The Miami Airbnb Arrival Checklist: What Your Rental Won't Have

Your rental has a kitchen. That doesn't mean there's anything in it.

Most vacation rentals are set up for the first hour of your stay, not the first morning. You'll often find a starter roll of paper towels and a few coffee pods, and not much else. The rest is up to you, and the nearest supermarket is a rideshare away.

This checklist covers what rentals usually leave out, grouped so you can build one order and have it delivered around your arrival. Every host is different, so check your listing first and skip anything it already includes.

What Miami rentals usually leave out

Hosts stock for the changeover between guests, not for your trip. A cleaner resets the home, clears out any food, and puts back a small set of starter supplies.

That usually means:

• No food or drinks. Expect an empty fridge and an empty pantry.
• A starter supply of paper goods. Often a roll of toilet paper per bathroom and one roll of paper towels.
• Few cooking basics. Oil, salt, pepper and spices are hit or miss.
• Little or no coffee. The machine is there. The coffee, filters, milk and sugar often aren't.
• Not enough for a group. A home that sleeps ten is rarely supplied for ten people.

Your listing is the best guide. Read the amenities list and the house manual, and message your host if something you rely on isn't mentioned.

The arrival checklist

Use this as a starting point and cut what you don't need.

First night and first morning

• A case of water
• Coffee or tea, with milk or creamer and sugar
• Eggs, bread, butter, yogurt, cereal and fruit
• Something easy for dinner the night you land
• Snacks for whoever is hungry before dinner

Kitchen basics

• Cooking oil, salt and pepper
• Paper towels
• Dish soap and a sponge
• Trash bags
• Foil and zip-top bags for leftovers

Drinks

• Water, sparkling water, juice and soda
• Beer, wine and spirits, delivered with a 21+ ID check
• Mixers, limes and ice

Bathroom and laundry

• Toilet paper
• Hand soap, shampoo and body wash, if your listing doesn't include them
• Laundry pods
• Toothpaste, extra shampoo and anything else you forgot to pack

Beach and pool

• Sunscreen
• Snacks and drinks for the beach bag
• Paper plates and cups for eating outside

Babies and kids

• Diapers and wipes
• Formula and baby food
• Juice boxes and kid-friendly snacks

Ordering for a group

A group trip is where a rental's starter supplies run out fastest.

• Place one order. Ask everyone what they want before you check out. One planned order is simpler than several small ones.
• Cover dietary needs up front. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, kosher and organic options are part of the catalog.
• Think about the fridge. Order cold items to match the space you'll have.
• Order platters and cakes early. Platters, charcuterie boxes and bakery cakes are made to order and need 24 hours' notice.

How to get it delivered to your rental

Ordering takes a few minutes in your browser. There is no app to download.

1. Tell us where you're staying. Choose your host, or enter your host's name and the delivery address. Add your arrival date and time.
2. Fill your cart. Work through the checklist above.
3. Check out. You'll see the full cost, including delivery and fees, before you place your order.

We shop your order and bring it to your rental at the time you chose. If you aren't there, it's left at the front door, so we recommend picking a time when someone can receive it and put the cold items away.

At our partner properties, we can pre-stock your stay before you arrive. Select your host at checkout and you'll see whether that's offered.

When to order

Order as soon as your trip is booked. There's no limit on how far ahead you can order.

For a set delivery time, schedule it. Pick the day and time that suit your arrival.

For pre-stocking, order at least 12 hours ahead. Arriving on a morning flight? Order the day before.

For same-day needs, order on demand. You can also order again during your trip when something runs out.

For the full picture of how delivery works at hotels and rentals, read our complete guide to grocery delivery in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Frequently asked questions

Usually not. Most rentals provide a small starter supply of paper goods and soap, and no food. Check your listing's amenities and ask your host about anything you rely on.

Yes. Choose your host at checkout, or enter your host's name and delivery address, and tell us when you plan to arrive. At our partner properties, we can pre-stock your stay before you arrive.

At rentals, orders are left at the front door. We recommend scheduling delivery for a time when someone will be there to bring it inside. If there is a change or delay in your travel schedule, contact us, and we will reschedule your delivery time. No problem.

Yes. We verify that you're 21 or older, either at delivery or through a digital check online before your order arrives.

Skip them. The checklist is a starting point, and your listing or host can tell you what's already there. Our product catalog covers over 35,000 products. We'll have just about anything you need.

One order, then the pool

The first afternoon of a trip shouldn't go to a supermarket run. Send one order ahead and start your stay with the fridge full.