While theme parks, beach resorts, ski resorts, whale-watching, and ocean cruises have been chosen destinations before the COVID-19, families now prefer offbeat locations where the crowds are thinner. Whether you own a second home in a popular or not-so-popular tourist destination, the year 2021 would be ideal for making some good money. You can offer your home to holidayers wishing to rent for a week or two during their stay in the city. Expect to make up to 10% of the property value in rent per year. Of course, the total revenue is determined by the number of days you are renting out and the rooms that are available for rent.
Listing Your Home on Short-Term Rental Platforms
Having listed your home on vacation rental platforms, you’ll put down the relevant information that vacationers might need, such as amenities like parking space, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and kitchen and laundry appliances. Adding images and videos gives guests a better overview of what to expect. And, before taking the pictures, you might want to decorate your place to make it enticing to guests who would like to spend a vacation. Check out these quick and easy decorating tips that won’t cost the earth, but will improve the appeal and functionality of your rental.
- Invest in a Fresh Coat of Paint
A new coat of paint is the simplest and most cost-effective way to instantly refresh the rental home. Choose neutral colors that will look great in the pictures your guests take and post on social media. If you want to add a splash of color, go for brightly colored furnishings or accessories like cushions and throw pillows. Adding a couch blanket in rich colors can also liven up the place. Most importantly, you can play around with new fabrics and upholstery without worrying about matching the wall colors.
- Upgrade Your Furniture
Furnish your rental with high-quality, sturdy pieces that will last you a long while. Pick out child and pet-proof upholstery that is easy to clean and maintain. Scour flea markets, antique stores, and garage sales for coffee tables, benches, dressers, easy chairs, rocking chairs, and couches. A quick DIY project over the weekend and some polishing materials can spruce up the furniture and have it looking as good as new. Revive old tabletops with deep pour epoxy to give them a protective finish that is durable and resistant to UV rays.
- Pack Away Fragile Decorative Pieces
When you have guests in your vacation rental, accidents can happen, which is why, you might want to avoid decorating with fragile pieces like chinaware, crystals, and tall lamps. Instead of placing framed pictures and vases on center tables, move them to the mantlepiece where they are less likely to get knocked down. Also avoid displaying family pictures and any other decorations that carry your family name. You want your guests to feel like they’re living in their own home. Invest in artwork to adorn the walls and add a warm, cozy feel to the interiors. Commission a custom home painting and create a collage with gilted mirrors frames, and pictures of global destinations.
- Renovate the Bathroom
An upgraded bathroom is one of the most necessary amenities that can earn your rental rave reviews. While having a bathtub is always a positive, you’d also want to plan for seniors, children, and guests with limited mobility renting the place. Scout around for options like a walk-in bathtub, complete with grab bars and other conveniences that people are sure to appreciate. Depending on the area you have available, make sure there’s plenty of counter space to place things, mirrors, and lighting for putting on makeup. Liven up the bathroom with green plants and make sure the tiles and toilet are sparkling clean. Small touches like a new shower curtain and fluffy towels are also a welcome addition.
- Have a Fully Functional Kitchen
Expect that your guests will want to cook meals at home and prefer a well-maintained, stylish, high-performance kitchen with all the essentials. Stock up with pots, pans, a chopping board, knives, utensils, and serving dishes. Check the fridge, cooktop, dishwasher, microwave, and oven to ensure they’re functioning well. Add-ons like a coffee maker, juicer, and toaster make it easy to have breakfast ready each morning. If your kitchen counters need renovating, quartz should be your first choice. This material is highly durable and easy to clean and maintain.
- Go for the Simplistic, Uncluttered Look
When decorating your vacation rental, keep in mind that your guests wish to spend a relaxing holiday in the home. Keep the spaces clutter-free with minimal furniture and accessories. Go for open spaces that allow for unrestricted movement and won’t obstruct foot traffic. When picking out window treatments, choose lacy, semi-transparent drapes that will allow lots of natural light without giving the room an oppressive feel. Voice-activated and programmable roman shades or roller shades are great accessories that add style to the rental.
- Incorporate Work Spaces
With more professionals switching to the remote work lifestyle, chances are that your guests have booked your home for a working vacation. Even if people aren’t working, a well-lighted workstation complete with charging points for electronic devices is a welcome addition. They’ll want to check emails or simply catch up with the folks back home. A comfortable ergonomic work chair and large monitor with shelves for setting up files complete the package.
- Amenities for Kids and Pets
More vacation rental owners now incorporate amenities for kids and pets. Think accessories like a play yard or a kiddie pool where the kids can splash around. Child locks on the drawers, fridge, and toilet, unbreakable plates, bowls, and utensils for the kids, cribs, and child gates on the top and bottom of the stairs are only some of the conveniences that parents will love and recommend.
When decorating your vacation rental to welcome guests, focus on providing a delightful living experience, and you’ll ensure that the place stays booked for most of the year.
