As a holiday let owner, creating a holiday let inventory list is a great way of making sure you have all of the essentials required for your holiday home. Maintaining and monitoring an inventory list regularly is also a practical method of keeping on top of wear and tear and catching issues early.
In this guide, we have provided key checklist areas to help enable you to keep your guests happy, along with a downloadable template. On top of this, we cover off what you need to do when looking for damage. Keep reading to find out how to get the key details right and make your guest’s stay as comfortable as possible.
What is a holiday let inventory list?
Why create an inventory list for your holiday let?
How to use this inventory checklist
A room-by-room holiday let inventory checklist
Holiday let essentials checklist
Inventory checklists for specific types of guests
Inventory damage checklist and insurance
Holiday let inventory list FAQs
Downloadable inventory checklist template
What is a holiday let inventory list?
A holiday let inventory list is a record of all the key items you need to have inside of your home to make it habitable and comfortable as a holiday let. A good checklist should include basic items as well as key details that attract your target guest. It is both an inventory of key items required to set up your holiday let in addition to a tool for tracking what needs to be replaced or maintained.
Why create an inventory list for your holiday let?
Whilst it may seem easier to order items as and when the need comes to mind, creating a specific list for holiday let inventory comes with several benefits, such as:
- Insurance back up: Regularly checking up on inventory, storing evidence, and logging issues can make claiming on insurance easier. You should be able to evidence any claims more smoothly with a robust inventory management process.
- Guest experience: You may be less likely to miss out on key details that could make or break a guest’s stay. Making sure that each guest has the same inventory also allows you to avoid inconsistent standards, which could affect guest reviews.
- Repeat bookings: Little touches like a well crafted welcome pack or luxury appliances could result in repeat bookings, which could be more profitable.
- Wear and tear: It is common for items to deteriorate over time. Having a checklist is a regular reminder to check the condition of such items and whether they need to be maintained or replaced.
- Target guests: A good inventory checklist can be tweaked to target specific guests and make your home more appealing to them.
How to use this inventory checklist
Below we will cover the basics of what may be needed for key areas of your home. If you have a specific type of guest or theme for your holiday let, you may wish to download our free template at the bottom of this page and tweak for your specific needs. On an ongoing basis, have a checklist that you can tick off so that you can manage your inventory when required. We have included as wide a list as possible. Adjust or remove items listed according to your own needs and circumstances.
A room-by-room holiday let inventory checklist
Kitchen and dining area
- Fridge and freezer.
- Dining table and chairs.
- Children’s highchair.
- Oven, hob, and extractor.
- Microwave.
- Kettle.
- Toaster.
- Dishwasher.
- Coffee machine, cafetière or similar.
- Bins and recycling.
- Saucepans.
- Frying pans.
- Baking trays.
- Ovenproof dish.
- Mixing bowls.
- Colander/sieve.
- Measuring jug.
- Measuring spoons.
- Chopping boards.
- Kitchen knives.
- Peeler.
- Grater.
- Tin opener.
- Corkscrew and bottle opener.
- Kitchen scissors.
- Utensils.
- Oven gloves.
- Cutlery, plates & bowls.
- Mugs and glasses.
- Coasters and table mats.
- Serving spoons.
- Jug.
- Tea towels and kitchen roll.
- Washing-up liquid.
- Sponge/brush.
- Dishwasher tablets.
- Surface spray.
Living room
- Sofa and chairs.
- Coffee table & side tables.
- Lamps & light fixtures.
- Curtains/blinds.
- Rugs and mats.
- Cushions and throws.
- TV and remote.
- Books, games, and cards.
Bedrooms
- Bed frames and mattresses.
- Mattress protectors and sheets.
- Duvets.
- Pillows.
- Duvet cover and pillowcases.
- Spare bedding sets.
- Bedside tables and lamps.
- Wardrobes and hangers.
- Chests of drawers.
- Mirrors.
- Curtains/blinds.
- Waste bins.
- Fan or extra blankets.
- Cot.
Bathrooms
- Toilet.
- Basin and plug.
- Shower and/or bath.
- Shower screen/curtain.
- Mirror.
- Extractor fan.
- Toilet brush and holder.
- Bath mat.
- Towel rail/hooks.
- Hand soap.
- Toilet roll.
- Shampoo/conditioner/shower gel.
- Hairdryer.
- Bath towels.
- Hand towels.
- Spare towels.
Utility/laundry
- Washing machine.
- Tumble dryer/drying rack.
- Iron and ironing board.
- Vacuum cleaner.
- Mop and bucket or spray mop.
- Broom, dustpan, and brush.
- Laundry detergent.
- Cleaning cloths and sponges.
- All-purpose cleaner
- Rubber gloves
- Spare bin liners.
Outdoors
- Key safe/keypad.the property.
- Outdoor table, chairs, and cushions.
- Parasol and base.
- BBQ.
- Sun loungers.
Holiday let essentials checklist
In addition to a room by room checklist, there are also essential items that should be in every holiday let:
Safety equipment
- Smoke alarms.
- Carbon monoxide alarms.
- Fire extinguisher.
- Fire blanket.
- Clear escape routes.
- Emergency exit signs.
- Basic first aid kit.
Welcome pack
- Small selection of snacks.
- Tea, coffee, and sugar.
- Milk and suitable alternatives.
- Allergens clearly labelled.
- Discount code for repeat booking direct (if applicable).
Important information
- Useful local information.
- Wi-Fi network name and password.
- House rules.
- Appliance instructions where applicable.
- Waste and recycling instructions.
- Check-out time and actions required.
- Host/property manager contact information.
- Emergency guidance, details, and instruction.
Inventory checklists for specific types of guests
Ideally, you should have a target guest in mind when setting up your holiday let. Having a list of items that cater to their needs may increase your chances of obtaining bookings and improving guest satisfaction. Below are some examples of how you could do this.
Family-friendly inventory list
- Children’s high chair.
- Cot.
- Travel cot mattress and fitted cot sheets.
- Stair gate.
- Bed guard.
- Changing table.
- Blackout blind or blackout lining in at least one bedroom.
- Night light.
- Cupboard and drawer locks for cleaning product cupboards.
- Fireguard for open fires or accessible stoves.
- Window restrictors where needed.
- Non-slip rug underlay for loose rugs.
- Anti-slip bath mat.
- Child-friendly plastic plates and bowls.
- Child cutlery and small spoons.
- Microwave-safe lidded containers.
- Child step stool.
- Age-mixed wipe-clean toys.
- Puzzles.
- Colouring books and washable crayons.
- Toy storage box or basket.
- Picnic rug.
- Bucket and spade or simple outdoor toy set.
Luxury and premium stays
- High-quality mattress toppers and supportive pillows.
- Premium bed linen with spare sets per bed.
- Fluffy bath towels and hand towels with spares.
- Bathrobes and slippers.
- Luxury hand soap and bath and shower products.
- Shampoo and conditioner.
- Hairdryer.
- Blackout blinds or blackout lining in bedrooms.
- Smart TV with streaming access.
- High-speed Wi-Fi.
- Bluetooth speaker.
- Coffee machine with pods.
- Selection of teas, coffee, sugar, and fresh milk on arrival.
- Welcome hamper with local produce.
- Still and sparkling water on arrival.
- Quality cookware and sharp kitchen knives.
- Wine glasses and champagne flutes.
- Corkscrew and bottle opener.
- Ice cube tray or ice maker.
- Cloth napkins.
- Iron and ironing board.
- Luxury candles or a reed diffuser.
- Hot tub.
- Hot tub towels with spares.
- Swimming pool.
- Pool towels with spares.
- Poolside loungers.
- Outdoor seating with quality cushions.
- Plush throws for indoors and outdoors.
- BBQ with tools.
- Guest guide with premium local recommendations and experiences.
Longer-stays and remote workers
- Dedicated workspace with a proper desk or table.
- Comfortable, adjustable chair.
- Desk lamp.
- Multiple accessible plug sockets and USB charging points.
- Fast, reliable Wi-Fi.
- Wi-Fi booster or mesh node where needed.
- Ethernet cable and adapter.
- Extension lead.
- Monitor.
- HDMI cable.
- Keyboard and mouse.
- Laptop stand.
- Basic stationery.
- Notepad.
- Printer and spare paper.
- House guide with quiet hours and work-friendly spots nearby.
- Plenty of hangers and wardrobe space.
- Chest of drawers with empty space.
- Full-length mirror.
- Blackout blinds or blackout lining in bedrooms.
- Extra bedding set per bed.
- Extra towels per guest.
- Washing machine.
- Tumble dryer or drying rack.
- Laundry basket.
- Laundry detergent and stain remover.
- Iron and ironing board.
- Vacuum cleaner.
- Mop and bucket or spray mop.
- Full kitchen cookware and storage containers.
- Sharp kitchen knives and chopping boards.
- Food storage bags or wraps.
- Cleaning supplies for mid-stay refreshes.
- Bin liners and recycling bags.
- Spare light bulbs and batteries.
- Smart TV with streaming access.
- Books and games for downtime.
Inventory damage checklist and insurance
Keeping an inventory checklist regularly updated encourages frequent checks of key items and features. This helps you spot damage or missing items early, giving you time to resolve problems before the next guest arrives. Check room by room for:
- Water damage: look for stains, damp patches, mould, and warped flooring.
- Plumbing leaks: check under sinks, around toilets, showers, baths, and radiators.
- Fire and smoke damage: scan for scorch marks, burns, strong odours, and soot staining.
- Storm and weather damage: watch for roof leaks, water ingress, damage to fences, gates, and outbuildings.
- Glass breakage: Double check windows, mirrors, shower screens, and doors for cracks or chips.
- Flooring damage: look for tears, deep stains, burns, lifting edges, and cracked tiles.
- Walls and ceilings: scan for new dents, holes, heavy scuffs, and water staining.
- Furniture damage: check beds, sofas, tables, and chairs for breakage or instability.
- Appliance damage: look for visible impact damage or faults linked to misuse.
- Theft or missing items: confirm the presence of high-value items (TVs, speakers, small appliances, outdoor furniture).
- Hot tub and pool damage: check covers, surrounds, equipment, and missing parts.
- Outdoor damage: scan BBQs, patio areas, and garden furniture.
- Malicious damage: look for deliberate breakage, graffiti, and intentional damage.
Should the need for an insurance claim arise, having dated evidence along with a timeline (and a crime reference number from the police for thefts or criminal activity) will make your claim go more smoothly. Theft and malicious damage cover can vary across insurers, so make sure you have the right cover for your needs.
Pikl is a specialist in cover for holiday lets. If you require comprehensive protection, including cover for theft and malicious damage by a guest, visit our holiday letting insurance page.
Holiday let inventory list FAQs
How often should I review my inventory list?
Ideally, you should aim to review your inventory after each guest stay to check for missing or broken items, and damage. Combine an inventory review with a cleaning checklist to help you during the changeover period.
What laws do I need to comply with?
There are several types of legal rules that could apply to an inventory list, including gas safety, fire prevention and health and safety laws. You will also need to conduct a health and safety assessment when setting up your holiday let. Keep this in mind when creating your ideal inventory, and aim to reduce the likelihood of any incident that could subject you to any liability claims made against you by guests. To make sure you are in compliance with the law in your area and that your property is safe, keep up to date with the latest holiday let regulations.
How can I personalise an inventory list for my target guest?
Knowing your target guest can allow you to tweak your list based on what you think your guest’s needs and priorities may be. We cover the topic of identifying your target guest in our guide on how to run a holiday let.
What is the best format for an inventory list?
The best format is one that encourages you to review and update your inventory list regularly. Our downloadable template below is a checklist example that allows you to tick off each item as you go room by room. However, some may prefer to maintain something digital such as a spreadsheet instead.
Should my inventory list adapt for seasonality?
Updating your inventory list for different times of the year may sometimes work for those that have the time and resources to do this. For example, an outside BBQ and a house full of colourful flowers may appeal more during the summer. If your property is quieter or empty during the winter months, having a checklist centred around guest comfort or safety issues such as preventing burst pipes when not occupied may make more sense. Adapt your list based on what works for you.
How detailed should my inventory list be?
Ideally your inventory list should be as detailed as possible to capture everything required to make sure your guest stay is comfortable. Having too short a list could result in an inconsistent guest experience, or mean that you ignore essential items.
Downloadable inventory checklist template
Below is a free inventory checklist template for you to use. Click the link below to download it.
{Downloadable inventory checklist]
At Pikl, we understand the importance of insurance when it comes to keeping your home protected. From liability to guest damages and gaps in cover when it comes to traditional insurance, finding the right policy should be easy with the right provider. If you have any queries about cover, speak to a member of our UK based call centre.
