The ultimate checklist for your holiday home

If you are renting your vacation home you want to make sure your guests have a comfortable and safe vacation. Plus if you've started renting recently, you'll need to have a list handy to consult and figure out what equipment to invest in, and if you're a more experienced host you'll still want to have one to double-check.

So read on to find our list of recommended safety equipment and other essential amenities for your vacation rental!

Equipment to have for safety reasons

1. Carbon monoxide and smoke detector

In case your property has heat sources that produce carbon monoxide or smoke such as boilers, stoves, fireplaces, etc. a detector is practically a must, plus it is not an exorbitant investment at all. 

Where: The detector should be installed high up in the boiler or water heater room as well as in the kitchen.

2. Fire extinguisher

The fire extinguisher would seem to be an accessory that is not thought of in the short term. But, installing one in your vacation home will make your guests feel safe, and again, this too is not an expensive investment either for the overall safety of your home as well as the guests. 

Where: It should be installed on the wall, 1.1 metres or 1.5 metres above the ground, in visible and easily accessible places, such as near exits.

3. First aid kit 

Another accessory that your guests are sure to appreciate is the first aid kit which can be easily found in several online shops. It is usually contained in a box, which by the way can be easily customised.

Where: We recommend placing it in a common place such as the bathroom or kitchen. 

4. Emergency light

You never know when a sudden power outage, due to a summer storm or snowstorm, can happen on vacation. Since we do not want to leave our guests in the dark, it is a good idea to equip ourselves with one or more emergency lights.

5. Self check-in box or spare keys.

One of the most useful purchases for both you and your guests is a safe deposit box with spare keys installed near your front door. The equipment is ideal for self-check-ins or in case your guests accidentally lock themselves out of the house. 

Tip: You can easily order one for your home through our property managers, check if they are in your area.

6. Universal adapter

A much appreciated courtesy, especially for less organised guests, is a universal adapter for electrical outlets. This accessory is also useful for protecting your electrical system from sockets with higher voltages.

A first aid kit in plain sight will surely be appreciated by your guests

Personal hygiene supplies to keep in your vacation home

7. Courtesy kit

If you rely on our property managers, the courtesy kit is taken care of by us at Happy.Rentals. It is indeed a much-appreciated detail to add to your home along with feminine pads.

8. Toilet bags for tampons

Providing sanitary bags for tampons in each bathroom will undoubtedly be helpful in letting your guests know that you don't want tampons flushed down the drain. This way you can avoid common plumbing problems and also be environmentally friendly. 

9. Water-repellent stain-resistant mattress cover

Necessary to protect your mattress especially when you have families with young children as guests. 

10. Vacuum Cleaner

Perhaps not yet well known, but a vacuum cleaner is a necessary accessory to get rid of dust and germs not only from your mattress but also from armchairs, sofas and other upholstered furniture. There are various models, from those that suck up dust to the ones that sanitise with UV light. 

Believe us, your guests will really thank you, especially those allergic to dust!

Tip: If your home is pet-friendly, antibacterial mattress cleaner is highly recommended to thoroughly clean your home. 

11. Hair dryer

You don't always have enough space in your suitcase to bring your own hair dryer. Therefore having your guests find one is always a much-appreciated courtesy.

Tip: Invest a little extra to buy one with at least 2,000 watts to make your guests' stay even more convenient and comfortable.  

A mattress vacuum cleaner is a must-have if your vacation rental is pet-friendly

Supplies needed for a vacation rental kitchen

12. Set of cutlery and crockery

A must in the supply needed in a vacation home if you want your guests to be able to eat their meals in the comfort of the holiday home. Don't forget to have the right amount of cutlery and crockery based on the number of guests your rental can accommodate.

13. An electric kettle

Popular with northern European tourists, the electric kettle is very useful for making tea and herbal teas on the go and also for heating baby food faster.

14. Coffee machine with capsules

Not all tourists use the mocha, so a coffee maker will be very welcome, especially by those who like to keep awake till late hours.

Tip: Why not have chocolates and various snacks along with the coffee maker and its pods? It will surely be a pleasant surprise for your guests! Leaving cool bottles of water in the fridge will also be appreciated especially in summer destinations.

15. One or more tablecloths

If you want to protect your precious wooden or glass tables, don't forget about tablecloths or waxed placemats to leave in plain sight for your guests. Using tablecloths is also more hygienic than eating directly on the table.  

16. Microwave Oven

We don't need to explain the usefulness of the microwave oven; it is ideal for guests who are always in a hurry or those who are unfamiliar with cooking. Again, guests with toddlers will appreciate the usefulness of this tool for easily reheating their food. 

Other accessories to keep in the kitchen to ensure your guests stay in total comfort: juicers, colanders, bins with recycling bags, kitchen knives, cleaning accessories (such as our kitchen kit), condiments and spices, preferably in single-serving portions for hygienic reasons.

An equipped kitchen  to cook effortless meals in the holiday home (Ref. Prop. ID 5471)

Bonus accessories to keep in a vacation home

17. Welcome book

The welcome book is used to explain to your guests the most important things to know about the house and their stay such as how the wi-fi works and the appliances in the house as well as personal recommendations to make their vacation memorable.

Tip: Use simple language, separate paragraphs, bulleted lists and pictures for an easily understandable welcome book.

18. Travel guide

If your guests have not yet organised tours and visits, a travel guide with places of interest could be very useful. Tips on typical places to eat will also be appreciated to avoid so-called tourist traps.

19. Luggage scales

Who hasn't been terrified that after holiday shopping their suitcase has become too heavy to take back home? Keeping a luggage scale will ensure that your guests leave with a lighter heart. 

20. Charger

A cell phone charger is certainly appreciated by guests coming from a long trip or those who easily forget these last-minute checklist items.

21. Iron

An iron can be very useful for guests who have rented your vacation rental for business purposes or to celebrate an occasion such as a wedding.

22. Safe

Although we know you will do everything to make sure your home is safe, adding a safe will give your guests the assurance that their most precious possessions are secure.  

23. Mosquito nets

Whether you have a house by the sea or a chalet in the mountains, it's always best to prevent your guests from being tortured by mosquitoes.

A customised welcome book by Happy.Rentals

Follow our suggestions and give your guests an unforgettable vacation! You'll see that by vacationing in a holiday home with the much-desired comforts, they will definitely come back!

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