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The Finishing Touches: Commonly Forgotten Essentials by Short Term Rental Owners

Furnishing a full short-term rental from scratch is exciting, but it’s also where the details get missed.


When we work with owners, we’re usually focused on the big-ticket items first: beds, sofas, dining tables, appliances. But once the home is almost ready, there’s always a second wave of items that come up. Things guests expect, cleaners rely on, and hosts don’t realize are missing until the first stay.


This post is a real example of us helping a client fill in the gaps while furnishing an entire house. These are the items we typically forget simply because there are so many moving parts when setting up a property from scratch.


Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we use or regularly suggest to our clients.



🔐 Storage Closet Door Locks (Cleaner & Supply Access)

One thing we almost always add, but often forget to order early, is a keypad lock for the locked storage closet where all supplies live.


This allows us to manage cleaner access, restocking, and emergency entry without dealing with physical keys, which get lost or copied far too easily.


Keypad Door Locks




🛁 Bathroom Items Guests Expect (But Owners Forget)


Bathrooms are one of the most common areas where “almost finished” turns into “something feels missing.”



These reduce clutter, keep cleaners consistent, and give bathrooms a polished, hotel-like feel.



☕ Coffee Station Details That Matter More Than You Think


Most homes have a coffee maker, but very few have a well-organized coffee station.




We strongly recommend using drawers instead of open counters. These organizers work perfectly for:


  • Coffee pods

  • Creamer cups

  • Sugar packets

  • Tea bags



Compact Coffee Canister Options (for Folgers or Ground Coffee):




👶 Family-Friendly Items That Expand Your Guest Pool



These aren’t required—but when they’re available, they often lead to longer stays and repeat bookings.




🛌 Bedding Items That Make Turnovers Easier


Bedding is another area where function matters just as much as comfort.



Duvet covers allow for faster turns and easier stain management compared to traditional comforters.


🚿 Toiletries We Standardize Across Properties


These are simple items—but consistency matters for guest expectations.




Why We Share Lists Like This


This isn’t meant to be a “complete” furnishing guide. It’s a snapshot of the second pass—the items that usually get missed once a home looks finished.


When you’re furnishing an entire property, it’s easy to forget the small things that guests notice immediately. Our role as co-hosts is often stepping in at this stage and helping owners fill those gaps before the first guest arrives.


At Collab Memphis, we furnish, manage, and optimize short-term rentals across Memphis and surrounding areas. These recommendations come from real setups, real cleanings, and real guest feedback.


If you’re planning a short-term rental and want help from setup through five-star operations, you can learn more about our co-hosting and property management services at www.collabfirm.com.

 
 
 

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