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13 Essentials That Every Vacation Rental Should Have

After staying in so many different vacation rentals for our seminar travels, the Owner Community team noticed that there were some household conveniences that weren't always available. We decided to put together a list of items that we (and likely, many of your guests) consider to be necessities.

If you don't already have these items stocked at your vacation home, be sure to pick them up today or ask your housekeeper for help.

1. A hair dryer Many guests don't feel like stuffing a hair dryer in their suitcase. Plus, since many hotels provide hair dryers, they might expect it of vacation homes too. You can easily buy one for the master bathroom for as little as $10.

2. Ironing board You might already have an iron, but we don't recommend the mini dorm-sized ironing boards. After everything gets wrinkled in their suitcases, your guests will probably appreciate not having to sit on the floor to iron.

3. Starter pack of coffee, creamer and sugar This is especially helpful if you live in a market where many of your guests arrive at night. You don't have to provide coffee for their entire stay, but it helps to keep them less grumpy on the first morning.

4. Potholders Your guests probably don't want to fold up one of their souvenir T-shirts just to pick up the teapot. Keep potholders near the oven or cooking gear.

5. Salt and pepper Providing an array of spices is helpful for the renters who plan to do some serious cooking, but at the very least, be sure to leave some salt and pepper in the cupboard.

6. Pillow protectors and mattress pads These items will help your pillows and mattresses last longer and will add to the appearance of cleanliness at your home. And in some markets, it might even be required by your local regulations and ordinances.

7. Liners in trash cans Keeping trash bags in all of your garbage cans just appears cleaner. Don't forget the small bathroom trash cans, too.

8. Fans If you don't have air conditioning or ceiling fans, it's easy to place a couple of tabletop fans in the closet so your guests can stay cool and comfortable.

9. Tissues In the event of an allergy attack, don't make your guests use toilet paper every time they need to blow their noses.

10. A full-length mirror Forcing your renters to stand on a chair to see their outfits in the medicine cabinet mirror is neither convenient nor safe. A simple full-length mirror is inexpensive and can be hung on the back of the bedroom doors.

11. A deck of cards Keep your guests entertained during the evenings and rainy days. A variety of games is optimal, but you can't go wrong with a simple deck of cards.

12. A guestbook Not only will a guestbook encourage your renters to leave a review, but they might enjoy reading reviews of past guests. Plus, those reviews might include tips for area activities or restaurants that your guests will certainly appreciate.

13. Emergency supplies You should always be prepared for the worst with a battery-powered radio, flashlights and a first-aid kit, especially if you're located in an area prone to hurricanes or other natural disasters.

Unless you actually stay in your vacation home periodically, you may not realize these things are even missing. It may not be a dealbreaker for future bookings, but it's best to make your guests' stay as convenient as possible.

© Copyright HomeAway, Inc. 2008 Updated: November 29, 2009

Owners Speak

What are other vacation rental "essentials" you provide for your guests?

"Non-stick cookware and a brownie pan with NONSTICK utensils so guests do not scratch or ruin the pans....easier to keep clean too! Also, decent soup/chili pot for crowds, LARGE bowl for tossing salad, PIZZA cutter....cheap baskets for organizing toiletries in the bathrooms, by the computer, etc." Jill, Cashiers, N.C. (VRBO #285107)

"Stand mixer, blender, homemade chocolate chip cookies, Neptune washer and dryer, fishing rod." Vikki, Butler, Tenn. (HomeAway #148222, VRBO #281037)

"I created a binder filled with events, places to go, local shopping info, equipment rental, places of worship and a restaurant guide. I also included city history and historic information on Mackinaw Island—the favorite no-cars-allowed destination. I provide rafts in the summer for swimming plus all of the beach/water paraphernalia, and the bathrooms are completely stocked with all amenities right down to the Q-tips and toothpaste. All of my renters comment on what a great experience they had and of having all of the comforts of home." Karen, Boyne City, Mich. (HomeAway #242420)

"Wood for the fireplace." Carol, Yosemite National Park (VRBO #275655)

"I include a magnifying mirror in the master bathroom. I know it's hard for women to lean into the mirror to do their makeup, so the magnifying mirror on an arm for the wall is really helpful." Krista, Taos, N.M.

"If you allow pets....old towels for the renters to dry them off with. Over the years my 'dog towel' bin has actually increased due to renters leaving their old towels behind." Betty Jo, Outer Banks, N.C. (HomeAway #113439, VRBO #27994)

"I provide all vacationers a kitchen pack with dishwasher detergent tablets and a sponge." J. Wagner, Outer Banks, N.C.

"I always have shampoo and conditioner in addition to soap. Also: dishwasher detergent, dryer sheets, and hangers in the laundry room for the clothes coming out of the dryer." Alicia, Rosarito Beach, Mexico (HomeAway #311739)

"Pads of paper and pencils/pens at phones, listings of TV channels, paper towels and paper napkins, coffee, sugar and powdered creamer packets, current local newspaper and current magazines." Jim and Liz, Vail, Colo. (HomeAway #101600)

"I keep a well-stocked first aid kit in the closet near a bathroom. A decorative bin holds band aids, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, gauze and tape, anti-itch creams and scissors." Cynthia, Scarborough, Maine (HomeAway #187729)

"Non-toxic cleaning solutions for quick cleanups or 'accidents.' (White vinegar with warm water eliminates clothing stains, cleans counters and surpasses bleach for mold control.) I also leave a small tub of eco-friendly laundry soap." Janet, Hana, Hawaii (HomeAway #322834, VRBO #75494)

"Games! If your property hosts families with children, stock a dozen board games. You can pick them up for a few dollars at any second hand store. Puzzles are good too, especially if it turns rainy over their stay." Pat, Groveland, Calif. (VRBO #141025)

"I bought a second-hand Game Cube on eBay with a couple of games and two controllers. This keeps the kids and adults busy on rainy days too." Silvia, Poconos, Pa. (HomeAway #129987, VRBO #103574)

"I always have laundry detergent and dishwasher detergent on hand. We also keep snorkel equipment, a nice bed tray for breakfast in bed, bath robes, and a lovely tea pot with a selection of quality tea. I find that the little details are appreciated." Shannon, Kona, Hawaii (VRBO #111177)

"Our condo is oceanfront in Mexico so we have beach chairs, towels, beach blankets, beach bags, several size coolers, ice blocks, freezer beer mugs, water bottle containers and pocket-size Spanish-English dictionaries." Pam, Akumal, Mexico (HomeAway #146798, VRBO #108367)

"In Colorado, good humidifiers are a must in the winter, especially for our guests from humid Southern states. We have good quality Air-O-Swiss Ultrasonic humidifiers. It really makes a difference in their comfort, especially at night." Sarah, Breckenridge, Colo. (VRBO #95113)

"Provide extra gas grill lighters. Ones on grills tend to fail unexpectedly." George, Outer Banks, N.C. (VacationRentals.com #1963)

"We provide a desktop and notebook computer with a high-speed wireless connection." Bryn, Kailua, Hawaii (VRBO #23829)

"Our renters love the bicycles. We have several beach cruisers and a kids' bike and tire pump. Once, some renters told us they had car troubles while vacationing. They used the beach cruisers everyday as their transportation while their car was getting repaired! We also throw in a two-person kayak, surfboard, and set of horseshoes. They're not 'essentials' but they add a nice touch!" Lori, Outer Banks, N.C. (VRBO #114941)

"An emergency flashlight that is permanently attached to an electric outlet that will come on automatically in case of a power outage. Nightlights for the bathrooms." Mary, Marin County, Calif.

"We keep a high chair, portable crib and baby gate on hand for people traveling with little ones. We also have a foosball table and a air hockey table for the older kids." Lorrie, Alma, Colo.

"In the mountains of Colorado, guests need information about the altitude (need sunscreen, and lots of water), hiking, wildlife, the stars, the local flowers, birds, trees, etc." Dorothy, Estes Park, Colo. (HomeAway #19547, VRBO #22694)

"I leave a three-tiered container with Q-tips, floss tips, tampons, pads, cotton balls, Tylenol packets, etc." Linda, Bimini Sands, Bahamas (VRBO #172251)

"We include coconut-fragranced shampoo, conditioner, and bath gels. Suave is inexpensive. All paper products, dish soaps, detergents/bleach, games, videos, books, and magazines for all ages. All condiments and spices are provided for cooking. All things for the beach, even hats and snorkel sets. I don't think we've ever had a guest say, 'I wish you had...' except for sunshades on the lanai....and we promptly installed them!" Mary, Waikoloa Village, Hawaii (HomeAway #219076, VRBO #9632, VacationRentals.com #12709)

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What other vacation rental "essentials" do you provide for your guests?

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