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How to Start an Airbnb

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

March 17, 2026·25 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Link to the Airbnb Roadmap Website Get your Amazon Shopping Cart &nbsp; 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 Every upgrade should serve a purpose, bookings, ADR, or reviews Some amenities sound great but do not perform based on your market or location Pinterest design does not always translate into a functional or guest friendly space Avoid anything controversial, including religious or political decor Furniture layout matters more than you think, flow impacts guest experience Do not cheap out on towels, guests notice comfort details immediately Why Listen to This Episode? If you are currently setting up your first Airbnb or thinking about upgrading your space, this episode will save you money, time, and frustration. I am sharing real mistakes I have made across multiple properties so you do not have to learn the hard way. This is also a great episode if you feel like you are constantly spending money on your property but not seeing a return. I will help you shift your mindset into making strategic, ROI driven decisions instead of emotional or aesthetic ones. Let’s Connect Thinking about what to buy or skip for your Airbnb? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out. Work With Me If you are ready to launch or scale your Airbnb the right way, my Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator walks you through everything from property selection to full setup and systems. You will learn how to make smart investment decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and build a short term rental that actually performs. Chapters 00:00 Life update and upcoming guest interviews 02:00 30-inch snowstorm and managing guest expectations<span style="font-weight:

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