Furnishing and Maintaining your Holiday Property

Whether you're letting your holiday home for the first time, or simply preparing for the new season, one of the most important considerations when you rent property is preparing for a diverse and demanding succession of visitors.

Finding the right balance of quality and durability can be hard to do, especially if you're trying to get things ready in a country you're not familiar with. So we've compiled this list of tips to serve as a guide. With a room-by-room breakdown of the things to include, along with decoration tips and safety precautions why not print this page and use it as a checklist when it's time to prepare your property.

General Guidelines

• Consider buying quality furniture and fittings for your property. Sounds obvious enough but despite the initial higher cost, you can expect greater life expectancy and less breakages. Tip. Many holiday property owners opt for hotel standard furniture. Tough, resilient and cost effective, you'll find many suppliers happy to cater for smaller orders.
• If you have a garden, consider making it as low maintenance as possible. Avoid things like lawns and flower beds, which need regular attention, in favour of paved areas, decking and potted plants. If you let all year round, consider how outdoor areas will look when the sun isn't shining.
• Try and provide at least two secure areas. One indoor for valuables and one for storing sports equipment and outdoor clothing. In reality a lockable garage is sufficient along with a cupboard or small safe box.
• When decorating try and keep colours neutral. Use paint that is washable and avoid pure white – which shows up stains, marks and scratches. Instead opt for light pastel shades with just the occasional splash of colour.
• We always suggest to owners to include items such as towels and bed linen. Not only is it a courteous gesture, it also makes your holiday home a welcoming destination and helps sell it to visitors. Be sure to provide ample spares too. Allowing for at least a single change of bedding and towels every week.

Room by Room Breakdown

Presenting an organised and tidy property encourages your guests to do the same, creating less work for you when they leave. Adding a few thoughtful extras, and managing the way your holiday let looks, not only makes for a better stay but also increases the chance of a repeat booking, a recommendation and more business for you.

This room-by-room breakdown will help you provide the essential touches that make for a truly memorable stay.

Kitchen:

While you can expect many of your guests to eat out during their stay, you should ensure they have everything they need to eat in when they want to, including:

• A good range of pans, trays and tins
• At least double the number of plates and cutlery for the guests your property is intended to accommodate
  
• Adequate cleaning equipment, such as disinfectant, washing up liquid, sponges, cloths and tea towels.
• An iron and ironing board
• If the kitchen includes electrical items such as microwaves, mixers and coffee machines, make sure they are working and clean.
• At least one childproof cupboard or draw, for storing medicines etc.
• Make sure fridges and electric cookers are plugged in and ready to go.

Bedrooms:

It's important for guests to feel clean and comfortable in their bedrooms. As well as adequate storage space and good quality bedding, a few other things to remember are:

• Clean sheets and pillowcases. Bedclothes should always look fresh. For this reason, plain colours, preferably white or a pale shade should be used whenever possible. Not only are they easy to clean at high temperatures, they don't fade and are easy to match.
• Turn mattresses after each visit. A good quality mattress will last for years. To prevent sagging and mould, be sure to air all bedding after each stay. Tip. Waterproof mattress protectors are a good idea, especially on children's beds.
• Store spare bedding and pillows in sealed plastic bags. It looks professional and you can easily see if it has been used after each visit.
• Check coat hangers. They have a habit of disappearing with your guests. Tip. Hotel suppliers and department stores sell fixed hangers, which do not unhook from rails.
• Bedroom drawers and cupboards are a favourite stash place for personal belongings. Always look thoroughly to make sure your previous guests haven't left anything behind.

Bathrooms:

Another area that makes a big impression with guests are toilet and washing facilities. A little extra preparation makes all the difference and these simple checks will help your bathrooms pass even the most rigorous test.

• Make sure plug holes and soap dishes are clear of debris.
• Add anti slip flooring to showers and baths.
• Wipe areas prone to mould and condensation with bleach or disinfectant.
  
• Dust fans and extractor units, wipe with bleach.
• Tip. If you include soaps, shower gels and shampoos, consider buying bulk containers and filling your own bottles of dispensers. Coordinated toiletries is a great way to present a really professional look to your property.

Living Areas:

Often the first place visitors will reach on entering your rental property, a few simple steps will help you create the right impression.

• Organise furniture to allow free movement on arrival.
• Make sure TV's, radios, DVD and video players are all in working order.
• If you include games, DVDs or books for your guests, take a moment to make sure they are neatly arranged, with discs in the right boxes and games complete.
• If you provide a informational pack for visitors, make sure it is up to date and in good order. Many owners find a ring binder, with plastic sleeves, is an effective way to present guest with any local information. Tip. If you plan to have your property assessed and given a rating, offering comprehensive details of local attractions, restaurants and places of interest will score well with assessors.
• A welcome basket is a great way to impress visitors and has the potential to create the wow factor that makes your property really stand out. For example this could include wine or the local drink, regional delicacies and the basics milk, bread, butter, cheese etc.
  

Outside:

We've already touched on the importance of garden areas. Hear are a few more ideas.

• If you have an outside pool or jacuzzi, make sure it's clean and free from floating debris such as leaves. Tip. Countries including France have specific laws relating to public safety around pools. Make sure you comply with any relevant legislation.
• When adding garden furniture it's worth remembering that plastic breaks easily. Wood or iron tables and chairs not only look better, they last longer too.
  
• Pay special attention to barbecues and outdoor dining areas.
• Mow lawns, water plants and weed flowerbeds.