Furnishing a Property in Mexico (with Vacation Rental Inventory Checklist)

Congratulations on deciding to rent out your property in Mexico! This can be a lucrative investment, but proper preparation is key. Equipping your property to avoid issues and ensure 5-star reviews is essential. A well-prepared rental leads to satisfied guests, positive reviews, and steady bookings. Below, we provide a comprehensive vacation rental inventory checklist and recommendations for where to buy furniture in Mexico, including some of the best online stores. This guide will help you furnish your property to create a welcoming and comfortable space that meets all guest expectations.

Where to Buy Furniture in Mexico

When buying furniture in Mexico, you’ll notice a range of prices and quality. Delivery times may also vary, so inquire in advance. Always consider looking on Amazon or Mercado Libre (Amazon’s main competitor in Mexico). To save on big-ticket items, consider shopping during the “Hot Sale” in May or Black Friday, another excellent opportunity to find huge discounts.

Our Favorite Online Stores

In order of our favorite online stores in Mexico for furniture and appliances:

  1. Costco
  2. Sam’s
  3. Liverpool – Mid to High-range (the Haus brand is usually a great value)
  4. Home Depot
  5. Chedraui – Grocery store with great delivery service and decent selection of kitchenware & appliances
  6. Gaia – Mid-range
  7. Zara Home
  8. Dico – Very affordable but limited collection
  9. Ikea – shipping to Nayarit just became available recently!
  10. Cantia – Furniture and cute decorative things – good prices
  11. Lagoon – Exterior Furniture
  12. West Elm
  13. Rattan de Guadalajara – High-end patio furniture

Local Interior Designers & Furnishing Services

For professional interior design services, consider Lauren at Pacifica Design Services or Lisa at Cielo Azul. Solutions Mexico can also assist with furnishing your home. Choose materials and fabrics that withstand wear and tear and humidity. Leather is durable, and removable cushion covers are practical. Custom furniture can be a great option if you have specific needs or space constraints. Independent furniture stores and carpenters in Mexico can create custom pieces for you. While not always cheaper, custom furniture ensures a perfect fit for your space. Make sure to factor in the manufacturing time into your decision.

Our Vacation Rental Inventory Checklist

Furnishing a vacation rental in Mexico can be both exciting and challenging. To help, we’ve compiled a comprehensive checklist of essential items covering security, technology, kitchen necessities, linens, cleaning supplies, and more. This guide ensures your property is well-equipped for guests, providing an exceptional experience. We’ve also included links to reliable stores and tips on the best times to purchase big-ticket items, such as during “Hot Sale” in May and Black Friday, for great deals and quality products.

SECURITY & TECHNOLOGY

  • Fast WIFI (40 Mbps minimum is a must!) – Infinitum or Total Play ($25 – $60 USD / month)
  • TV (RokuTV recommended for easy streaming)
  • Smart Lock – Read my review of the TOP 3 SMART LOCKS
  • Keys: We’ll need 2 full administrative key sets and 1 set of keys made for guests.
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Plug-in smoke detector
  • NO interior security cameras are allowed

BATHROOM & BED LINENS

It is advisable to have 2-3 sets of bed sheets and towels per bed and guest, with 3 sets preferred for efficient same-day turnaround. Each bed should have 2-4 pillows, with extras available in the closet. White bed sheets are recommended for their luxurious appearance and ease of cleaning. A thread count of 300-600 is sufficient for durability and softness. Sheets should be replaced every 6-12 months, and immediately if stained or torn. Bed and pillow protectors are essential for safeguarding against bugs and spills. Guests are not charged for normal wear and tear on linens, but will be charged for intentional damage or theft.

  • Good quality bedding (min 300 thread count): 2 sets per bed – Sams or Costco
  • Lightweight quilt (non bulky & easy dry) – Amazon
  • Pillows (2-4 per bed) – Sams or Costco
  • Waterproof protectors on all mattresses & pillowsAmazon
  • Extra blankets – Amazon
  • Towels – Costco
    • Beach towels – Lightweight & easy dry (2 per guest)
    • Body towels (2 per guest)
    • Hand towels (2 per guest)
    • Facial towels (2 per guest)

KITCHEN

  • Coffee Maker (make sure it has a reusable mesh filter)
  • Blender
  • Water kettle
  • Can opener
  • Wine/bottle opener
  • Toaster
  • Pots & pans – Amazon
  • Baking sheets (if you have an oven)
  • Plates (small & large) and bowls – Amazon
  • Silverware (forks, spoons, steak knives)
  • Glassware
  • Plastic cups (for pool and beach)
  • Coffee cups
  • Wine glasses – they break often, so consider going stemless, or maybe plastic!
  • Shot glasses
  • Set of knives
  • Cooking utensils
  • Cutting board
  • Refrigerator – Tio Sam, Liverpool, or Home Depot
  • Microwave – Tio Sam, Liverpool, or Chedraui
  • Drinking water
    • Drinking water dispenser (for 20L water jugs)
    • Water filtration system (under the sink system)
  • Kitchen towels
  • Kitchen scissors
  • Mixing bowls
  • Colander
  • Beverage pitcher
  • Food storage containers / Tupperware – Amazon
  • Garbage can
  • Salt, pepper, sugar, and cooking oil (+ any other spices you like!)

EXTRA AMENITIES

CLEANING

Cleaning Equipment

  • 2 mops and 2 buckets
  • 2 brooms and 2 dustpans
  • Hand brush (for mildew) and sweeper
  • Humidifier and squeegees
  • Toilet brush
  • At least 1-2 plungers
  • 4 microfiber cloths – blue
  • 2 microfiber cloths – red
  • Latex gloves

Cleaning Chemicals

  • General purpose cleaner – Sam’s
  • Glass cleaner (e.g. Windex)
  • Bleach – Sam’s
  • Degreaser
  • Detergent
  • Cleansing & polishing cream (we recommend Emerel)
  • Detergent – Sam’s
  • Bath Cleaner – Sam’s
  • Optional: air freshener

Guest Consumables

  • Sponge (green and white for walls)
  • Toilet paper
  • Paper towels – Sam’s
  • Dish soap – Sam’s
  • Hand soap
  • Large, medium, and small garbage bags
  • Shampoo or bars of soap
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