Many frequent travelers are starting to consider their own homes when it comes to developing additional revenue streams to fund their travel habit. Other individuals are simply looking for a way to maximize the potential of their guest cottage or granny suite as they look toward supplementing their retirement income. Whether you want to rent out your furnished home while you travel or simply make a little extra cash from the pool house to help ends meet, there are some critical things to have in place for a successful experience.
Essentials: You might think stocking a kitchen with the basics people need to prepare simple meals is common sense, but you'd be surprised how often even major hotel brands get it wrong. Pot holders, a baking pan for frozen pizza and other prepared foods, adequate cooking utensils and a pasta strainer are all items you should have on your short list. Clothing support is also an area which frequently falls short of the needs of most travelers. Washer and dryer access, ironing board and iron, and a place to hang up delicates are basics vacation renters will truly appreciate.
There are also a number of consumable supplies it's nice to provide. Dish soap, toilet tissue, bar soap and a starter bottle of shampoo help renters hit the ground running, particularly if they arrive at night after grocery and box stores have closed. Enough coffee supplies for the first day and a starter portion of laundry soap will really put things over the top as far as making your guests feel taken care of and supported.
Simplicity: Most reasonable travelers who book an independent rental realize these types of accommodations don't come with a full-time concierge. That said, they are typically not in the mood to be inconvenienced either. Opting for simple systems when dealing with trash, laundry and amenity access not only keeps things easy for your guests, it makes things more convenient for you if you choose to live in that same space when you are not traveling. Any property managers or cleaning staff will appreciate simpler systems as well.
Additionally, hovering around to see if your coffee cups are being lined up on the shelves after use the way you like doesn't exactly make guests feel like guests. Any frequent traveler will tell you there is a delicate balance between being available for basic tourist support and invading the privacy of those paying good money to use your space for their own vacation agenda. Your energies are much better spent making recommendations for things your guests want to experience, whether it be pedicures and outlet shopping or the ultimate kayaking route. Consider putting together a resource book with maps, brochures, takeout menus and other informational resources to make their leisure time as fun and stress-free as possible.
Practicality: If you go the route of maintaining a home base to rent out for income while you are out of town, choosing basic furniture pieces and other essentials which will stand up to more aggressive vacation use is a good idea. Cluttering your home with breakable knickknacks is a shortcut to disaster and frustration. Not only does it leave you with more to dust and deal with when you return home in need of rest, it can be bad for business.
People want to relax when they are throwing down cash for a vacation rental. Snowy white kitchen towels and delicate wine glasses that couldn't withstand a stiff breeze do nothing but make guests nervous about unexpected spaghetti sauce spills or using your glassware at all. The furniture upholstery is another area of consideration. Beige fabric covers show every spill, whereas darker colors or living room furniture upholstered in something that can easily be wiped clean make guest turnover easier. Other areas where practicality is particularly necessary include bath linens, cookware and flooring choices that can stand up to moisture from dripping pool users, pets coming in from the rain and spilled liquids at meal time.
