Lifestyle & Smart living

Kitting out your holiday home ready for the summer

Kitting out your holiday home ready for the summer

We all have a certain level of excellence that we expect when heading on our vacations, particularly if we’ve chosen to rent a property for the duration of our travels. Consider the type of things we anticipate being there for us to use, the home comforts that give a place that added elusive, pleasing quality, and the essentials that are simply unacceptable to be without. For this reason, it’s so important to think like a tourist when it comes to furnishing your own holiday home.

Making a good first impression

The old adage that you never get a second chance to make a first impression has never been truer than in the world of vacation rentals. From your property’s exterior and the fluffiness of your pillows to the added extras that you’ve taken the time to include, or have forgotten entirely, you can be sure that customers will be scrutinizing every inch of their holiday home as soon as they arrive. It is essential to make that good impression initially so that customers recommend you, and decide to come back year after year; potential customers need to be impressed too, so aim to amaze everyone without anybody ever needing to ask.

So, where should you begin your vacation property journey? Essentials such as toilet paper and beautifully crafted soaps will make customers feel at home straight away, while kitchen utensils, condiments, a breakfast basket, bedding and towels, local information, and a first aid kit, are also welcome and important additions. Remember that you are attempting to create a luxurious as well as home-from-home experience for your guests. Other vacation property essentials include Wi-Fi throughout, electronic goodies such as TV and DVD player, a stack of games and books, and even toys for young guests.

Choosing a theme

Of course, kitting out your holiday home ready for the summer season doesn’t just stop with the types of items you stock up on; it is also important to think about the vibes your décor will be giving off to customers as they arrive. For example, rustic charm and vintage chic are nice touches in rural properties and those located in quaint towns and villages, while you may want to think a little cosier for homes nestled in ski resorts; think log fires and wooden beams, to start with. Do you own a beach hut? Try a seaside theme throughout, and be careful to choose finer details that really sell your home’s atmosphere and its potential for adventure. The location of your home and the way you choose to relate that to your décor and accessories are key to gaining customers’ approval, and repeat business.

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