Get Organized for Your Vacation Rental
This summer we are all ready to travel! Many of us have found that vacation rentals are the best accommodations with multiple bedrooms with lots of space for you and your family. Most homes are thoughtfully equipped. What do you need to bring to be organized for your vacation? Check out what these parents are talking about to make your own checklist.
Connect with the host
- Read the reviews. People mention what they loved and what was missing.
- Ask the host what they provide, even before you book your trip. Most places I’ve stayed have provided all the basics like that & I’ve packed like I would for a hotel, but it really depends on the air b&b or VRBO host.
- Call ahead to determine what is supplied and the quantity. Some rentals have a small amount (of toilet paper or other necessities) and you will want to know that ahead of time.
Bring the basics
- I bring ziplocs, extra paper towel, paper plates, and our own kitchen towels and washcloths. If it is a more rustic rental, I also bring my own frying pan and coffee maker…they always have them, but they can be scratched up or not well cleaned.
- With an easy access washer, I always bring laundry pods. And I always take an extra thing of hand soap.
- You will usually need something for leftovers like plastic containers, ziploc bags and aluminum foil to wrap up.
- There are never enough outlets for charging the multiple electronic devices that we bring so bring extra extension cords and plugs.
Add those specialty spices, cooking items and unique items you love.
- It’s good to take my own seasonings with me as well as a small bottle of mayo, ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, cooking spray and cooking oil.
- Always take your favorite throw blanket last time because you are likely to be cold. I love my own pillow too.
- If you love a certain brand of coffee and your keurig, be sure you pack it.
Hacks that will help you along the way
- Get organized over a two week time frame. Place boxes to drop items in as you purchase or prep so that you have everything together before the last day.
- Order groceries to be delivered to your vacation rental.
- Look into beach gear or golf cart rental for the time you are at the rental.
- Stop by the Dollar Store to prep with disposables. If you have a short stay, extra cleaning supplies and paper goods can keep you from those extra chores of washing and cleaning.
- Vacation rentals can offer all kinds of benefits without paying extra such as bicycles, kayaks, surfboards, a trampoline, playsets, or strollers.
Start your checklist today for your vacation this summer!
I LOVE this post because it gets me excited about vacation time! One of the last house rentals we did (pre-pandemic) was a lake house in upstate New York. It was so peaceful. And my favorite part was they had their own dock and boathouse, complete with kayaks. So every day, my husband and I spent time kayaking on the lake. It was amazing!
What a great list of things to bring! Some houses are better equipped than others, and you can tell a lot from the reviews about things you might need to bring. You had a lot of great suggestions. Happy travels, my friend!
I love the idea of ordering groceries to be delivered to the rental – terrific. Often we will fly to a rental, so bringing things is a challenge. Having groceries delivered relieves concern about when and where to shop. Figure that all out ahead of time.
I always stick in a nightlight or two since I might be up walking around in the dark in an unfamiliar space.
@Seana – great idea! A new place needs a little night light!
Yes, we are all looking forward to time in a new spot! I love that there are new spaces to explore now!