15 Items From Home You Should Take To A Summer Vacation Rental
A summer vacation is something everyone looks forward to, especially if you booked an epic rental property where you and your loved ones can relax. When you pack for a summer vacation at a rental property, be sure you remember to pack some home essentials, so you have all your creature comforts at your home-away-from-home.
When packing for a summer vacation rental, there are several kitchen appliances you should bring, including your coffee maker, blender, favorite frying pan and a large pot. Bringing spices and your go-to condiments can significantly cut down on your grocery costs. When taking a beach holiday, bring a beach blanket, foldable chairs, and extra towels. Bring a reliable hair dryer, chargers, and an extension cord.Â
Vacation rentals have many benefits, as you usually have more space than a hotel and the ability to cook meals while on holiday. To ensure you maximize all the benefits of a summer rental, there are several items you should bring from home. These items will elevate your vacation experience, and save you money. Keep reading to see all the items from home you should add to your summer vacation packing list.
Things You Should Bring To Your Vacation Rental
1. Coffee Maker
If you’re someone who needs a fresh cup of coffee first thing in the morning, then you should pack your coffee maker before leaving your home for the summer vacation rental. Many vacation rentals come equipped with some type of coffee maker, but the type of coffee maker may not be ideal for your needs.
Some rentals have Keurigs or other machines that require specific pods. Others have small coffee makers that won’t make a large pot for the entire family. If you love your coffee maker and have space in the car, then it’s smart to bring it with you.
2. Hair Dryer
If drying your long hair is part of your daily routine, then consider packing your hair dryer. Hair dryers are not always a guarantee in vacation rentals. Even when there is a hair dryer, it’s not guaranteed that it is a high quality one.
To make drying your hair easy, and to ensure it doesn’t become damaged from a low-quality product, you should pack your own.Â
3. Beach Blanket And Towels
Many summer vacations involve the beach. If you are renting a beach house, or a property near a body of water, then there are a few extra packing essentials you should bring. Some rental properties are loaded with beach accessories, while others have none.
To be safe, bring at least a few beach towels and a beach or picnic blanket. This will ensure you have an easy way of relaxing in the sand or on the grass without having to buy anything. These items also take up very little room in the car.
4. Camping Or Beach Chairs
If you plan on parking it on the beach or somewhere in nature, then you should bring your favorite foldable chairs along for the ride. Beach and camping chairs make relaxing in nature more enjoyable.
A quality beach chair, especially during peak summer months, can cost more than $50, so bringing one from home will save you a good chunk of change.
5. Spices
If you plan on cooking while on vacation, it’s important you remember all your favorite spices. Most spices are compact and lightweight, which makes them easy to bring along.
Furthermore, one small jar of spices can easily cost more than $5, so buying new ones for your vacation rental will add up quickly.Â
Pack all your essential spices in a large airtight container to preserve their freshness. This will also make it easier to keep track of them, and you'll be less likely to forget to bring them back home with you.
6. Tupperware
Tupperware is always an afterthought, until you don’t have any. Some vacation rentals will have some tupperware, but it might not be nearly enough for your needs. If you plan on bringing snacks and meals to the beach or on mini road trips, then it’s a good idea to bring your own tupperware containers.Â
There are also many different ways you can use tupperware, especially if you need to keep items dry and free of sand.
7. Blender
Blenders are an incredible asset when you’re on summer holiday. You can make smoothies with seasonal fresh fruit, and delicious tropical cocktails to help relax in the summer breeze. Unfortunately, many rental properties have either no blender, or one with dull blades from overuse.
If you have the space and own a quality blender, you should seriously consider bringing it, especially if you want to save money on cocktails and smoothies.
8. Your Favorite Frying Pan
If your vacation rental has a full kitchen, then it should be stocked with essential cookware. The quality of this cookware, however, can range from excellent to horrible. To ensure you aren’t struggling to cook basic meals, you should bring at least one great frying pan.
With your favorite frying pan, you’ll be able to cook most things without burning them or having them stick to the pan.Â
9. Extension Cord
Vacation rentals can sometimes have outlets in the strangest places. The closest outlet can sometimes be on the other side of the room. This can make it hard to charge your phone or laptop, especially if you want it near your bed.
Every homeowner should own a few extension cords. It’s a smart idea to pack at least one extension cord, and possibly even a reliable power strip. This will make it easy to plug in any electrical appliance anywhere you want in your vacation rental.
10. Trash Bags And Ziploc Bags
Some vacation rentals provide a few extra trash bags, but it’s not guaranteed. It’s also quite rare for a rental property to be stocked with Ziploc bags. Before you head to your vacation rental, bring a few trash bags and whatever Ziploc bags you have.Â
There is a very high chance they will come in handy at some point during your trip, and it will save you from having to run to the store and buy these products.
11. Specialty Kitchen Utensils
If you consider yourself a home chef, then don’t forget all your favorite kitchen gadgets. Most vacation rentals will have a spatula and stirring spoons, but nothing is guaranteed. Some items you may want to bring from home include a garlic press, your favorite sharp knife, tongs, a whisk, and anything else you use on a regular basis.
You can make do without these gadgets, but if you love to cook, then having them with you will make the experience more enjoyable.
12. Chargers
The last thing you want to have to do on your first day of vacation is hunt down an overpriced off-brand phone charger. This is why it’s so important you bring all the necessary chargers for all your devices. This includes chargers for your phone, kindle, headphones, electric toothbrush, and anything else that’s electric that you plan to bring with you.
13. Flashlight Or Lantern
Flashlights or a lantern are a smart thing to pack, especially if you want to take evening walks, or enjoy the beach at night. Summer heat can also bring some strong storms. This means the power can go out, making a flashlight essential. One flashlight or lantern is guaranteed to come in handy at least once on your trip.
14. Condiments
In addition to spices, you should also bring along your favorite condiments. Sauces and condiments are things you use every day, and if you have to buy all new ones, it can cost you a lot.Â
Bring all your favorite hot sauces, syrups, and dressings to ensure you don’t have to go without or fork over a lot of money to stock your fridge. If your rental property has a grill, ensure you bring your favorite grilling condiments as well.
15. A Cooler
A cooler is something you are guaranteed to use on a summer holiday. With hot weather and outdoor adventure at your fingertips, you need a cooler to keep your snacks and beverages chilled.
As you travel to your rental, you can even use your cooler to keep all your condiments and other essentials from home cooled.
Wrapping Up Items From Home You Should Take To A Vacation Rental
Renting a summer home is the perfect way to enjoy a relaxing vacation with all the comforts of home. To ensure your vacation rental is fully equipped with all your needs, you should bring some items from home.Â
Some kitchen essentials you should pack include your blender, a frying pan, spices, condiments, and any other kitchen gadgets you use regularly. Beach chairs, a cooler, and towels or a blanket will all come in handy at the beach or in nature. An extension cord, all essential chargers, and a flashlight will ensure you always have power when and where you need it.
Related Guides:
- Nine Tips For Leaving Your Cats Alone While You Are Away On Vacation
- What To Do Around The House Before You Go On Vacation
- 12 Tips To Help You Save Big On Summer Rental Homes
Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.
More by Tom Gaffey
