Running a vacation rental business means paying attention to details guests never think about but always notice. Fresh sheets, enough towels, and a fully stocked kitchen are small things that make a big impact on guest satisfaction and reviews. 

For managers, these basics are also where operations can get messy. Turn days are stressful enough without running out of towels, linens, or kitchen essentials. One of the easiest ways to reduce stress and create consistency is by setting the right stock levels for these high-turn items. Having the right par levels in place keeps your team efficient, your guests comfortable, and your owners confident that their property is well managed. 

1. What is Par? 

Par is the standard number of items you keep on hand to make sure operations run smoothly. It takes into account daily use, laundry cycles, and replacement. Instead of guessing how many sheets or towels you need, par gives you a predictable benchmark. 

At Inhaven, we recommend setting 2–3 par for all linens and terry. That means: 

• • 2 par: One in use, one in laundry or storage. 
  • 3 par: One in use, one in laundry, one clean and ready for backup. 

Anything less than 2 par leaves you vulnerable to shortages on turn days. 

Why Par Matters: 

• • Keeps your team from scrambling on busy days 
  • Creates a consistent experience for guests across every property 
  • Simplifies reordering and budgeting 
  • Builds owner confidence with clear, professional standards 

2. Recommended Pars by Category

Bed 

• • Sheets: 2–3 par per bed size (flat and fitted) 
  • Pillowcases: 2–3 par per pillow 
  • Duvet Covers: 2–3 par per bed 
  • Duvet Inserts, Mattress Pads, Mattress Encasements: 1 par per bed 
  • Pillow Protectors: 1 par per pillow 
  • Pillows: 
    • King: 4 king-sized pillows per bed 
    • Queen: 4 queen-sized pillows per bed 
    • Full: 4 queen-sized pillows per bed 
    • Twin: 4 standard or queen-sized pillows per bed 
  • Blankets and Throws: 1–1.5 par per bed 

Bath 

• • Bath Towels: 2–3 par per guest capacity 
  • Hand Towels: 2–3 par per guest capacity 
  • Washcloths: 2–3 par per guest capacity 
  • Bath Mats: 2–3 par per bathroom 
  • Beach Towels: 2–3 par per guest capacity  

Kitchen Linens 

• • Dish Towels: 2–3 par per kitchen 
  • Pot Holders and Oven Mitts: 2–3 par per kitchen 
  • Plates, Bowls, Glasses, Cutlery: 1.5-2 par per guest capacity to absorb breakage without running short 

Smallwares 

• • Knives, Cutting Boards, Baking Sheets, Cooking Utensils: At least one complete set per property, with backups for high-use items 

Consumables 

• • Trash Bags, Sponges, Paper Towels, Dish Soap, Dishwasher Pods: Always stock enough to cover at least one full night’s stay

3. Adjusting for Your Operations

Markets differ on operational realities and a one-size-fits-all par level rarely works. A few quick adjustments to consider: 

• • Account for Attrition in Beach Markets – Sand, saltwater, sunscreen, and guests taking towels to the beach wear down linen and terry faster. Plan for higher par levels here, we recommend 3. 
  • Factor in turnover frequency – Properties with frequent back-to-backs may need an extra cushion to avoid last-minute shortages. 
  • Align with your staffing model – If laundry or restocking happens less frequently, increase par to cover the gaps. 

4. How Inhaven Helps

You don’t need to guess when it comes to setting pars. Inhaven makes it simple to create and maintain the right levels across every property: 

• • Standardize across your portfolio – Set bed, bath, and kitchen standards once, and apply them to every unit for consistency. 
  • Build smart linen programs – Use Inhaven to establish 2–3x par levels tailored to your markets, factoring in attrition, turnover frequency, and staffing models. 
  • Stay stocked automatically – Our tools help you track usage and reorder before you run short, eliminating the scramble to replace linens mid-season. 
  • Protect your brand standards – By keeping the right inventory on hand, you ensure every guest experiences the same quality stay, whether it’s their first or fifth booking. 

At the end of the day, pars aren’t just numbers. They’re the foundation of operational consistency and guest satisfaction. Set them right, adjust for your unique market, and lean on tools like Inhaven to make it easy. With a strong par strategy, you reduce stress for your team, protect your investment in linens and terry, and deliver certainty in every stay. 

Looking to set your standards? Email us at hello@inhaven.com or schedule a 30-min call with one of our experts to get started!