My dilemma is I need to use it in my current house until the end of our lease in August.
You’d be surprised how many guests are influenced to book a place by the style of the furniture. And how many guests will leave low accuracy ratings because there’s different couch or different color curtains.
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or a different bed spread!
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My comment does not deal with the furnishing of a STR, but these things matter.
Does your area require a permit to legally rent a dwelling short term?
ALL of your furniture? Surely there are items you can do without for the summer.
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This reminds me that Airbnb started with some guys in an apartment renting out air mattress space in their place. What a transformation. The quality and comfort of air mattresses varies greatly. If someone goes that route, I would recommend the tall ones for a few dollars more.
Things like a bed, dining table and the couch I can’t do without, no. I have some side and end tables that work but other than that I don’t have too much.
You can buy inexpensive foam mattresses. They come in a box and “puff up” when you take them out of the plastic packaging. I bought mine on Amazon and guests have commented on how comfy they are. Perhaps you can go to a few estate sales to buy used furniture to furnish your Airbnb.
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Similar to you, I was renovating prior to the booking season starting & didn’t want to miss bookings. I posted pics of the building, neighborhood, pool, grills, beach etc. with an all CAPS disclaimer “RENOVATION & FURNISHING IN PROCESS. I will post pictures as soon as possible”.
For my second unit I did the same and posted a couple pics of my existing rental with a the caveat, These pictures are of my other Airbnb rental to give you an idea of my decorating style.
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Why not just get decent second hand furniture from local charity shops or order from IKEA
Go and stay in a few local 5 star Airbnb’s comparable to yours in the location so you can see how it feels as a guest and what things are important
It seems you want to rush and do it on the cheap rather than thinking long term about what will make for the most successful STR business .
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The OP does not intend long term, it is a temporary bridge while living out his lease where he lives now.
Not worth the effort IMO
RR
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Ah missed that. @RiverRock Seems like a lot of hassle for a few months, might be better just doing a short lease unfurnished for the period.
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IKEA. As much as I tried to avoid it , I found a kids wardrobe which is wide enough for adult sized hangers that fitted a small space. In lieu of traditional bedside tables, they also have boxy things that you attach to the wall. Saves floor space in a bedroom.
Best of luck with your plan!
(Queen bed is a must IMHO) .
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I will likely try the short term unfurnished for the summer, but the potential profit for Airbnb is what made me want to do that as well.
Did you factor in paying utilities and local taxes, furnishing the property, cleaning fees, co-host fees and specialist insurance when looking at what profits you would make?
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I have it all calculated out yes.
I just thought of something, you can rent furniture! I had a friend that furnished her entire apartment with rented furniture because she was only going to live there for two years. I think she paid about $300 a month.
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I think you should give them the furniture. You can sleep on an air mattress.
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I can’t tell if you’re joking. I’m definitely not sleeping on an air mattress for 3 months.
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I’m not really joking… setting up an Airbnb takes a fair bit of effort / money / inconvenience, and you’ll have to decide whether it’s worth it to you. The nightly rate looks pretty attractive, but you don’t get money for nothing. There’s no getting around the need to furnish it appropriately.
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