How to Prepare Your Home for Vacation Rentals

Remove family photos. Guests want to feel like the home is their home-away-from-home. This is difficult with others’ photographs throughout the property.

Keep the necessities. Items such as pens, scissors, chip clips, stain removers, take-out menus, etc. are helpful to you as well as to your guests.

Remove all personal items. Personal items such as clothing, toiletries, food (with the exception of non-perishables such as spices) should be removed. Guests need to feel that the space is theirs, and the owner should feel that their belongings won’t be disturbed.

Keep a locked closet. Lock personal belongings in the closet.

Ensure your home is well cleaned and maintained. A clean home is critical for guests.

Expect some wear and tear. Though many guests will treat the property as their own, suitcases will roll across the floor, corners may get hit, etc.

Enjoy the additional income a rental property can provide. Though preparing the home requires effort, it can prove to be beneficial and a source of income.