Property Setup guide

Dining Room

1. Dining Table & Chairs - Carefully select a table that fits with the theme of your property - whether it be a rustic country cottage or a whitewashed beach theme. If you are short on space consider an expanding table that can fold away when not in use.

Your property should have enough seats for everyone to sit down and eat dinner at the same time. A couple of different areas to sit down and eat at is acceptable.

2. High Chair - All properties must have a high chair.  A folding high chair that can be stored out of view (such as under a bed) when not in use is a good option.

Bedrooms

1. Single Beds - Where you only have room for a single bed, consider bunk beds to provide room for an extra person. Trundle beds can also be good for kids' rooms.

2. Queen Beds - Never buy a double bed unless you do not have the space required for a queen bed. Queen beds provide an acceptable level of comfort for both sleepers. Avoid cheap metal framed beds or budget furniture. Invest in quality such as timber beds.

3. Bunk Beds - Bunk beds can be a great way to increase the capacity of your holiday rental property particularly if you have children staying (particularly tri-bunks which are good for Adults & kids). Kids love bunk beds - adults will tolerate sleeping in bunk beds as long as they are Doubles, or king singles. Again, avoid cheap metal bunk beds that create a budget look. 

All bunk beds must have secure ladders.

4. Mattresses - One of the most important factors to get right is the mattress. Given that guests preferences will vary, seek to buy mattresses that are of medium softness.

5. Pillows - Two pillows should be provided for each single bed and four for queen beds. Avoid very cheap pillows and select medium height. Have extra pillows available. If you have your own pillows that you don't want guests to use please lock them away with your personal items. 

6. Bedside tables - Where you have a bed, have bedside tables. Guests need the convenience of having somewhere to lay a book or a pair of glasses at night. Closed bedside tables with drawers are preferable as this prevents dusty shelves and reduces cleaning required. For guest comfort always make sure bedside tables are higher than the top of the mattress.

Tip: alarm clock radios are unpopular with guests. Instead supply universal chargers for smart phones. 

7. Bedside lamps - Bedside lamps should always be supplied. Guests have more time on their hands on holiday and may choose to read in bed or relax in the bedroom. Bedrooms can act as an escape from other friends or family if required. Lamps provide a convenient alternative to ceiling lights that can be glaring. Bedside lamps also give a bedroom a balanced, finished look. 

8. Wardrobes - Always have a place for guests to hang their clothes and drawers to store other clothes in. Asmall wardrobe per room is sufficient. If you do not have sufficient space a small rack may be acceptable. All hanging space must have at least six coat hangers (wood not plastic).

All personal belongings must be removed from the property or the housekeepers will remove them for you!

9. Chair - Where possible provide a chair for guests in the bedroom to make it easier for them put shoes on or simply to have another seat to relax in. Some beds are too high to put shoes on easily. 

10. TV - A TV in the bedroom may be useful for larger properties where guests may wish to have some separation from other guests in order to have privacy.

11. Power boards - If you don't have an overabundance of power points be sure to supply power boards so that guests can charge their phones and other gadgets. Installing a few extra power points can make things more convenient for guests and reduce the amount of unattractive power cables on display.

Please label them to prevent them being accidentally taken by guests.

12. Blankets / Throws - Extra blankets/throws must be provided for the winter months.

13. Fans - If there is no air conditioning in bedrooms please ensure there is a fan in each bedroom (either ceiling or pedestal).

14. Heaters - If there is no heating in bedrooms please ensure there is a small heater in each bedroom such as a fin oil column heater. If short of space a combined heater / fan is a good choice (e.g. Dyson). We do not recommend gas heaters due to safety risks, but if there are any gas heaters in the property a CO2 detector must be installed.

15. Portacot - All properties must have a portacot. Portacots can fit in a wardrobe or slide under most beds once folded.

Kitchen

The secret to a great kitchen in a holiday home is to provide everything a guest would need at home to create basic dishes. A common mistake amongst holiday home owners is to only provide limited facilities. This can be very frustrating for guests who want to eat in. Remember that your guests may be choosing to stay at your holiday home to save a few dollars by not having to eat out. 

With cutlery, crockery and glasses aim to have twice as many as your maximum capacity. E.g. a house that sleeps eight guests should have sixteen of everything. 

1. Appliances - Essential appliances include stove, oven, 4-slice toaster, kettle, microwave, dishwasher, espresso machine (Nespresso compatible pod machine recommended for simplicity of use).

2. Plates & Bowls - Plain white crockery is recommended. Buy both cereal bowls and larger bowls. e .g. for salads. Don't forget dishwasher safe plastic plates, bowls and cutlery if your guests commonly include kids. 

3. Glasses - Large glasses for soft drinks or beer. 

4. Wine glasses - Have plenty of these as they will get broken. Avoid delicate glasses. 

5. Pans - Pots and pans (with lids), frying pans. 

6. Cutlery - Forks, knives, dessert spoons, teaspoons, steak knives.

7. Others - Colander, sieve, whisk, spatulas, BBQ tools, sharp knives + knife sharpener, peeler, chopping boards, oven trays / dishes, Tupperware tubs, bottle opener, can opener, containers (for tea, coffee, sugar), dish rack, place mats, tea towels and soap dispenser are mandatory.

Bathrooms

1. Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel and Hand Soap are mandatory

2. Shower Caddy - If there isn't inbuilt storage in the shower ensure your guests have somewhere to put their soap, shampoo, etc. 

3. Soap Dispenser - Have a pump soap dispenser for hand washing at the sink. 

4. Toilet Brush - Always have a toilet brush. 

5. Toilet Roll holder - Have this in an obvious place so guests don't have to play hunt the toilet paper. 

6. Storage - Make sure you have enough space for guests to put out their toiletries. If not, invest in additional storage or shelving. 

7. Air Freshener - Provide an air freshener block as well as a spray can. 

8. Toilet Blu -  A supply of Toilet Blu is essential to keep toilets fresh.

9. Hair Dryer - One per bathroom.

Laundry

Whilst a separate room for a laundry may be necessary at home you can conserve space by having a "European style" laundry with only a washing machine and tumble dryer. Sinks and wash hand basins arent necessary. 

1. Iron & Ironing Board - A basic iron and ironing board are sufficient. 

2. Washing Machine & Dryer -  A washing machine and dryer are no longer optional - they are essentials for any holiday home. You don't need to buy expensive ones. Basic models are satisfactory as long as they are in good working condition. 

If you are really short of space, consider a combined washer/dryer. Be aware that these machines can take a long time to dry clothes - often several hours - which can be very inconvenient for your guests. 

3. Other cleaning items - Have a vacuum cleaner (bagless recommended), bucket, mop, broom and clothes drying rack (even if you have a washing line).

Decks / Patios / Verandas

1. Dining setting - As per your internal dining, make sure you have adequate seating for your maximum guest capacity. Remember that you may not be able to visit the property as frequently as you'd like so avoid settings made of materials that require regular maintenance. For example, if the setting is in an area exposed to a lot of sunlight, avoid wood furniture that requires regular oiling and in beachside areas avoid metals that will corrode due to the sea air. Please do not use cheap, plastic furniture.

2. Outdoor lounge - If space and climate permits, an area to relax in outdoors can be a great feature to attract guests. Outdoor lounges, daybeds, hammocks, sun loungers or just comfortable chairs provide ideal spots for guests to relax.

3. BBQ -  A BBQ is mandatory. If you are located at a coastal area be mindful that cheaper steel BBQs will rust rapidly in the sea air. Be sure to buy a BBQ that can cater adequately for the maximum capacity of the holiday home. We recommend the Beefeater and Weber brands for their durability.

Please ensure that BBQ cleaning products, a robust BBQ brush and drip trays (if required) are available.

Always have two gas cylinders to prevent guests running out of gas.

4. Hose - A small hose on a reel is useful for guests to hose down dogs, cars or boats.

5. Lighting -  Be sure to install adequate lighting in outdoor areas. Guests love spending time in outdoor areas, especially at night.

Keys

To make access easy for guests we recommend installing a keyless system. We can arrange the handyman to do this for you.

Lock box (for keys) - A lock box with a combination or a keyless lock system must be installed at the property's front door. Please do not install lock boxes at the side or back of the building. We can arrange installation if required.

Please also install a lockbox for the cleaners away from the front door (so guests don't get confused) but in an accessible location. If you have keyless entry you can install this inside if you prefer as the cleaners can use the keyless entry to get into the house. This lockbox will be used to store the keys for the locked linen cupboard / consumable items.

Please DO NOT install an electronic system that requires changing of the codes per guest or the installation of an app. 

Also, the battery will run out around 2-3 years with most of these systems causing issues for guests.

Keys - Unless you have a keyless entry system, ensure that you have a minimum of 3 sets of keys:

• One to keep in your lock box.

• One for the cleaners.

• One to keep at home. 

Lighting - Install a sensor light at your entry door. This will allow guests easier and safer access if they arrive at night.

Other Facilities

1. Games console - For family-friendly holidays a games console can keep little kids (and big kids) amused. 

2. Toys - If you are aiming to be family friendly, have a couple of tubs full of toys that cater for both girls and boys. If you have large outdoor areas, ride-on kids toys can also provide hours of amusement. 

Think about toys that will enhance the guest experience. E.g. boogie boards and buckets and spades for the beach or even a set of family bicycles (with helmets). 

If supplying ride-on toys or equipment, ensure that your insurance policy covers any loss or accidents.

3. Pool / table tennis tables - Pool tables or table tennis are great if you have the space required. Be sure to have an adequate supply of bats, balls, pool cues and chalk. 

4. Board games - Board games are great for holidays when guests have a little more time than normal. Jigsaws can be fun for kids and adults alike. 

5. Binoculars / telescope - If your property has good views or if there is interesting wildlife in the area guests will appreciate having these. Be sure to label the binoculars with your property name to prevent them from being taken home by accident.