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

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
06:00 Why this episode matters, stop wasting money
07:30 Cheap furniture mistakes
09:00 Bedding choices and guest perception
13:00 Strong scents and guest sensitivity
15:30 Fragile decor and wine glasses
18:00 Smart home technology pitfalls
20:30 ROI driven upgrades and amenities
22:30 When amenities are not worth it
23:30 Design mistakes and Pinterest traps
24:30 Avoiding controversial decor
25:30 Furniture layout and flow
26:45 Towels and guest comfort
28:30 Final thoughts and resource mention

Subscribe and Share

If this episode helped you rethink your Airbnb setup, share it with a friend who is in the process of furnishing their rental. Make sure you are subscribed so you do not miss upcoming guest episodes, especially the one dropping this April that I am so excited about 👀