[Mindy]

One bit of advice I would give is to put yourself in the place of your tenant. That doesnt mean that it has to have everything that you have at home but think of what is essential. I'd say that the property has to look clean as well as be clean imagine how whatever youre buying will look after several tenants. You wont want to sit on a grubby looking sofa or sleep on a tatty bed. I always think that a simple metal bed works better than a divan bed, if you get one without a foot board it will not only make the room look bigger but will be more comfortable for the taller tenant. I wouldnt bother with bath mats and pedestal mats ( unless the tenant specifically asks for them ... yes the Americans tend to) Towells also soon look tatty so dont provide them unless asked for them.
Kitchen equipment needs to be reasonable can opener bottle opener yes garlic press no. Full set of glasses no - 4 wine glasses and 4 tumblers is enough. Full set of kitchen knifes no - one decent sharp knife yes. Think of the things that you use every day to prepare a simple meal and you wont go far wrong. Another thing to think about is what will happen if you dont provide a certain item, a good example of this is an ironing board if there isnt one chances are the tenant will iron on your carpet.