Current pandemic aside, vacation rentals have become wildly popular; on any given night, more than two million people are in an AirBnB. In 2021, 35.6 million people will rent short-term and by 2023, revenue from these is expected to exceed $88 billion worldwide.
Most properties are found online on VRBO, AirBnB and similar platforms. This means that photos and ratings determine who books and how much owners can get for their properties. Social media posts also raise the bar for owners. Simply putting some used furniture from the attic or recycling the kids’ bedroom does not cut it when potential renters are comparing properties.
What makes for a rental with good photos, great reviews and high ratings, and repeat business? First, consider your target market. Designing and setting up your rental for empty nesters renting for a month or longer at a time is going to be different than catering to bar-hopping millennials for weekends. A rental in the mountains will require a different approach than one in Florida or Scottsdale. Will you be hosting families? If you have several markets, consider what they have in common and how to incorporate their needs.
Second, consider your budget. Furnishing a vacation place means a considerable spend. Most experts strongly recommend splurging a bit on comfortable, quality mattresses and bedding; you can save money on things like glassware, accessories and small pieces of furniture. Buy a decent-quality sofa from a reputable manufacturer. The cardboard sofa from the biggest box retailer will not hold up to a continuous stream of guests.
Third, consider upkeep and maintenance. Performance or easily cleaned materials for high-traffic items like barstools and sofas makes sense. White cotton linens and duvet covers that can be spot-treated and bleached are widely used. You are going to need multiple sets of bedding and towels to allow for cleaning/turnover and for the occasional lost or damaged item.
Finally, remember that a significant number of guests choose a vacation rental rather than a traditional hotel because they want to cook. There are many sources for reasonably-priced but sturdy kitchen wares. There is nothing more annoying for a guest to reach for a decent knife, wine opener, colander or spatula and…it’s missing. Create a list of the things you’d normally use in the kitchen, and then stock your unit with stuff that works. If we had a dollar for every broken can opener, peeler or teeny dull knife…we’d be rich!
HomeShowDesigns can help you develop a concept, color palette and stock your unit with all the items you need, from furniture to linens to plates and flatware. Our vetted inventory list will ensure you don’t miss anything and will help you maintain your inventory. Contact us today.