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Post by newfcathy on May 3, 2016 18:21:24 GMT
We have a second home on a lake that we rent to only people that we know. My cousins also have a rental cottage nearby & our next door neighbors rent out their cottage as well.
We supply linens, towels, and basic spices & toiletries. We have a washer/dryer as well. Because we spend a lot of time there, the kitchen is well stocked with utensils, pots, pans, spices. We have ceiling fans in all the bedrooms, except the bunkroom even on the porch plus window fans for the real humid times. We have Wifi but no TV, a cupboard full of board games, Lego, drawing supplies, playing cards, kids books in the bunk room, and assorted paperbacks.
We clearly spell out their responsibilities, what to do with their trash/recycling, where the vacuum & cleaning supplies are kept.
Your place sounds great, happy renting!!
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Post by peasapie on May 3, 2016 18:21:55 GMT
A case of bottled water.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Sept 28, 2024 22:21:21 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2016 18:28:52 GMT
We've rented VRBO a few times and the best have a local phonebook and/or a listing of restaurants and things nearby including map/directions/addresses. One had a whole binder of takeout menus (but of course that was in Orlando). It's nice especially if the visitors aren't familiar with the area.
I think this is one of the reasons we disliked Hilton Head so much. The locals and those who had been going their whole lives knew about everything and there is literally no signage or if it is there they have a max height and it is hard to find/see. It was a first time by ourselves and there was so much we missed. I actually put that into my followup comments to the condo-owner.
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Post by Basket1lady on May 3, 2016 18:29:00 GMT
I'd check out what is normal for rentals in your area. We stay at a resort in northern Minnesota every summer and it's much more bare bones than what is posted above. Same thing with the places we used to rent on Cape Cod and in Virginia Beach. Sure all those toiletries, snacks, multiple sets of dishes, towels, etc would be nice. But I'm thinking the upkeep will be a nightmare if you don't live nearby. And expensive. Dishes get left outside, snacks get eaten, toiletries get used. You either need to replace them every time or it will be obvious something is missing.
We are provided with bedding, a sponge, kitchen towel, and a bit of dish soap. Dishes are provided, but from year to year I never know if I'll have a colander, sharp knife, cutting board... No toiletries, towels, cleaning supplies, bug spray, etc. I have all of that in a tote that I keep at my parent's house (we come from several states away (military.) Are you in an area that doesn't have a convenience store or access to any kind of shopping? If yes, I'd provide a "Suggested to Bring With You" list. Otherwise, I'd say that you are renting to grown ups and they should be able to provide for themselves. I have a page long list that I use when packing up to stay at a rental--everything from bug spray to toilet paper to salt & pepper.
I do love the idea of DVDs, games, and books in the condo. For us, twin beds are a must. I have teens-a boy and a girl. It would be weird for them to share a bed. A binder with all of the necessary info is a great idea, but the thought of being responsible for shutting off water or other utilities would be off putting for me. I'm not a huge fan of air fresheners, but I wouldn't refuse to stay there if there was one. I'd probably just unplug it for my stay.
Be prepared for many delightful guests and a few that will clean you out of everything they can. Toilet paper, dishes, ice packs, etc. People are weird.
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peppermintpatty
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1345
Posts: 3,946
Jun 26, 2014 17:47:08 GMT
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Post by peppermintpatty on May 3, 2016 18:29:27 GMT
We rent beach houses in NC and homes in Maine all the time. Here is my list:
1. throw blankets 2. nix one of the queens and put in twins or a queen and bunks 3. I second the sofa bed 4. toilet paper 5. sponge 6. diswashing liquid 7. paper towels 8. sharp knives 9. trash bags 10. hand towels for drying pots and pans 11. coffee maker/grinder 12. I stayed in a house in Maine that was stocked with food. It was wonderful. The only thing they asked was when you check out, please leave your unopened food (non perishable) for the next tenants. It wasn't creepy at all! 13. SPICES/SALT AND PEPPER - these are esssential 14. DVD's 15. Books 16. games
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anniebeth24
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,708
Jun 26, 2014 14:12:17 GMT
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Post by anniebeth24 on May 3, 2016 18:32:25 GMT
My brother recently rented a brand new condo thru VRBO. The listing only had a couple of reviews, but since it was brand new, he figured it would be good.
There was NOTHING in the kitchen except the major appliances. No coffee pot, toaster, silverware, plates, pans - NOTHING.
Owner said, "We didn't list those things, why would you expect them?"
It's nice to see a rental owner who cares so much about pleasing guests! Good luck with your rental.
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Post by BlueDiamond on May 3, 2016 18:43:57 GMT
Then what good is the kitchen if you can't cook anything?!?! Or eat with anything?? Some people are weird.
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mimima
Drama Llama
Stay Gold, Ponyboy
Posts: 5,064
Jun 25, 2014 19:25:50 GMT
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Post by mimima on May 3, 2016 18:45:51 GMT
I don't think flip means what you think it means if you are keeping it to rent out. Having said that, I agree, a binder with all info is wonderfully helpful.
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wasil
Full Member
Posts: 354
Location: Iowa
Aug 3, 2014 12:59:34 GMT
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Post by wasil on May 3, 2016 18:53:32 GMT
We stay at a VRBO by the gulf with our extended family often and some of the things I appreciate most are:
Detailed instructions on how to operate the tv. Every tv and remote is different and when you throw in satellite, or a separate box with multi functions it becomes difficult to operate for some people. The same for WIFI. Someone suggested pictures and I think that could be very helpful!
If you have a grill, supply metal grill utensils. Nothing is worse than trying to flip pancakes with a nylon spatula that has grooves melted into it because someone used it to flip burgers on a hot grill!
Someone else mentioned that if you say you have accommodations for six make sure your table seats 6 and you have enough chairs. You might want to supply placemats to protect the finish on your table and coasters for your other furniture. Have enough dishes, silverware and glassware to accommodate the maximum amount of guests is appreciated. I always appreciate some wine glasses too.
A few kitchen gadgets are helpful. A wine opener, garlic press, tongs, a few silicon spatulas, measuring cups and spoons, whisk, ice cream scoop, colander and cooling rack are things that I tend to appreciate in a rental.
Your place sounds fabulous! I wish you luck on this new venture!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Sept 28, 2024 22:21:21 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2016 18:57:19 GMT
We really like when places have the stuff we might take for granted and not pack--extra trashbags, tinfoil, ziploc bags, can opener, tupperware for leftovers, salt and pepper, bathroom deodorizing spray, clorox wipes, a pair of scissors, flashlight, a mop, broom, and vacuum (or dustbuster or sweeper) etc. The stuff you take for granted in your own home- and when you need it, you need it, and there really isn't a substitute for.
I also like having a DVD player, some board games, and a way to play some music.
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Post by krc11 on May 3, 2016 18:57:23 GMT
I have a vacation rental home. First and foremost, I'd recommend that you do not have anything in the place that you would be sad if it got broken or missing. Those things just happen with a rental.
I have a binder. First page is informational - emergency numbers, address of house (handy in case of emergencies), service numbers, our numbers and our dos and don'ts. These have been sent previously, but I just tuck that email in the binder as a reminder. I printed the village's web page with useful numbers. I put brochures for various vendors (charter fishing rentals, etc.) and menus from local restaurants. I date these and try to remember to refresh each year.
I make bags of toiletries that I have my cleaning service put out. Shampoos, toothbrush and paste, soaps in case they forget theirs. I do leave a few canned goods for emergencies. Nothing that would attract bugs or pests though.
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Post by dewryce on May 3, 2016 18:59:21 GMT
Without reading the other replies, items I've learned I need to bring because they aren't often there: - Good quality toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Kleenex
- Good trash bags
- Hand soap for the kitchen and bathrooms
- Extension cords
- Hand towels
- Towels (If towels are provided they are small, cheap, rough and thin so we bring ours)
- 3M hooks for robes, hand towels, regular towels (one bar in the bathroom is not nearly enough for everyone's regular towels and swimming towels)
- Dish soap and scrubber (if scrubber is there it is beyond worn down and/or gross)
- Many kitchen items but especially kettle, decent knife, cutting board, ceramic frying pan (if any are provided they are usually Teflon and really torn up)
- Pillow cases at minimum (provided are often nubbly)
I wouldn't expect or use shampoos and soap as I like my own. I rarely use those provided by hotels either. But a just in case stock in the bathroom cabinet would probably be appreciated.
We keep several roughneck containers packed with the supplies we often need for cabin and house rentals and these items are always included.
Good luck, it sounds beautiful!
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Post by crazy4scraps on May 3, 2016 19:06:22 GMT
In the kitchen, I thought it would be nice to stock a few shelf-stable food items, in case anyone checks in late and has hungry kids. Things like pasta, jarred sauce, microwave popcorn. Maybe some granola bars in the freezer?? I plan to buy regular dishes for the kitchen, but also some plastic dishes for using out on the deck. Maybe even some kid-size plates/cups? One more idea I had was to type out and laminate a few cards indicating what things they need to do before checking out, like turning off the main water line, and pulling the trash to take out to the dumpster. Maybe a few local phone numbers for recommended places to eat or rent a jet ski?? We frequently stay with friends at timeshares which is very much like what you've described. The units always have most of the necessary kitchen items (dishes, silverware, pots/pans, coffeemaker, etc.), plenty of bath towels, basic cleaning supplies for the time of the stay (just enough dishwashing detergent to do a few loads, etc.) and that kind of thing, so having cleaning supplies available would be nice. Towels for using outside should clearly be different from the ones you expect to stay inside. Kid sized unbreakable dishes and cups would be awesome. I hate giving my kid a drink in a glass that she could drop and break. The places we go almost never have extra blankets or pillows, and I always wish they did. They don't have food and I wouldn't expect that or want to eat it not knowing how long it had been there. Basic spices like salt and pepper would be good to have though. There are never any decent kitchen knives, they ALWAYS are crap. Big fat NO to the air freshener, I'm another one that gets nauseated from heavily perfumed scents in enclosed spaces. Hotel sized toiletries are nice to have but not a deal breaker. I think all the other stuff like extra toothbrushes, etc. are kind of overkill and aren't necessary, plus it's an added expense for you to maintain. Something none of these places ever have are those folding luggage rack things like hotels have! I don't like unpacking my stuff into dresser drawers ever because I don't want to risk forgetting something. I leave all of my stuff in my suitcase and try to put it up off the floor if I can. Yes to the binders with important information for their stay and for local amenities, restaurants and attractions. One more thing I would do is make a laminated sheet that has a checklist of all the kitchen items that should be there when they arrive and that should *still* be there when they leave. Yes to a few games for kids in case it rains, yes to a few paperback books on a shelf if someone wants to read. If you do provide some folding chairs for using outdoors, I would make sure they are marked in some permanent way with the address where they belong in case someone leaves them outside. Even though we only have one kid, I think it would be nice to have a twin over full or queen bunk bed setup in the second room and maybe even a pull out couch in the livingroom so more people could have separate spaces to sleep. Oh and in lieu of the room spray or air freshener, just make sure you have a bathroom vent fan that works well!
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Post by mlynn on May 3, 2016 19:34:42 GMT
A tea kettle. As a non-coffee drinking tea drinker, that would be an essential. And a couple good sized mugs. And a small quantity (starter amount) of tea - one with caffeine, one caffeine free. (a doctor informed me that de-caffeinated does not mean caffeine free)
For the second bedroom, you might consider one of those bunkbeds with a double on the bottom and a single on the top. This would allow for a second couple as well as for multiple gender kids. Also stretches to accommodating more than two children.
I have to disagree with a PP that said kitchen towels but no personal use towels. I have been known to pack everything but the kitchen sink, but I have never even considered packing towels. And I would resent having to go out and buy them. I think they are a basic linen for a lodging.
The kitchen would need measuring spoons and measuring cups. A colander and a good can opener would be essential. Cookie sheet. Lids for the pans. Bamboo spoons would be awesome. They clean so nicely. Make sure there are serving utensils.
A fireplace lighter (easier to locate and less likely to be slipped into a pocket). Tablet and writing utensils. When we sold Pampered Chef we were advised to provide red pens as people were less likely to walk off with them. Maybe a small magnetic dry erase board or chalk board for leaving messages for each other. Tape. Or as an alternative a small bulletin board with pins/tacks.
In the binder, I would list all the numbers that you would leave a babysitter. Including 911. But also non-emergency police number, urgent care, etc. Directions to the nearest hospital and urgent care. I would use page protectors in the binder. And you could have multiple copies of the numbers so they could slip a copy out to take with them to the pool or beach or what have you. Also, locations of a nearby convenience store, gourmet grocery, thrifty grocery and drug store.
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johnnysmom
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,684
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:33 GMT
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Post by johnnysmom on May 3, 2016 19:54:46 GMT
The one thing that it seems we always need is extra trash bags, no idea why rentals don't include them. Drives me batty that after a day or so we're scrambling for grocery bags to put our trash in. Don't know why it never occurs to me to pack/buy some myself On the upside, most of the places we've stayed have a laminated card on the fridge stating exactly what we need to do before we leave (take all trash to outdoor can, start dishwashwer, place towels in tub, etc). I like the idea of a binder for more detailed information but if you want me to do something please make sure it's somewhere I won't miss it. Before you go crazy stocking the place up with consumables consider how much it will cost to replace those after every guest. I would hope most people would just use what they need but some will go through and take it all when they leave (ever watch Friends? imagine renting to Ross ). Things like board games, dvds, etc are great touches that aren't consumables. Things that will make your (or your cleaning service) job easier like dish soap/dishwasher detergent will encourage people to do the dishes rather than allow them to pile up for a week. Beyond that maybe a single use box or two of laundry soap (for the family who wasn't planning on doing laundry but didn't expect little Timmy to have an accident on the drive), paper products and a few emergency toiletries, but I wouldn't go nuts.
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Post by BoilerUp! on May 3, 2016 20:07:57 GMT
Myself and 6 friends just returned from a long weekend trip together and this is what I loved about the place we rented:
BATHROOM: 1. Nice toilet paper - Not the 1 ply crap toilet paper, and there was plenty of it in both bathrooms.
2. She had a regular size bottle of Suave professionals shampoo and conditioner, and also a family size bottle of Olay body wash to use if someone didn't have their own.
3. Each bathroom had nice white towels, hand towels, and wash clothes. Some ladies used two towels (one for hair) and we had enough!
KITCHEN: 1. A basket with granola bars, fruit roll up style snacks, raisins.
2. Condiments available if you needed/wanted in the refrigerator.
3. Plenty of glasses, plates, silverware
BEDROOM: 1. Extra set of sheets - her binder indicated that maybe someone wanted to sleep on a couch, and would have sheets if they wanted.
2. Plenty of blankets - The basement was significantly cooler than the main floor, and these came in handy!
Even if I didn't want (or have a need) too use the items, it was exceptionally nice that she had them available for us! She also had a binder with helpful information, phone numbers, etc. This included the name of a wonderful mexican restaurant THAT WE LOVED!!!!
Good Luck!
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Post by mrst on May 3, 2016 21:23:49 GMT
We rented out our present apartment in Spain before we moved here. Just be aware that people don't always treat things as you might. We had various minor accidents and be prepared to buy new pillows and frying pans every year! The best was a broken bathroom door....as in completely smashed..that they claimed was like that when they arrived!!! It wasn't! Just don't get too attached that's all . 99.9 %.of people are lovely but it's the 0.1 % you remember!
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nyandnc
Junior Member
North Carolina
Posts: 67
Jul 7, 2014 13:00:38 GMT
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Post by nyandnc on May 4, 2016 1:48:29 GMT
With each tv a sheet with the tv stations listed and any special instructions to get the tv and cable up and running.
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Post by originalvanillabean on May 4, 2016 2:17:47 GMT
One thing I've also appreciated is the facial wipes, in case you forget face cleanser.
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Post by coffeetalk on May 4, 2016 3:32:31 GMT
From personal experience I would add a toilet plunger and bucket to the list.
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on May 4, 2016 3:54:18 GMT
From personal experience I would add a toilet plunger and bucket to the list. Relatedly, if there is anything "special" about the plumbing, I would include a sign or notice somewhere... For example: Please do not flush tampons or 'flushable wipes' as they are not good for the septic tank. Flushing the toilet will cause a momentary surge of hot water in the shower. Do not fill both soap containers in the dishwasher; fill only the one with the door. Come to think of it, if there's anything "quirky" about anything in the cabin, let people know so they aren't always calling you to figure out why that door doesn't latch or something. Also, I haven't gone back to read all the answers, but this crafting retreat that my friends and I visit has, among other things in the kitchen, a fully stocked drawer of ziploc bags/foil/saran wrap/wax paper/garbage bags/etc.
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PLurker
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,790
Location: Behind the Cheddar Curtain
Jun 28, 2014 3:48:49 GMT
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Post by PLurker on May 4, 2016 5:20:36 GMT
Do you have washer/dryer for guest use. The house we always rent does (some don't) and can I tell you coming home with no dirty clothes except for what you wearing is the best thing ever!
We'd get everything washed and packed the night before so we could just grab and go. And the incentive of being able to sleep in later if everything got done made for much easier kid cooperation! They'd even preached it to friends they brought along. Less to do in a.m. longer they (and we) could sleep.
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mom22girls
Junior Member
Posts: 62
Jun 30, 2014 9:19:57 GMT
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Post by mom22girls on May 4, 2016 9:37:53 GMT
I agree with not providing consumables. The place we stay has one roll of paper towel, a box of Kleenex and a couple of TP, like a hotel. That's pretty much it. They do have some bar soap and shampoo as well as a small bottle of dish soap. It's enough to get you through a night if you are a late check in but that's it. Definitely no food. Maybe a thing of coffee if there is a coffee maker. I toss any food I find to be truthful because I assume it was left. Definitely no air fresheners. So many allergies. There is a binder with local info. That is super helpful. Also magazines and board games and a deck of cards. Love that.
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Post by ahiller on May 4, 2016 11:10:50 GMT
If you will be renting to families, then include some items for kids, like a pack and play and/or small air mattress, sand toys if that's appropriate, booster seat/high chair, etc. You can buy an inflatable duck bathtub (it fits in a regular tub) on Amazon. Perfect for families who have babies who can't sit upright yet. This is the sort of stuff I love finding in a rental, particularly if we will be flying and I can't drag all of our crap with us! I also love the idea of the kid plates/cups/utensils.
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