Even better. With our local expertise and full-service management, we’ll ensure your property is guest-ready, stress-free, and positioned to impress. 

At Property Providers, our core purpose is “Helping People Live Better”.  As Sydney’s most flexible residential rental agency, we are focused on Property Management and renting “Your Property, Your Way”. We have designed 6 different rental services covering all facets of Long-Term Leasing and Short-Term Stays. Unlike franchise real estate agencies, we see the value in pragmatism and flexibility. Whether you want to rent your property furnished or unfurnished, for 6 months or 5 years, we will manage your property, your way. Our bespoke marketing strategies deliver discerning international tenants who understand quality and are prepared to pay for it.  If you would like to learn more, please visit our website or call us on +61 2 9969 7599

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