After staying in a few different vacation rentals during our Hawaii seminar series, we noticed that there were some household conveniences that weren't always available. We decided to put together a list of items that we (and likely many of your guests) consider to be necessities. If you don't already have these items stocked at your vacation home, be sure to pick them up today or ask your housekeeper for help.

1. A hair dryer. Many guests don't feel like stuffing a hair dryer in their suitcase. Plus, since many hotels provide hair dryers, they might expect it of vacation homes too. You can easily stock one in the master bathroom for as little as $10.

2. Ironing board. You might already have an iron, but we don't recommend the mini dorm-sized ironing boards. After everything gets wrinkled in their suitcases, your guests will probably appreciate not having to sit on the floor to iron.

3. Starter Pack of Coffee, Creamer and Sugar. This is especially helpful if you live in a market where many of your guests arrive at night. You don't have to provide coffee for their entire stay, but it helps to keep them less grumpy on the first morning. 4. Potholders. Your guests probably don't want to fold up one of their souvenir T-shirts just to pick up the teapot. Keep potholders near the oven or cooking gear.

5. Salt and Pepper. Providing an array of spices is helpful for the renters that plan to do some serious cooking, but at the very least, be sure to leave some salt and pepper in the cupboards.

6. Pillow Protectors & Mattress Pads. These items will help your pillows and mattresses last longer and will add to the appearance of cleanliness at your home. And in some markets it might even be required by your local regulations and ordinances.

7. Liners in Trash Cans. Keeping trash bags in all of your garbage cans just appears cleaner. Don't forget the small bathroom trash cans too.

8. Fans. If you don't have air-conditioning or ceiling fans, it's easy to place a couple of tabletop fans in the closet so your guests can stay cool and comfortable.

9. Tissues. In the event of an allergy attack, don't make your guests use toilet paper every time they need to blow their nose.

10. A Full-Length Mirror. Forcing your renters to stand on a chair to see their outfits in the medicine cabinet mirror is neither convenient nor safe. A simple full-length mirror is inexpensive and can be hung on the back of the bedroom doors.

11. A Deck of Cards. Keep your guests entertained during the evenings and rainy days. A variety of games is optimal, but you can't go wrong with a simple deck of cards.

12. A Guestbook. Not only will a guestbook encourage your renters to leave a review, but they might enjoy reading reviews of past guests. Plus those reviews might include tips for area activities or restaurants that your guests will certainly appreciate.

Unless you actually stay in your vacation home periodically, you may not realize these things are even missing. It may not be a deal-breaker for future bookings, but it's best to make your guests' stay as convenient as possible.

What do you consider to be the necessities for your vacation rental? “A couple of weeks ago, I stayed at a terrific vacation rental home on Dauphin Island, Alabama. The house was huge, immaculate, and completely charming. We had pots and pans for cooking, beach umbrellas and chairs, and board games galore. The one thing that we found ourselves needing time and again that the owner neglected to provide was… pens and paper. You don't think about how many uses there are for a pen and paper until you're on vacation without them. Our lack of pens and paper resulted in grocery lists, directions, and board game tally sheets written in crayon on the inside of cereal boxes. Let's just say it was quite a sight to be carrying around at the area Wal-Mart. So, next time you're at your vacation home or your housekeeper is restocking your supplies, please add a box of Bic pens and some multipurpose or loose-leaf paper to your list.” - Kristin Dorsett, Former Asst. Editor and Product Manager of the Owner Community "I include a magnifying mirror in the master bathroom.  I know it's hard for women to lean into the mirror to do their makeup, so the magnifying mirror on an arm for the wall is really helpful."  - Krista C., Taos, NM "I provide all vacationers a kitchen pack with dishwasher detergent tablets and a sponge." -J. Wagner, Outer Banks, NC "I always have shampoo and conditioner in addition to soap. Also: dishwasher detergent, dryer sheets, and hangers in the laundry room for the clothes coming out of the dryer." - Alicia L., Rosarito Beach, Mexico (HomeAway #311739) "Pads of paper and pencils/pens at phones, listings of TV channels, paper towels and paper napkins, coffee, sugar and powdered creamer packets, current local newspaper and current magazines." -Jim and Liz, Vail, CO (HomeAway #101600)  "We include coconut-fragranced shampoo, conditioner, and bath gels. Suave is inexpensive. All paper products, dish soaps, detergents/bleach, games, videos, books, and magazines for all ages. All condiments and spices are provided for cooking. All things for the beach, even hats and snorkel sets. I don't think we've ever had a guest say, 'I wish you had...' except for sunshades on the lanai....and we promptly installed them!" -Mary, Waikoloa Village, HI  (HomeAway #219076, VRBO #9632, VacationRentals.com #12709) "I keep a well-stocked first aid kit in the closet near a bathroom. A decorative bin holds band aids, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, gauze and tape, anti-itch creams and scissors." -Cynthia F., Scarborough, ME  (HomeAway #187729)  "Non-toxic cleaning solutions for quick cleanups or 'accidents.' (White vinegar with warm water eliminates clothing stains, cleans counters and surpasses bleach for mold control.) I also leave a small tub of eco-friendly laundry soap." -Janet, Hana, HI.  (HomeAway #322834, VRBO #75494) "Games! If your property hosts families with children, stock a dozen board games. You can pick them up for a few dollars at any second hand store. Puzzles are good too, especially if it turns rainy over their stay." -Pat, Groveland-Yosemite (VRBO #141025) "I bought a second-hand Game Cube on eBay with a couple of games and two controllers. This keeps the kids and adults busy on rainy days too." -Silvia, Poconos, PA (HomeAway #129987, VRBO #103574) "I always have laundry detergent and dishwasher detergent on hand. We also keep snorkel equipment, a nice bed tray for breakfast in bed, bath robes, and a lovely tea pot with a selection of quality tea. I find that the little details are appreciated." -Shannon, Kona, HI (VRBO #111177) "Our condo is oceanfront in Mexico so we have beach chairs, towels, beach blankets, beach bags, several size coolers, ice blocks, freezer beer mugs, water bottle containers and pocket-size Spanish-English dictionaries." - Pam, Akumal, Mexico (HomeAway #146798, VRBO #108367) "In Colorado, good humidifiers are a must in the winter, especially for our guests from humid Southern states. We have good quality Air-O-Swiss Ultrasonic humidifiers. It really makes a difference in their comfort, especially at night." -Sarah, Breckenridge, CO (VRBO #95113) "Provide extra gas grill lighters. Ones on grills tend to fail unexpectedly." -George, Outer Banks, NC (VacationRentals.com #1963) "We provide a desktop and notebook computer with a high speed wireless connection." -Bryn, Kailua, Oahu (VRBO #23829) "Our renters love the bicycles. We have several beach cruisers and a kids' bike and tire pump. Once, some renters told us they had car troubles while vacationing. They used the beach cruisers everyday as their transportation while their car was getting repaired! We also throw in a two-person kayak, surfboard, and set of horseshoes. They're not 'essentials' but they add a nice touch!" -Lori, Outer Banks, NC (VRBO #114941) "An emergency flashlight that is permanently attached to an electric outlet that will come on automatically in case of a power outage. Nightlights for the bathrooms." -Mary, Marin County, California "We keep a high chair, portable crib and baby gate on hand for people traveling with little ones.  We also have a foosball table and a air hockey table for the older kids." -Lorrie, Alma, CO   "In the mountains of Colorado, guests need information about the altitude (need sunscreen, and lots of water), hiking, wildlife, the stars, the local flowers, birds, trees, etc." -Dorothy, Estes Park, CO (HomeAway #19547, VRBO #22694) "I leave a three-tiered container with Q-tips, floss tips, tampons, pads, cotton balls, Tylenol packets, etc." -Linda, Bimini Sands, Bahamas (VRBO #172251) "If you allow pets....old towels for the renters to dry them off with. Over the years my 'dog towel' bin has actually increase due to renters leaving their old towels behind." -Betty Jo F., Outer Banks, NC (HomeAway #113439, VRBO #27994)

How to Make Your Listing as Good as Your Vacation Home Don't let your special touches go unnoticed – be sure to advertise everything you offer   Rainy-Day Amenities for Your Vacation Home Bad weather is a bummer, but you can help alleviate guests' disappointment with fun indoor activities   Checklist for Turning Your Second Home into a Vacation Rental A step-by-step guide for preparing your vacation home to receive guests   7 Things to Clean Regularly at Your Vacation Home Items to add to your regular cleaning and maintenance schedule

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