63. Top 10 things I would not do/buy for a Airbnb

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In this episode, I’m sharing a real, honest breakdown of what I no longer buy for my Airbnb properties, and why. After getting hit with a massive 30-inch snowfall at our cabins and managing guest expectations in the middle of chaos, it reminded me just how important it is to have systems and smart decisions in place.

I walk through the biggest purchasing mistakes I’ve made over the years, from cheap furniture that doesn’t last, to design choices that actually hurt guest perception. If you’re in the furnishing, upgrading, or scaling phase of your short term rental, this episode is your reality check.

Not everything that looks good or feels like an upgrade will actually increase your bookings, your reviews, or your nightly rate. And if it doesn’t do at least one of those things, it’s probably not worth your money.

Key Takeaways

Cheap furniture will cost you more long term, you are better off investing in quality upfront

White bedding builds trust with guests and signals cleanliness, darker colors can raise doubts

Strong scents, candles, and plugins can negatively impact guest experience

Fragile items, including wine glasses and decor, will break quickly and create safety risks

Overly complicated smart home systems lead to confusion and more guest messages