Skip to content

Stocking Up: 5 Things You Need To Stock for Vacation Rental For Guests

If you're thinking of turning your home into a vacation rental, there are a few things you'll need to do first to make sure your guests have everything they need. From stocking the pantry with non-perishable items to making sure there are plenty of clean towels, here are five things, you need to stock your vacation rental for guests.

Share:

By Derick Hargrave

Published on July 7, 2022

Vacation rental basics- what you need to know

If you’re thinking of renting out your home as a vacation rental, there are a few things you need to know first. First, you’ll need to make sure your home is in good condition and meets all the safety standards. In addition, you’ll need to make sure you’re familiar with the local laws and regulations regarding vacation rentals to ensure your city doesn’t have any specific requirements. 

How to make your vacation rental guests feel at home

Making your vacation rental guests feel at home is important for a successful rental experience. You can do a few things to help make your guests feel comfortable and welcome.

First, be sure to have plenty of towels and linens available. Guests should have enough towels for each person in their group, plus extras in case of spills or accidents. It’s also a good idea to have extra pillows and blankets on hand if guests want to cozy up on the couch or take a nap.

Second, provide basic necessities like soap, shampoo, and toilet paper. You may also want to provide basics like coffee, tea, and snacks.

Third, take some time to personalize your rental space. Add some personal touches like unique photos or artwork that reflect your personality. This will help guests feel like they’re staying in a home away from home.

These tips will help you create a welcoming environment for your vacation rental guests. You’ll set the stage for a successful and enjoyable stay by making them feel at home.

Stocking the Bathroom

You will need to stock a few things in the bathroom for your guests. First, you will need to provide toilet paper. You should have at least one roll per guest per day. You will also need to provide shampoo, conditioner, soap, and towels. It is a good idea to provide guests with various towel sizes, including hand towels and bath towels. Finally, you should stock the medicine cabinet with basic items like band-aids, a hairdryer, and a mirror. Somewhere in the property, it’s helpful to store a plunger just in case.

Outfitting the Bedrooms

You will need to stock a few things in the bedroom for your guests. You should provide at least one pillow and one blanket per guest and might also want to consider providing an alarm clock and a nightlight. It is also a good idea to leave a notepad and pen on the nightstand in case your guests need to leave you a note. Going beyond basics to, impress your guests by placing a mirror, an indoor plant, vases, floor mat, curtains, an extra chair or dresser, and a desk.

You should also consider what type of guests you will be having. If you have young children, you might want to consider providing toys and games for them to play with. If you are having elderly guests, you might want to consider providing them with pillows and blankets that are easy for them to use. By considering who your guests will be, you can make sure that you stock the guest room with items that they will need and want.

Kitchen Essentials for a Vacation Rental

There are a few things you should always make sure to have in the kitchen for your vacation rental guests. First, you will need to have enough dishes and silverware for everyone. You should also have some basic cooking utensils, like pots and pans. It is also good to have some spices and condiments on hand.

  • Maximum storage
    Provide extra storage in the kitchen. This will help guests in better organization and control of things.
  • Essential appliances
    Most renters expect all the essential appliances. While expectations might differ, the most common items are a fridge, oven, coffee maker, toaster, mixers or blenders, and a hand blender.
  • Cutlery, Utensils, and kitchen tools
    Plan to stock the kitchen with pans and pots of different sizes. Additionally, small kitchen gadgets such as a salad spinner, can openers, colanders, cutting boards, tongs, whisks, and peelers are some tools that make the kitchen more functional and user-friendly.
  • Morning Caffeine
    Coffee and tea are essential if you’re stocking your vacation rental for guests. Your guests will appreciate having a selection of coffee and tea to choose from, and it’s always good to have a few options on hand. Make sure to stock up on single-serve sugar, creamer, and other coffee and tea accessories.

Living Room Basics

Your living room is one of the most important rooms in your vacation rental. Guests will spend time here relaxing, watching TV, and perhaps even sleeping on the couch. It is important to make sure that your living room is comfortable and has all the basic amenities that guests need.

Some of the things you will need to stock in your living room include:

  • Furniture: Sofa, chairs, coffee table, end table, lamp
  • Television with cable/satellite
  • DVD player / BluRay / Streaming Stick
  • WiFi
  • Window treatments (curtains, blinds, etc.)

To enrich the customer’s experience, you can also add a piano, oversized mirror, mantle or fireplace, nice lighting, media stand, and a throw or blanket. Decorating with local décor can really help theme the rental to your location.

Other Items to think about

You never know what a guest might require, so some other items to consider are a vacuum cleaner, clothing iron, and table. Other handy items for guests are scissors, paper, pens, and some basic hardware (screwdrivers, pliers, measuring tape, hammers).

Don’t forget about safety

As a vacation rental owner, it’s important to make sure your guests have everything they need to have a safe and enjoyable stay. You should always have a few essential safety items on hand in your rental.

First, make sure you have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors installed in your rental. These devices can save lives in the event of a fire or gas leak. Second, provide your guests with a first aid kit in case of any minor injuries. This kit should include bandages, antiseptic cream, and pain relievers. Finally, it’s always a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of an emergency.

By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your guests have a safe and enjoyable stay at your vacation rental.

Wrapping Up

Making sure your vacation rental is fully stocked with everything your guests might need can be a daunting task, but it’s definitely worth it. Your guests will appreciate having access to all the amenities they need, and you’ll rest easy knowing that you’ve thought of everything.

Written by

As a content writer passionate about travel and hospitality, I have a unique perspective on short-term rentals. With years of experience creating engaging, informative content for various clients, I enjoy communicating the benefits and appeal of short-term rental properties. I've been an Airbnb host for the last three years, consistently providing my guests with a high level of hospitality.