If you’re renting a vacation house for the first time it can be very overwhelming. Most vacation rentals supply basic amenities while guests are required to bring everything else. Even though my family spends a week in Cape Cod every summer, we always forget something. I’ve put together a list of What to Bring to a Vacation Rental so we never forget anything. This post now contains how to travel safely during the summer with Covid-19.
Make sure to always review the rental agreement before you begin packing so you know what’s available in the rental home. It is more important than ever during the summer of Covid-19 to be aware of the rental agreement!
Vacation Rental Basics
LINENS: My family has stayed in a variety of beach cottages – some rentals have linens and towels while others do not. Check the rental agreement twice before you leave home without sheets, pillows, and bath towels.
PAPER GOODS: Toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, etc.
LAUNDRY DETERGENT: I actually enjoy doing laundry on vacation so we unpack clean clothes when we get home.
Pillow & Blanket: My daughters prefer their personal pillow and blanket, so we always bring our own.
Dirty Laundry Bag: Even if there is a washer and dryer on site, you’ll still need a way to transport dirty items home. This is my favorite bag.
What to pack for a vacation rental: Kitchen Supplies
Condiments — Pack your favorites. Some vacation rental owners provide basic condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo), but we don’t always use them.
Spices and seasonings – for cooking and grilling, plus salt and pepper
Corkscrew – I never leave home without one!
Cereal or other breakfast foods
Trash bags
Food storage bags – for leftovers or beach snacks
Aluminum foil and plastic wrap
Coffee – THIS IS A BIG ONE! Also, don’t forget your favorite coffee creamer
Dish Soap & Sponge
What to Leave at Home: Mini appliances (unless you love your blender and there isn’t one at the house), toaster, coffeemaker, dishes, silverware, etc. Always check with the rental host for a list of what’s available!
What to pack for a vacation rental: Bathroom and Toilet Supplies
Medication (for adults and children)
Toothpaste
Shampoo & Conditioner
Blow-Dryer – not every vacation rental will have a blow dryer so pack yours or a travel blow dryer
Toilet Paper – even if there is a roll or two when you arrive, it won’t last a week with a full house. We always BYOTP!
Sunscreen & Aloe
First Aid Kit
Check out the CDC Recommendations for travel during Covid-19.
Other Essentials to Pack
Clothing Hangers – there are NEVER enough provided
Beach Chairs – even if they’re provided, sometimes we have found the beach chairs to be old/damaged
Bug Repellent
Beach Blankets
Beach Toys – some beach rental owners have a collection of beach toys for guests but its best to be prepared with backup toys in case one is lost at sea
Beach Umbrella or Tent
Baby Gate – if you have a wandering baby in a big house, come prepared to close off stairs or doorways
Stroller
Looking for a CHECKLIST to use while packing for your vacation rental? Download and print the Packing for a Vacation Rental Checklist below!
If you need certain items but have limited space in your vehicle, use a local rental service!
Every year we use a local rental service in Cape Cod to request the following items: Crib, Pack-n-Play, Beach Umbrella, Beach Cart, High Chair. Most of what’s listed is too big to bring from home. Also, it costs less to rent these items than to buy them once we reach our destination.
Here are some tips for traveling during the Summer and Covid-19.
- Check travel restrictions and quarantine rules for your desired destination. Some states require visitors to stay inside for two weeks upon arrival.
- Always sanitize high-touch surfaces, like keys, TV remotes, night stands, handles on sinks and doors, the fridge (inside and out), light switches, cups and plates. Here is how to Clean and Disinfect your travel lodging.
- For rental homes, ask your host how much time will pass between you and the previous guest. If possible, delay your stay so there’s a 2-3 day buffer. If that’s not possible, doing your own cleaning is much more important.
- Know the rules in the state and town where you live. If you’ll need to quarantine when you return, can you miss work or work remotely?
Great tips for any age!
this is SUCH a helpful post! definitely going to use this check list for our vacation at the end of the month!
xx rebecca // thecrystalpress.com/blog
Such a good list! You definitely included things I never would have thought of.
XO
https://www.moosmusing.com
This was so helpful! I’ll have to pin it and come back to your checklist the next time I plan a vacation! Thanks so much for sharing!
By Grace & Gingham | https://www.graceandgingham.com
So many essential products on your list. I’ve never done a long enough vacation to need all of these items, but they’re important to remember if you have an extended stay somewhere! Thanks for sharing.
Such a great post! I always bring a laundry bag and pillow case. Also loveee bringing home clean clothes! Saving this for my next trip!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
This is super helpful, as I never know what to pack when we’re doing an air bnb or a vacation rental since it is not the same as a hotel. All amenities and shampoos/conditioners may not necessarily be there!
Such a great post! It never fails that when we travel we forget SOMETHING!
Such a great list and checklist! I’ve never stayed in a rental long term like this but I’m saving this for when I do!
This is super helpful! Thank you for sharing! Xx.
Many essential items that you should have on your wish list of items. I’ve never taken an extended vacation long enough to require all of these things however they are important to keep in mind if you’re planning an extended stay in a place! Thank you for sharing this information.