# Operating Supplies Guide for Hosts

Source: https://rovetravel.com/s/operating-supplies-guide-for-hosts

## Our Recommended Operating supplies 

If you’re choosing to manage guests yourself, we want to help set you up for success.

Over the years, we’ve seen what works smoothly - and what tends to create stress, last-minute scrambling, or guest complaints. This guide walks you through our operating supplies and equipment or "OS&E" recommendations, explains what OS&E means, and shares why these details matter.

## What is OS&E?

OS&E stands for **Operating Supplies & Equipment**.

These are the non-furniture items that make your home functional for guests (linens, kitchenware, small appliances, tech, cleaning supplies, safety items, and everyday essentials).

Furniture makes your home look great.

OS&E is what makes stays run smoothly.

When these details are thoughtfully prepared, hosting becomes significantly easier and reviews tend to reflect that.

🛏️ Linens

### Why We Recommend All White, Hotel-Grade

One of the most impactful upgrades you can make is investing in quality white linens.

### Recommended Per Bed

- 4 fitted sheets
- 4 flat sheets
- 2 duvet covers
- 1 duvet insert
- Mattress protector
- Pillow protectors
- 2 pillows (Twin/Full) or 4 pillows (Queen/King)

### Why White?

White linens:

- Can be bleached and fully sanitised
- Always look fresh and clean
- Are easy to replace and match
- Create a polished, hotel-style feel

Colored or patterned linens tend to fade unevenly and are harder to replace over time. White keeps things simple and consistent.

### Why 4 Sheet Sets?

This is one of the most common areas where owners underestimate.

We recommend four sets per bed because:

- Back-to-back bookings happen
- Laundry delays happen
- Stains happen
- Quick turnovers happen

Having extra sets ensures you are never caught unprepared during a turnover.

🛌 Bedroom Setup (Beyond Linens)

In addition to linens, each bedroom should feel complete and functional.

Per bedroom, we recommend:

- 50 hangers
- Wastebasket
- Laundry basket (1 per every 2 bedrooms)
- Luggage rack (1 per every 2 bedrooms)
- Bedside lighting

These small details prevent guests from improvising - for example, hanging clothes on chairs or placing suitcases on beds.

🗝 Smart Locks

### Making Access Simple

While traditional keys can work, we strongly recommend installing a smart lock.

We suggest locks that connect via WiFi or a Z-Wave module so you can control them from your phone. Brands such as Yale and Schlage have proven reliable to us.

With a smart lock:

- You create unique codes per guest
- Codes expire automatically
- There is no key handoff coordination
- You reduce the risk of lost keys
- You can unlock remotely if needed

Access coordination is one of the most common friction points in hosting. A smart lock simplifies the entire process.

💻 WiFi, TVs & Streaming

### Consistency Reduces Issues

Strong WiFi is essential. It is one of the top guest expectations.

We recommend:

- A mesh WiFi system for consistent coverage. We use Eero 7 across our properties and find it performs reliably.
- While its not essential we try and have A 55" TV as a minimum per home. And when we can we add a 50" TV per bedroom.
- A standardized streaming device per TV. We use Roku across our portfolio.
- Speakers (1 per home, this is optional but we fine guests appreciate it)

Reliable technology saves time and improves the guest experience.

💼 Workspace Setup (If Applicable)

If your home includes a workspace, we recommend:

- 27" monitor
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Standing desk (approx. 55" W x 24" D)
- Ergonomic chair

A proper workspace makes your property more attractive to longer-stay and remote-working guests.

☕️ Coffee Setup

### Creating a Thoughtful Experience

In Rove homes, we aim to create a hospitality experience that feels comfortable and elevated.

We recommend having a high-quality coffee setup available. Ideally:

- A pod machine
- A drip/filter machine

Across our portfolio, we standardize with the Nespresso Vertuo machine because it is easy to use, consistent, and requires minimal cleanup.

While standardization is not essential for owner-managed homes, guests appreciate knowing what to expect. Providing a quality, easy-to-use machine helps bring that same thoughtful experience into your home.

We also recommend:

- Nespresso pod variety packs
- Coffee pod carousel holder
- Coffee filters (if using drip machine)

Small details like this can positively influence reviews.

🍳 Kitchen Setup

### Make It Feel Complete

A helpful question to ask:

“If I stayed here for three nights and wanted to cook, would I have everything I need?”

At minimum, we recommend:

- Full cookware set
- Utensil set
- Knife set
- Cutting boards
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring set
- Baking sheets
- Glass baking dishes
- Colander
- Can opener
- Tupperware set
- Oven mitts
- Dinnerware set
- Beverage glasses
- Wine glasses
- Steak knives
- Silverware + silverware holder
- Wine opener
- Coasters
- Large trash can (50L)
- Paper towel holder

Pantry basics:

- Salt & pepper set
- Assorted spices
- Olive oil
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking soda
- tea & coffee

Cleaning basics:

- Sponges
- Dish scrub brush
- Dish towels
- Dish soap
- Dishwasher pods
- Rinse aid
- Aluminium foil
- Plastic wrap
- Kitchen trash bags

When basic items are missing, guests often message during their stay asking for them. A complete kitchen prevents interruptions and keeps reviews strong.

🛁 Bathrooms

### Slightly More Than You Think

Per bathroom, we recommend:

- 6 bath towels
- 6 hand towels
- 12 washcloths
- 3 bath mats
- Trash bin
- Plunger & toilet brush
- Blow dryer
- Glass wiper (for glass showers)

Toiletries (stocked in advance):

- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash
- Hand soap
- Lotion

Guests tend to use more towels than expected, particularly during longer stays. Having extras prevents mid-stay shortages.

🧽 Cleaning & Backup Supplies

### Help Guests Care for Your Space

Even if you use a professional cleaner, we recommend keeping:

- Vacuum
- Swiffer + wet pads
- Broom & dustpan
- Surface cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Bleach tabs
- Oven cleaner
- Cleaning gloves
- Cleaning cloths/rags
- Magic Eraser
- Laundry detergent pods
- Dryer balls
- Toilet cleaning solution
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Tool kit + drill
- Ladder
- Batteries (AA, AAA, 9V)

Minor spills and small accidents are normal. Being prepared helps protect your home and avoids urgent guest calls.

🏖️ Outdoor / Pool / Grill (If Applicable)

If your home includes outdoor amenities:

For pool homes:

- Pool towels (10 for occupancy ≤ 6 / 20 for larger homes)
- Pool skimmer

For grill homes:

- Grill tool set
- Grill cleaning foam

A Final Note

The smoother your setup:

- The fewer guest questions
- The fewer urgent messages
- The stronger your reviews
- The easier it becomes to manage bookings confidently

We hope this guide helps you create a comfortable, well-prepared home for your guests.



**Shop our ****Amazon list**

For convenience, we’ve also created an Amazon shopping list featuring items we commonly use across our properties to simplify sourcing.

For other supplies we like to shop at

Public Goods - for our cleaning supplies

Malin + Goetz - for our toiletries

Revival - for our linens and towels
