Do you own a home that you rent to vacationers? Are you looking to invest in sturdy, attractive furniture?
Your home furnishing budget may not have room for you to purchase the most expensive furniture available. Yet if you’re renting to those who vacation with families, high-end furnishings probably aren’t a good idea anyway.
Finding beautiful, scratch-resistant pieces that will make your home feel warm and welcoming will take a little homework. Yet the right picks can make or break your business in vacation rental homes.
Here’s what you should be looking for.
1. Stick With a Theme
If you’ve ever rented a vacation property yourself, you know the kinds of things that sell you on investing in a week. A home that seems welcoming and pulled together is a big draw. Yet you’ll also want a spot that seems to complement that type of vacation you’re getting.
A bungalow feel, for example, is great for a beach house. If you’re renting a city apartment, you may want to create a sleek, minimalist feel that will mimic the bustling, cultured experience your guests will be getting.
If you’re not a designer by nature, check out different websites and home design magazines for inspiration.
Remember that small accents such as brightly colored throw pillows or a beachy sign can really bring a room together and invite guests in. Low-maintenance plants can also get used for creating a fresh, outdoorsy feel.
Be careful, however, not to overdecorate. You want your guests to feel that they can make the place their own during the time they’re visiting.
2. Have a Budget
When you’re looking to make your rental property a sanctuary, it’s easy to get tempted by high-end options that seem to set your place apart. Starting in with a carefully planned budget can keep you from overspending before you even start getting your steady income revenue stream.
You likely won’t be re-purchasing furniture often. You should remember, however, that there are items that you’ll probably need to keep purchasing a steady supply of. These could include towels, sheets, and cutlery.
Remember these expenses when you’re creating a long-term budget. You’ll need to plan for them along with your utility costs and long-term investments such as furniture and decor.
Your rental fees should reflect the amount of money it takes to keep your property up-and-running. A simple spreadsheet with expenses and income can help if you’re new to formal budgeting.
3. Choose Your Material
It’s important to choose material for your furniture that will be durable and affordable.
Teak furniture, for example, has high oil and rubber content. This means that moisture and pests will have a hard time ruining it.
Furniture made of teak is also easy to clean, and it can stay cool in both the summer and winter. It’s also environmentally friendly.
4. Find Quality Used Pieces
Durable second-hand pieces can be a great way to furnish your rental on a budget. You’ll need, however, to shop carefully, in order to make sure goods are durable.
If you see a furnishing online that seems promising, be sure to check it out in person before purchasing. Look for any scratches or problems withstanding pressure.
Ideally, used items should get mixed with new ones so the overall look of your home is vintage chic.
5. Consider Safety
Home safety is an important consideration if you’re going to be renting to families. Watch out for any sharp corners sticking out in inconvenient places.
If you know you’re renting to a family with children under five, rubber guards for edges and corners are an inexpensive but wise investment.
6. Stock Well
Think about the kinds of things that would add convenience if you were to visit a rental home and make sure to keep it in stock. Your kitchen, for example, should come with all basic appliances, including a coffee maker and electric kettle. Your guests may also expect some basic cleaning products.
Make sure your bathroom comes equipped with plenty of towels and a hairdryer. Soaps and lotions will also give your guests that spa-like feeling!
7. Go Neutral
Remember that the individual tastes of your guests will vary greatly and differ from yours. Your vacation home, therefore, isn’t the place to try out that bright orange sofa or hot pink accent wall.
Stick with neutral colors like soft tans and blues when you’re furnishing a guest home. Accents can come with small pieces like lamps or knick-knacks that you can put away if you’re expecting more conservative guests.
8. Clear Out Personal Items
It goes without saying that you’ll need to clean out the clutter in your home before you rent it. Nothing says that your house isn’t well-cared-for as much as stacks of papers or boxes full of old clothes.
You’ll also, however, want to remove any items that seem too personal. These include photos, jewelry, or personal items in your bathroom. You’ll also want to clear away electronics such as computers or tablets.
Many homeowners who rent their spaces have a locked closet where they can store their items when they’re renting. You can also consider renting a storage space for the summer.
Furnishing Vacation Rental Homes
Vacation rental homes are an excellent source of income and a great way to share your investment with others. Your furniture should complement your space while giving visitors a beautiful, durable place to relax. With some careful planning and budgeting, you could have a well-furnished space in no time.
Don’t stop getting savvy about your home now. For more great ideas, read our blog today.