Save Money Furnishing a Airbnb Rental On a Budget

Just a heads up, this is a long post. I’ve included very detailed information on my process so you’re in the right place if you want to know how to Save Money Furnishing a Airbnb Rental On a Budget! My absolute favorite part of interior design is the design and styling each space. It can be fun, but if you’re on a budget it can seem overwhelming or even unrealistic if you don’t familarize yourself with all of your attainable options.

I’ve noticed there are several resources and websites out there stating it will cost $6K – $8K to furnish a 2 bedroom STR which is under 1500 SqFt. I support all bloggers perspective, so I won’t be saying any names! Instead, I’ll be sharing my experience on how to Save Money Furnishing an Airbnb Rental On a Budget and it still turn out fabulous and the process was lots of fun. It’s definitely possible to furnish your Airbnb cheap or as cheap as possible.

This blog post may seem quite long, however, it’s really just quite detailed and transparent. I even included a downloadable Airbnb Host Checklist below. I’m also discussing my process for not one, but two, 2 bed room apartments inside a duplex. It’s definitely not for the weak, however, if your heart and mind is in the right place and it’s not just about the money, but building your empire, you will absolutely love almost every step on the way of launching your first Airbnb/VRBO/STR/Vacation Rental.

My First Short Term Rental

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I recently rehabbed, furnished and styled two properties (a two famiy flat aka a duplex), both with 2 beds and 1 bath in 6 weeks. While we won’t have the same resources available, I’ll be sure to share various ways you can furnish your short term rental aka a STR or rental as affordable as possible. I’m also sharing why if you can afford to go high-low end, how it will make a difference and stand out from the rest. High-Low, meaning saving your budget for key design pieces which, may not be super cheap, yet will make your unit stand out and also increase the value of your purchased properties. If not, you can always add on upgrades later, in the meantime you can still fabulously furnish and style your short term rental on a budget.

What Is a Short Term Rental or STR?

In regards to short term rentals, this could be a vacation home, your primary home, an additional income property, a second home or an AirBNB (VRBO or Furnished Finder) property. I’ve seen people turn the most unique spaces into a STR, such as a garage, a tent, an RV and even an old school bus. You will be able to use some or all of these tips for primarily residential homes, apartments or mulit-unit homes.

So where do you start furnishing and styling your STR or Airbnb rental property on a budget? Short answer is to start styling your empty space with paint. If there is no need to paint, then styling your windows would be the next priority; however, if your walls have no character or seem super bland, then adding a accent wall in the dining room or bedrooms will make your space more distinctive than plain white walls.

How to Furnish and Style a Short Term Rental on a Budget: Where Do I Start?

Even if you’ve never styled an entire home before now, I promise, you can do this! You will find your own unique style with practice. As a last resort, you could hire a local interior designer/decorator like myself, but that would be defeating our point of sticking to the best design for your buck and at a budget so that you can have more money left to invest in more for your space.

Starting with a vision of your color palette for each room will help you to decided on a color palette. As far as an accent wall, you should go with one of the colors from your palette or an ideal color which pops for the accent wall or choose a darker neutral color. Neutral colors will easily mesh with any furniture and decor you choose. This photo below is a great example of neutral colors walls and colorful decor that pops, versus a colorful wall that pops and traditional neutral tone decor.

Choosing Paint on a Budget

If you need paint throughout the entire unit, you can’t go wrong with Sherwin Williams Agreeable Grey or Urban Putty. I did Suite Two in Agreeable Grey with White Trim and Suite One in Urban Putty with White Trim. The less expensive option is to get the return or Oops paint at Home Depot, Lowe’s or other paint stores. Just ask the guy at the paint counter, where to find the Oops or returned paint. You can also find cheap paint on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. These paints are marked down cheap and can be used to paint accents walls, built-ins, walls, trim and thrifted furniture.

Styling Your AirBnb Windows

If you’re all set with paint, then windows would be the first priority. There are a few options available. Blinds could be inexpensive depending on your window size. They can also be expensive if you need a lot. The least expensive route would be mini blinds, thrifted or free curtains. Before investing in any window treatments, take inventory of all of your windows you’ll need blinds or curtains for. You may also want to decide on a set amount to spend or a window budget. Believe me, you’ll be quite busy and can easily lose sight of your budget.

My units had old dusty crusty blinds already installed inside the window frame, so I just removed the old blinds and measured them to figure out what size blinds I needed. When it comes to measuring blinds, you’ll need to decide on if you want them mounted in the window frame or above the window frame. I personally would never mount above the window frame. Here’s a side by side visual below to help you decide on which style you prefer.

When You Can’t Find The Right Blind Sizes

I struggled to find blinds because the home is 85 years young and had unique window sizes, which we just don’t see much anymore. There also seemed to be some blindpocalypse or some kind of blind shortage at the time. All retailers were out, even Walmart. I really wanted two inch wood blinds. There were about 11 windows in a unique size.

Lowe’s was having a sale on blinds which were too wide in length for my windows, however, I learned they will also cut this particular brand blinds to size. The process takes place in the store and they are cut prior to purchasing so make sure your measurements are correct. Home Depot stores will also cut blinds to size. Check to see if your local stores offer this service if you also struggle to find the right size blinds.

I opted in to get Lowe’s Levolor blinds trimmed to size in the store for one unit. If your STR is a business, you could also save 5% on all purchases from Lowe’s if you open one of their business cards.

Where To Find Cheap Blinds

You can find blinds on a budget at your local community closets, Facebook Marketplace, Offer Up, flea markets, Craigslist, Walmart clearance section, thrift store and sometimes Amazon. Be sure to check around before buying them full priced. Can’t find matching blinds or of the same color or have decent blinds already? If they are clean and aren’t broken, you could paint them or stain them depending on the type of blind.

Choosing Curtains for Your Airbnb

Curtains definitely make a bedroom feel more cozy. I actually got lucky and found lots of curtains for pretty much free at a church that just took donations. Check your local area for community closets. These places allow you to shop and leave a donation. Before spending any money on curtains, go the free route first, then the cheap route, and finally the budget route. The community closet is pretty much the free route.

The cheaper route for styling your STR windows would be thrift stores, flee markets, yardsales, Facebook Marketplace local sales, Greensheets, Craigslist or OfferUp app. The budget route for curtains at really good prices are: IKEA, Ross, Burlington, Walmart, Family Dollar and Dollar General. Sometimes, you can find good curtains on clearance at Home Goods, JcPenny, Big Lots, TJ Max, Marshalls, Aldi and Target.

Curtain rods can be affordable. You can often find really nice options at Burlinton and Ross. Bed Bath and Beyond has a clearance section which has lots of curtain rods on clearance. My last resort would be At Home Store. They rarely ever have curtain rods on sale, but if you sign up for their email list, you can get a good coupon to use only once, plus another for your birthday every year.

Another alternative curtain option is installing IKEA Vidga single track curtain holder. This will actually create a luxurious window vibe versus investing in expensive curtain rods. Check out the demonstration below via @decorsnippets. With this design, just make sure you get floor length curtains, meaning they are actually touching the floors.

Blinds and Curtains Alternatives

Because of the blind shortages and hassle to buy special size blinds, I discovered these affordable blinds called Zebra Blinds, which are a modern hybrid of roller shades and traditional horizontal blinds. When I discovered these on Amazon, they were priced lower than blinds at the time. I see now they are getting more popular. They were very easy to install. The price varies based on size and seller. If you like this look, look for sales online and plan ahead for delivery.

Roller shades are rarely seen nowadays in comparison to blinds and curtains, but I believe they are making a comeback! IKEA has a pretty popular roller shade at a budget friend price called Langdans shown below. They refer to them as roller blinds versus shades and have over 18 different styles, colors, light filtering, sheer and room darkening for under $26. Check them out to see if they have your sizes. Roller blinds are low maintenance in comparison to cleaning blinds regularily.

Choosing STR Rooms To Furnish First

My STR kitchens was also being rehabbed, so I was living there during the entire process. It made the process go by much quicker and I could also live and experience what it was like being there many nights and what all I needed to make the space more comfortable and memorable for future guests. Because of this, I started with the bedroom and kitchen.

Furnishing Airbnb Bedroom On A Budget

I first purchased a queen size mattress, boxspring, and rails. I recommend getting queen size beds for the bedrooms. How I saved money is by purchasing the top of the line floor model. I got a really nice 10 inch BeautyRest mattress, boxspring and rails for $350. Make sure you also remember to get at least 2 sets of hypoallergenic mattress protectors for all of your mattresses. I bought my comforter and pillow set from Burlington for $29 and two 100% cotton sheet sets for $17.99. My two pillows were on sale at Walmart for $7/each. A day or two later I found a small desk and chair that I used for a nightstand and working space.

In a short time, I managed to find a dresser and a night stand on Facebook Marketplace local sales for $275. For some that may sound expensive, however it’s solid wood Basset set with brass hardware so it will stand the test of time in a high turnover and usage STR. A brand new cheaply made dresser will run $300 plus for just the dresser alone and will surely fall apart much more quickly.

Farmhouse STR Bedroom Unit 1 Master Bed On A Budget

• Dresser and Nightstand $275 (FaceBook Marketplace)
• Queen Mattress, boxspring, rail $350 (Fifth Avenue Furniture Store)
• Lamp $6.66 (set of 3 for $20 on FaceBook Marketplace)
• Iron Distressed Headboard $80 (Facebook Marketplace)
• Comforter Set with Pillow Cases $29 (Burlington)
• 2 Sheet Sets $37 (Burlington)
• 2 Pillows $7 each (Walmart
• Ceiling Fan $FREE (Another Host Friend) This was sprayed painted Metallic Oil Rubbed Bronze
• 2 inch Blinds $32 (Walmart)
• 2 Padded Down Alternative Mattress Protection Covers $40 (Amazon)

Totaling: $863

Children’s STR Bedroom In Duplex Suite 1 for the Cheap

Unit 1 is on the first floor, so I decided to make this unit children friendly versus the other suite. The unit upstairs has wood floors throughout so it will be for adults only. Having a children’s space only on the lower level will allow kids to be kids without disturbing the peace below them. Also, it worked out perfectly as my primary unit when I was back home for a while.

I decided to get two twin beds to have on each wall. I left the existing blinds in the room as they looked newer and just needed cleaning.

With this unit, I did purchase more new furniture than the master bedroom. In the end, I paid much less than the first room buying almost everything new. See details below.

Wild Child STR Themed Kids Bedroom

• Two Twin Linen Spa Signature Collection Mattresses $240 (On Sale $120 each Bed Bath & Beyond)
• Two Twin Platform Beds $240 (Amazon $119.99 each)
• Two Blue Geo Dash Tiny Dreamers Twin Comforter Sets $36 (At Home Store $17.49 each)
• Two Forest Friends Tiny Dreamers Twin Sheet Sets $15 (At Home Store $7.49 each)
• 2 Squirrel Plush Pillows $15 (At Home Store $7.49 each)
• End Table $24 (Burlington)
• Black Dresser Chest $40 (Facebook Marketplace)
• Ceiling Fan $Free
• Black Mirror $7.00 (Walmart)
• Blinds $Free (Originals)
• Book Table $Free (Estate sell leftover from curb)

Totaling: $617

Furnishing 2 Bedroom STR Suite

Now, that I’ve covered both bedrooms downstairs I’m moving on to the bedrooms upstairs. This unit was designed with adult only guests in mind. Keeping in mind the thrifted Must Haves for a STR bedroom first, I managed to thrift all of this bedroom except for the curtain rod, mattress/foundation, bedding and headboard. The headboard below is a beautiful velvet navy blue queen size Gatlin Upholstered Panel Headboard purchased from Wayfair for $121. I love how quickly Wayfair ships, and they have wonderful customer service and decent return policies. I actually tried finding headboards on FaceBook Marketplace first, but only found the cost to buy used was the same as buying new.

For the second bedroom, everything was again thrifted except for the mattress, foundation, bedding, headboard, curtain rod and the sheer curtains. I’ll list where everything was purchased below and for how much. This faux leather Norwalk Upholstered Panel Headboard was also purchased from Wayfair for $77. So both the headboard below and the one above cost me under $200 buying brand new and delivered lightening fast from Wayfair.

Below is the detailed list of everything I purchased for both of Unit 2 bedrooms which I believe to be a necessity must have for your STR bedrooms and still on a budget at $1,351.66 which is $640 for one room and $711.66 for the bedroom with the crystal fandelier.

Protect Your Airbnb Short-Term Rental Ivestments

I initially used comforters I already had, but later replaced with duvets. I highly recommend using duvets over a comforter or duvet insert. Duvet covers are light and take less time to dry. You buy duvets in the sames size as your old comforter or you could purchase a duvet insert. You could also, instead get the thin blankets also known as a “coverlet“. I do not recommend buying satin anything, as it will get stained quickly and become a “duvet instert”. Protect your investments longer by protecting your decor. Duvets and Coverlets also keep your electric or gas bills lower.

Another tip I have is in regards to the throw pillows or accent pillows in any room is to spray them down with Scotchguard at least once per month. This will help repel stains and oils for some time. They’ll be easier to just wipe clean because washing via a washing machine will cause them to lose their shape.

Actual Cost To Furnish Two Short Term Rental Bedrooms

• Vesgantti 9.6 Inch Innerspring Multilayer Hybrid Queen Size Mattress $279 (Amazon)
• Queen Size Foundation $128 (Amazon)
• Vesgantti 9.6 Inch Innerspring Multilayer Hybrid Full Size Mattress $279 (Amazon)
• Full Size Foundation $109 (Amazon)
• Bed Rails $70 ( 2 from Fifth Avenue)
• Gold Lamp $Free (Community Closet)
• Lamp $6.66 (set of 3 for $20 on FaceBook Marketplace)
• Desk and Chair $55(FaceBook Marketplace)
• Mirrored Nightstand $70 (FaceBook Marketplace)
• Black Painted Dresser $130 (Facebook Marketplace)
• Gray Painted Dresser $40 (Facebook Marketplace)
• Crushed Sheer Gray Curtains $20 (Target)
• Grey Curtains $Free (Community Closet)
• Curtain Rod Set $24 (Set of 2 at Burlington)
• Bed In A Bag $49 (Burlington)
• Bedskirt $11 (Walmart)
• Two Mattress Protectors $Free (Community Closet)
• 2 Queen Sheet Sets $Free (Community Closet)
• Two Cotton Full Size Sheet Sets $49 (Walmart)
• 8 Pillows $32 (Target on Sale $4 each)

Totaling: $1,351.66

High-Low End Short Term Rental Design

As mentioned above, I didn’t include any of the fixture upgrades in my costs above. This is optional. A fandelier or modern ceiling fan would be an amenity you could include in your listings. However, if money is really tight then you should at minimum opt in for pre-owned window AC units and a rotating floor fan for the family room and the bedrooms. You can find rotating floor fans at Family Dollar, Aldi, Walmart, and Big Lots for low prices. You can also find them on Facebook Marketplace, Offer Up and Craigslist. I’m starting to think, you can probably find everything on Facebook Marketplace! If you know a electrician, you can save more buying pre-owned lighting fixtures and on the cost of installation.

As for going upgrading the space and making it stand out, I do recommend shopping around for ceiling fans or even hardware for your dressers if the hardware is out-dated. If you’re creative you could stencil them or paint them with spray paint also.

The Costs To Upgrade A STR or Airbnb Property

All together I spent a total of $290 on 2 upgraded ceiling fans including the fan in the photo above and this crystal fandelier below. It’s a remote controlled ceiling fan and does cost $219 on Amazon. You can probably find several other style fandeliers or crystal fans at a lower price in other colors or shapes, but it was worth it for me because this same fan sold at Lowes was much more than buying on Amazon. The other ceiling fan was $70 on Facebook Marketplace.

Furnishing Your STR Kitchen On A Budget

I honestly feel the kitchen is the easiest room to furnish. I needed a stove and a refrigerator for both units. Because I needed double everything for my STR, I had to shop smarter. Shopping for appliances during post pandemic would be super challenging for anyone wanting new appliance. There was a shortage of appliances so they were on back order everywhere, and not just for appliances, but even for furniture in general.

I managed to find 2 apartment size refrigerators on, YOU GUESSED IT! FaceBook Marketplace. It was very competitive shopping for appliances amongst other locals on Facebook Marketplace as well as pre-owned appliances stores. Gratefully, Facebook Marketplace allows browsers to set up alarms for certain items. So I set up an alert for a stainless steel stove and refrigerator. When one came available, I immediately reached out to the seller to put my dibs in. Because of how competitive it was, I missed out on the majority of them, but I just stayed focus and in due time had my appliances for both units.

Excellent Pre-Owned STR Appliances

My thrifted apartment size stainless steel refrigerators were in excellent pre-owned condition, costing me $700 including a warranty. These aren’t standard sized refrigerators, but they are perfect for my small kitchen space catering to short term renters. I did manage to find a gas stove for $350 and an electric glass top for $200 on FB Marketplace. I learned older gas stoves cost more and there is more competition when buying than electric stoves. The microwaves $125 for two. One was from FB Marketplace and the other from a used appliance store. The used appliance store was actually less in this case.

Your kitchen’s appliance brands definitly don’t need to match! I didn’t match my brands for the appliances, but I did match the finish which is stainless steel.

In regards to other appliances such as a washer and dryer set, it’s definitely not a necessity to get started, however, it’s a great amennity if you want longer term stays. You can thrift a standard washer and dryer set for $400 or less.

High-Low End STR Kitchen Upgrades

Purchasing appliances for your kitchen doesn’t have to be expensive when purchasing used. This is where you’ll save the most money. I’ve recommended several resources on finding used appliances. Always check for pre-owned quality appliances first.

While this next recommendation is optional, I do highly recommend investing in modern or really good quality hardware for your kitchen drawers and cabinets. This could still be affordable, by purchasing an inexpensive light fixture or chandelier along with nice hardware and it will instantly upgrade your kitchen.

I added gold handles and knobs to the kitchen cabinets and it wasn’t nearly as expensive as purchasing from a store such as Lowe’s or Home Depot because you’re able to purchase in bulk online, versus individually. I spent about $123 for hardware for both kitchen sets and had a few left over just in case.

Another place to go for good sales is Hobby Lobby. They have the same sales which rotate every other week or so. Check the ads for when the hardware is 40% off and then plan on getting all that you need at 1-2 locations. I got several outlet covers and switchplates from Hobby Lobby on sale of course. This is not something most people will think to do. Thererfore, you will stand out with these lovely and small upgrades.

Short Term Rental Kitchen Accessories

As you can see in the photo, there are very few kitchen accessories needed to make a STR functional. Plates, coffee mugs, glass cups or PVC free plastic cups can be purchased in abundance at a thrift store. My dishrack is new from Burlington and the Keurig Coffee maker was yet again, a $15 find on FaceBook Marketplace.

I went with purchasing my pots and pans from Bed Bath and Beyond. You want to get good quality pots and pans. Bed Bath & Beyond always has sales on pots and pans. I got 2 T-Fal sets for almost the price of one set at Bed Bath and Beyond. Definitely was a proud and happy moment for me! I’ll link this set below, but it was a sales prices, so if it’s not on sale just keep looking or buy pieces from yard sales, flea markets, thrift stores and of course Facebook Marketplace!

The T-Fal dishwasher safe 14 piece also available on Amazon.

My knife set is brand new from Target. The set had 12 knives, which I split between both suites. Everything else can pretty much be purchased second hand.

Scroll to the end to see the STR Shopping List I’ve included as a guide to prepare you before your first booking on Airbnb, VRBO or whatever platform you use.

• Two Pre-Owned Stoves $550 (Gas $350 Electric $200 Facebook Marketplace)
• Two Stainless Steel Apartment Size Refrigerators $700 (Facebook Marketplace)
• 2 Above the Range Microwaves $125 (FB Marketplace and Used Appliance Store)
• Keurig Coffee Maker $15 (Facebook Marketplace)
• Mainstay K Cup Coffee Maker $20 (Walmart)
• T-Fal Pot and Pans $75 (Bed Bath Beyond)
• Knive Set $21.99 (Target)
• Silverware $13 (Target)
• Dish Rack $11 (Burlington)

Totaling: $1456

My Thrifted Short Term Rental Living Rooms

You can 100% completely thrift your entire living room set. This means the necessities, a coffee table, a sofa, a chair or two, a rug and a smart television. If there isn’t sufficient lighting, you may want to consider a floor lamp.

Both of my STR duplex living rooms were mostly thrifted. For the lower unit, I started with things I already had at my home that were stored away because I just didn’t have space for it or it just no longer complimented my home’s theme. Checking with what you have already first will also help you save money. You may even have things that someone else would pay you money for which you could reinvest back into your STR. You can get cash for items, just by listing on Offer Up, FaceBook Marketplace or Craigslist. Also check your local Neighborhood app and newsletters.

The only STR necessities which were not thrifted for the Suite One above is the Sofa (it’s a sofa bed), the Roku smart television, and the rug. I also purchased chair slip covers as shown in the photos above. The slip covers protect the lighter shade of teal underneath. I could’ve probably found a pre-owned sofa, but I went with new because I wanted to increase the number of guests who could sleep in this unit, thus increasing the nightly stay.

• Altari Slate Ashley Sofa Sleeper $650 (Fifth Avenue)
• 2 High Back Arm Chairs $250 (Facebook Marketplace)
• Designer Glass Gold Coffee Table $75 (FaceBook Marketplace)
• Loloi II Nadia NN-07 Smoke Transitional Area Rug 5×7 $62.57 (Amazon)
• Hisense 50 inch HDR Roku Smart Television $295 (Walmart)

Totaling: $1,332

Costs To Furnish Short Term Rental Suite Two

Suite Two above is similar set up as the other suite, just a different yet easy color palatte of greys, yellow, smoky blues and pink. You can’t go wrong getting grey or other neutral color furniture pieces and adding a pop of color with pillows and a area rug. Grey goes with almost every color, even teal, orange and purple.

Everything necessary to launch my STR was also thrifted in the photo of Suite Two above also, except for the Smart T. The pillows, blinds, chandelier and the rug look fabulous; however, they are not really a necessity immediately to have a successul and comfortable STR.

FYI, the way I save money on expensive pillows, is I purchase pillow coverings off Amazon and the inserts seperately. You’ll end up spending half the price or more than you would for one pillow at HomeGoods.

• 3 Piece Sofa and 2 Chairs $350 (Facebook Marketplace)
• Glass and Brass Coffee Table $75 ( Coffe Table and Side Table from Facebook Marketplace)
• onn. 50” Class 4K UHD Roku Smart TV $268 (Walmart)
• nuLOOM Lilah Medallion Vintage Area Rug, 5′ x 7′ 5″, Blue $63 (Amazon) OPTIONAL**

Totaling: $693

Adding An Office SpaceTo Your STR At A Budget Of Course

Suite 2 was a little larger so I thrifted even more items that made this space stand out such as a desk and chair in the nook you can see in photos. Having a workspace is an additional amenity you can add to to your listing. I paid $30 for the chair on FB Marketplace and the mirrored desk came from Offer Up app for $75. These pieces are optional of course, so no they aren’t a requirement to launch your STR immediately, but they are highly recommended as soon as you can afford to upgrade.

Shop around for a piece of inexpensive wall art and add a desk lamp. I recommend Burlington for wall art at affordable prices. You can also find nice pieces at estate shops.

Airbnb or Vacation Home Easiest Room To Thrift

The easiest room to thrift in a Airbnb or any STR is the dining room or breakfast room. Simply look for a dining table table set for 4, 6, or 8. I opted in for seating of 4. Buying a dining table set for 4 new which is also good quality will be over $600 even at the neighborhood budged stores with decent quality. For sure, find a set which is solid wood or in excellent quality, because of the traffic and wear or tear or you’ll soon be throwing it out and shopping for another.

I paid $360 for a very nice heavy solid wood preowned set on FB Marketplace. That price was negotiated down from $500 and my moving guys put on a hurting moving it to the Suite Two located on second floor. It was very heavy because it’s built to withstand the test of time. Suite One dining table was a fixer upper which was also solid wood and purchased for $150. It required touch up paint which I did myself.

• Suite One Dining Table $150
• Suite Two Dining Table $360

Totaling: $510

It’s very easy to complete your STR dining room. Simply, place your table in the center of the room or beneath the chandelier or light fixture in the room. Add placemats, centered in front of each chair. Next, add a centerpiece in the center of the tabe and done! A centerpiece can be a medium sized plant, vase of flowers, a candlebra, or a tray with dinnerware and drinking glassware.

Pros and Cons To Thrifting A STR or Furnished Investment Properties

I was so excited to have thrifted the majority of my STR furnishings using all resources available to me (primarily Facebook Marketplace). The pros of shopping on Facebook Marketplace is you can negotiate tax free prices, you can shop from bed, you get to read the sellers feedback from other buyers. This is also true with Offerup. Not so much with NextDoor app, OfferUp app or shopping at a flea market.

The cons for me for choosing to thrift is that it was competitive. I was so thankful when the sellers chose me so I thanked them because they are bogged down with lots of buyer messages almost as soon as they post the listing. The final con is that gas ain’t cheap and I was driving all over town for weeks at a time, so you have to weigh the cost for traveling versus buying new or using a delivery service such as Dolly. Thrifting definitely takes more time. However, furniture stores were also low in inventory, post pandemic.

Transporting Items or Delivering Your STR Furniture

When driving all over town for items that would fit inside my SUV, I used a delivery service called Dolly to get larger furniture pieces moved to the property. Dolly is an app where you can hire workers to pick up and deliver items. You enter the starting point and ending point, details about the pick up and then you’re provided with a quote. Once delivered driver is paid and tipped through the app or you can choose to tip cash. There are other similar services out there such as Task Rabbit. If you live near a Home Depot, you can also rent trucks by the hour.

23 Places To Thrift and Shop For Your Short Term Rental On A Budget

FREE! Printable Airbnb | Vacation | STR Shopping List

Thought I’d also share my furnishing an airbnb checklist . It’s a list of the essentials needed to get started with your STR. It’s a completely free printable, no opting in required. However, I do hope you’ll share my post with your friends.

Download my Airbnb, Vacation, and Short-term Rental Shopping List below. You can download as a PDF and save to have for later or view all 3 slides below:

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Printable Free Airbnb | Short Term Rental Shopping List PDF Here.

How Much It Cost Me To Furnish Two Short Term Rentals On A Budget

If I added correctly, it cost me $6823 (rounded up) to furnish 4 bedrooms, two kitchens, two living rooms, an office, and 2 dining rooms . And remember another beautiful thing about thrifting for your STR is it’s all TAX FREE!! So, I’m going to average it costs around $2400 – $3400 to Furnish and Style a Short Term Rental on a Budget. I did go with more modern decor, so it could be a little more or less depending on your style as well as demographics. You can also save more money purchasing a unit with appliances or negotiate keeping the appliances. Having appliances already, would’ve saved me over $1,000!

So that is all yall for How to Furnish and Style a Short Term Rental on a Budget! I’ll be back to share the details of my 6 week rehab soon.

One Last Thing – Highly Recommend Smart Locks for STR’s

I highly recommend a smart lock for your Airbnb, STR or Vacation Rental. Be sure to do your research. Read reviews and search Google for others experiences. I’ve tried Smonet Smart lock. It’s actually a highly rated smart lock on Amazon, yet it was completely reliable at one property locally; but, it wouldn’t work consistently remote at another property. Also, their customer service was only available really late at night. Smonet smart lock return process was pretty easy though.

Thank goodness, so far Yale Assure Smart Lock works best for my lifestyle because it has consistently worked remote with my Airbnb property. I purchased the touchscreen with option to also open with a key, just in case…you just never know!

What I love the most about it, is that it automatically sends lock codes to Airbnb guests. Guests will also get instructions on using the App alone or using the code via the Airbnb messagin app. Connecting the Yale app to AirBnb was super easy. Note, this model comes in various finishes including Nickel, Bronze and black. If you can’t find the one you want in stock, then try another finish. They do sell out pretty quick!

The Yale Connect WiFi bridge is sold separately. It’s also sold with some Yale Assure Wifi Smart Lock sets. If you need your smart lock to operate completely remote, then you will need to purchase the bridge. I actually installed the Yale Assured lock by myself following a YouTube video and I didn’t get stuck until it came with setting up the Yale Connect WiFi bridge. However, I didn’t stay stuck for longer than 4 minutes, thanks to Yales toll-free customer service line! One thing I will say about Yale, is they have a real person who wants to help, answering their phone line every time.

One on One, Email, Virtual Airbnb Coaching and Consulting

Reach out to me direct anytime on IG or Pinterest @LaniDoesIt.

For hands on, One on One Airbnb Coaching or Consulting, just reach out the Contact Us form or email us direct.

Thanks for reading and I hope you’ve been inspired and found my sharing my furnished and styling my multi-STR on a budget to be helpful.

XoXo,

Lani