Tips for Setting up your new Short-Term Vacation Rental Property

If you are setting up a short-term vacation rental property for the first time, you may be wondering if you have all your bases covered regarding what to provide for guests.  Whether you are a new vacation rental owner or you are just new to working with Anchor Point Premier Vacations, we will guide you through the set-up process with recommendations in our market, South Haven, Michigan.  

KITCHEN

• Dishes: Large plates, small plates, cereal bowls, pasta bowls, coffee cups, tall and short glass tumblers, plastic cups (for outdoors), kids cups, basic silverware set servicing the max number of guests allowed (if not twice as much).  If for example your property sleeps 12, you'll want to have at least 12 sets of dishes and silverware if not more.  
• Pots and Pans
• Bakeware (measuring too) mixing bowls, measuring spoons, utensils
• Small appliances: Griddle, drip coffee, keurig, toaster, blender
• Cooking utensils set
• Towels/dishcloths
• Oven mitts
• Serving dishes (large bowl, plate, etc)
• Cutting boards
• Steak knives/set (keep them sharp! We've received complaints if knives aren't sharp)
• Measuring cup
• Pitcher
• Grilling utensils if grill is provided
• Paper towel holder
• Strainer 
• Tupperware
• Wine glasses (stemless recommended for durability)

LINENS

• Bedding: we recommend 1 bed bug encasement and 3 complete sets of the following for each bed: waterproof mattress pad, sheets, pillowcases, quilt.  Include at least one extra blanket in each room. White is recommended for all bedding, unless you decide to include a decorative blanket and, in that case, coastal colors show best in the photos. Three sets is recommended so one set can be replaced during turnover while one set washes, which leaves an additional set in the case anything needs to be replaced. 
• Towels: White is recommended.  We have 3 sets of the following per person: bath towel, hand towel, washcloth, dark colored "makeup" cloth. For example, if your max occupancy is 12, you would keep at least 36 sets.  It is recommended to have additional white washcloths on hand.  
• Dark colored makeup towels (mentioned above) help save your white hand towels and washcloths from being stained during face washing/drying. 
• Bathmat/floormat for each bathroom (non-slip bottom recommended)
• Mattress recommendations: Guests have a strong preference for King sized beds 

HOUSEHOLD GOODS

• Pen/Paper
• Lake related decor
• Lamps (with chargers is nice)
• Hairdryers 
• Furniture needs--Country House Furniture is local to South Haven and provides great customer service
• Grill and/or Flat top
• Full length mirror
• Vacuum 
• Mop
• Swiffer
• Iron and Ironing board
• Basic cleaning supplies: countertop spray, antibacterial spray, floor cleaner.
• Phone chargers

SAFETY

• First Aid Kit
• Fire Extinguisher Kidde 2-A: 10- B:C
• TV wall mounts
• Furniture anchors
• See a list of some recommended items here.

We have certain brands we prefer that work best with our software. You buy and we connect.  Don't worry, we can order and assist with setup. 

• Smart locks: Yale brand is recommended
• Smart thermostat: Ecobee brand is recommended
• Kwikset lock for storage closets
• Spare key lockbox
• Wireless Access Point Mesh Network
• Optional items that are recommended: RIng Doorbell

If you are partnering with us for property management services, here are some items we provide for the care of your property. 

• Anchor Point outdoor sign
• Guest consumables (shampoo, body wash, handwash) 
• Starter package (toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, dishwasher pods, sponge, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, garbage bags.
• As needed basis: Noise Detector (Placed outside) 

This list should get you well on your way to stocking your short-term vacation rental property.  Additionally, you can find a list of resources in South Haven here.  Don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or additional recommendations.  If you would like more information on our property management services, click here.  Please see our amazon list here if you'd like some brand recommendations.