PRO P E R LY STAGI NG YO U R VACATI ON RENTAL For Increased Revenue
For many homeowners, one of the the highlights of owning a home is the opportunity to furnish it exactly how you want so that it reflects your style, your color palette and your design ideas. While your vacation home should also be a comfortable retreat for you and your family, if you plan to use it as a vacation rental property too, there are some key design elements to consider for maximizing your revenue. It’s unmistakably true that if you stage your vacation home to be clean, comfortable, and bright, with ample space for guests to relax, it will have greater appeal to the vast majority of renters. Additionally, professional photography is a must to showcase your rental home at its very best. We’ve outlined 6 key factors to keep in mind when staging your vacation rental:
1
Declutter Look at your property with a critical eye. Is it completely sparse - or covered in knick knacks from years gone by? While either of those scenarios are fine in your own home, neither is ideal in a vacation rental property. Guests browsing through the endless possibilities of places to stay are looking for something in which they would feel at home. “Less is more� in a rental home, but you should have some interesting artwork and decorative items, as well as ample floor coverings in large areas.
2
Comfort After a long day of exploring, there is nothing worse than having an uncomfortable place to rest your head and thus, having comfortable beds is absolutely essential. Invest in good mattresses, hotel quality pillows and high-end bed linens. We are consistently praised by guests about our comfortable beds. From couches and pillows, to rugs and overall decor - guests are happy when they find space to spread out but also a spot to curl up with a good book. And don’t overlook the comfort of outdoor spaces.
REVENUE BOOSTER The more comfortable a home is - from bedding to couches and decor - the higher the opportunity for more repeat booking. Repeat reservations means repeat revenue ultimately the best kind.
3
Durability It is well known that vacation rentals can take quite a beating, particularly those homes that host a large number of people. Making furniture selections with durability in mind is crucial. Sofas and carpets should be covered in a fabric that is durable and easily cleaned. Using paint or wall-coverings that are washable is also a good option, particularly in high traffic areas like hallways and stairwells. Outdoor furniture should also follow this protocol. Cushions should be covered in quality outdoor fabrics. Metal can rust and wood will fade if not treated every year so pay particular attention to these finishes.
REVENUE BOOSTER By investing up front in durable furniture and decor, your replacement costs greatly decrease, meaning more ongoing and consistent revenue for you.
4
Space Guests typically choose to stay in a vacation rental over a hotel because they want the comfort of feeling like they are at home. This means providing ample space for gathering and socializing. Great rooms, dining areas, porches, decks and patios should all be staged to provide plenty of seating. Think about the space and the maximum occupancy of the property. For larger homes, your guests will likely try to eat as a group and it is important to have enough space to do so. Consider benches for seating, a narrower dining table, or armless chairs to maximize the available dining space.
REVENUE BOOSTER Providing the proper space to support the amount of guests is vital to presenting it favorably on booking sites. Increased views leads to more clicks and ultimately increased reservations.
5
Closets When it comes to closet space, consider the option to do built-in closet systems when possible. Having dressers or armoires can eat up valuable floor space in homes with smaller bedrooms. Opting for some clever built-ins with drawer space will save on overall furnishing costs. If you are building your vacation home from scratch, adding built-in closet organizers during construction gives you chance to create a custom closet to suit your needs as well as the needs of rental guests.
REVENUE BOOSTER By not purchasing dressers and armoires, you’ll have a lower upfront cost. Built-in closests end up saving money as there is added storage space and little to no repair work needed.
6
Linens When you rent a luxury hotel room you can be certain that there will be high standards met when it comes to linens. Oftentimes, when you rent a vacation home, the scenario is rarely the same. Providing clean, fresh, high-end linens is extremely important for guests and the overall experience of their stay. Our luxury properties are all stocked with crisp, white sheets and fluffy, white towels. Although they take a little more effort to ensure they stay bright white, the overall satisfaction of the guests are definitely worth it.
REVENUE BOOSTER Nothing will affect online reviews faster and ultimately impact rental revenue than linens and bedding that is not fresh and clean. Buy quality linens in bulk up front to save on expenses. This is not the place to “cut corners.�
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LUXURY SIMPLIFIED RETREATS 95 Broad Street Charleston SC 29401 843 853 6055 | www.luxurysimplifiedretreats.com