New to owning a short-term rental? Looking for easy ways to upgrade? This list can assist.
There are several items that you’ll want to consider. Some are expected while others are extra. We’ll walk you through all of the pieces to help give your guests exactly what they want.
The Living Room
Think of your short-term rental like it’s an extension of your home. What would you need to live comfortably? In your living room, you want a TV, a couch, throw pillows, blankets, and a coffee table. These are things that you expec.
Remember, that you also want to elevate your short-term rental, so make sure the space feels luxurious. That means offering not just any TV but a flat-screen. It’s even better if it’s a smart TV and you include some streaming platforms or a full cable package. You can also include some fun extras like books, a gaming system, surround sound, movies, and board games to keep guests entertained.
The Kitchen
In the kitchen, go beyond the basics of a table and chairs, standard appliances, plates, cups, and silverware. Provide your guests with anything they may need for standard cooking, prepping, eating, or baking, including:
- Pots and pans
- A whisk
- Mixing spoons
- A can opener
- A bottle opener
- Baking sheets
- A coffee maker
- Mugs
- Wine glasses
- Food storage containers
- A strainer
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting boards
Your kitchen should also include basic necessities like paper towels, trash bags, dish soap, sponges, sandwich bags, kitchen towels, and dishwasher tabs.
Beyond that, don’t forget extras like condiments and seasonings, as well as some coffee (plus creamer and sweetener). If you really want to go the extra mile, include a carton of eggs and milk in the fridge. Put a couple of bottles of water out and create a welcome basket of goodies.
The Bedrooms
Put a mattress cover on every bed and make sure pillows have protective covers. These will help them last longer and keep them cleaner. Make sure that you have more than one set of linens per bed. There should be a nightstand either on both sides or at least one side of the bed.
You’ll need easy-to-access outlets since many people will want to charge their phones while they’re sleeping. Consider putting a TV in at least two of your available bedrooms. You may even want some decorative pillows on the bed to make the rooms more attractive. If you have the budget, install a full-length mirror and a comfortable chair that guests can sit on to watch TV or read a book.
The Bathrooms
When it comes to stocking the bathrooms, remember to have a few extra towels, not just for your guests (but also stored away in your locked closet). You may want to include towels that are good for outdoor use as well, depending on where your rental is located or if you allow pets. And don’t forget the washcloths and hand towels.
In addition, provide at least one roll of toilet paper, but it’s a good idea to stock extra for your guests to use as needed. Make sure there’s a bath mat to step out on and provide a few toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, and lotion). Guests will appreciate it if you have a first aid kit in the bathroom. You can make their stay even more enjoyable with a hairdryer and extra toiletries that they may have forgotten like a toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste. Don’t forget to add a small trash can as well.
The Cleaning Closet
Let’s remember the cleaning closet. You’ll want to offer some standard supplies that your guests can access such as a broom, mop, and vacuum. Anything that they may need to have handy while they’re staying on your property should be readily available. Other cleaning supplies and extras (like linens and towels) can be stored in another area that’s locked away from your guests.
The Yard
Moving from the inside to the outside, make sure that your yard has everything guests will need, including a grill to comfortable furniture. When it comes to selecting outdoor furniture, make sure that you provide an area where guests can eat at.
These are just a few things you can include in your short-term rental to ensure a satisfying stay for your guests. There are, of course, plenty of additional ways to keep guests happy and we’d love to assist. Please reach out to us at PMI today: https://www.propertymanagementinc.com/.
