Making your house a home
It goes without saying that if you are renting out your holiday home there are certain essentials that should be in place in every property. Before looking at the details of each room, make sure you can answer ‘Yes’ to the following checklist to be certain you are on the right track.
- Is your holiday home structurally safe and suitable for the various different groups of holidaymakers who might come to stay?
- Do you have a basic First Aid kit at the property? (Be sure this does not include any medicines or drugs).
- Are emergency numbers including the local police, fire and ambulance and medical services clearly displayed within your home?
- Have you checked that all the utilities (water, gas and electricity) are working properly? And are all the fittings in good working order?
- Have you provided a suitable number of beds?
Beyond these property basics, much of what you provide for your guests will vary according to location, season, capacity and budget. It is worth taking time to think about the sorts of items and facilities that holidaymakers might expect you to provide, and the little touches which make your place a home from home. Remember that guests are choosing a holiday home over and above a hotel room often because of the home comforts that renting a villa or apartment offers. Consider the sorts of things that help make life easier for holidaymakers and equip your property accordingly:
Kitchen
The guests renting your home have chosen to go self-catering, so make sure they have everything they need to cook! Buy various sized pans, good quality utensils and double your maximum number of guests when you buy crockery, cutlery and glasses – it’ll save them washing up several times a day. Leave some non-perishable basics like oil, tea and coffee in the cupboard. People expect to find irons, kettles and toasters but bigger items like dishwashers, microwaves and washing machines all make life easier too. Buy back up supplies – if you have a coffee machine then provide spare filters. Leave plenty of cleaning supplies, washing up liquid, tea towels and cloths as this encourages visitors to keep the place ship shape.
Lounge
Provide coasters to stop your guests marking coffee tables and cover sofas with throws that can be washed regularly to keep the room looking clean and welcoming. Give your guests things to do – board games, DVDs and CDs and are all great extras and will help them enjoy their stay even on a grey day. Make sure that you think about the type of guests you are hoping to attract and provide accordingly - books for adults and computer games for kids can make everyone’s holiday more enjoyable. Hint: You don’t have to buy new, this is one are where second hand item are acceptable.
Bedrooms
Invest in large, good quality beds. Having at least two sets of linen for each bed will allow you to offer same day changeovers and means you’re not left short if a sheet is ripped on one occasion. Hairdryers are always in demand, make sure you provide at least one. Give your guests both hanging and drawer space wherever possible, and always have a good supply of coat hangers in wardrobes.
Bathrooms
It is not essential to provide towels, but guests generally expect it. Buy in bulk and all in one neutral colour and leave plenty out to be used. Non-slip mats in baths and shower cubicles are a good investment. Bathmats in each washroom will also avoid guests feeling the need to use your towels on the floor! Keep lots of spare toilet rolls and soap in the bathroom, it’s a low-cost way to make your guests feel at home straightaway, and most will remember to replace these sorts of things.
Child friendly
If you are aiming for the family market then it would be wise to buy (or make sure you can easily rent) items like a cot, high chair and even an old buggy. Think about providing child safety items like socket protectors and cupboard door safety catches.
Outdoors
Thoughtful planning of outdoor spaces can give your property an extra room outside. If you have a terrace or balcony, decorate it with pot plants and provide sun loungers and outdoor dining furniture. If you have space, think about hammocks and a BBQ.
Going the extra mile
Make a guest manual. Put together instructions on how to work the air conditioning, what day the rubbish gets collected and any house rules you have.
Think about your location. If you have a farmhouse in the countryside, providing some bikes would let people explore the area, or if you are near the beach some buckets and spades would be ideal for families with small children.
Start your own guide to the area. Buy a ring binder folder and spend a day or so getting leaflets for local attractions, restaurants and activities. In no time you’ll have a ready-made guidebook which your guests can add to.
You’re bound to forget one or two little things – and your guests are the best people to let you know! Make sure you keep a guest-book at the property for their comments and ask them for feedback when the holiday is over. Be thick-skinned when reading criticisms and remember that what guests say will let you know what you’re doing well and what you need to improve, helping you in the long run to provide the best holiday accommodation around!
