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.
What to Bring to a Vacation Rental
Make sure to always review the rental agreement before you begin packing so you know what’s available in the rental home. Make lists of what you need to bring to the vacation rental home ahead of time in case purchases must be made. THESE BAGS are essential for packing everything in your car. We use the large industrial plastic zipper bags to organize vacation items for the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, etc.
Vacation Rental Basics
LINENS: My family has stayed in a variety of beach cottages – some rentals have linens and towels while others do not. We pack the linens in these bags. 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. Don’t forget softener and dryer sheets.
Pillow & Blanket: My daughters prefer a 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 for dirty laundry.
Some must have items for your vacation rental home.
Vacation Rental: Kitchen Supplies
Condiments — Bring your own condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo).
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
Fruit Fly Catcher – I know it seems weird to bring this, but if you have one at home – don’t leave without it. Vacation rentals can be in the woods and more prone to bugs – this catches every single one of them.
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 – it can be more expensive in tourist-y towns
First Aid Kit
Other Essentials to Pack for a Vacation
Clothing Hangers – there are NEVER enough provided
Portable Speaker
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 items for your vacation rental, 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.
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.