Setting up your holiday home.
Preparing your property to become a holiday home can be a lot of fun but also daunting. Where do you begin? This booklet is designed to give you ideas of what to include but each home is different, and the expectations of your guests can vary depending on location, property type, size and style. Visit our Sitchu website, www.sitchu.com. au, or pick up a Sitchu magazine to get your creative juices flowing. If you prefer, we can also help, and supply details of property stylists and furniture hire companies. The best idea is to keep in mind the type and style of guest you would like to stay in your property. If you want to attract a premium daily rate, then the furnishings need to reflect that. You also need to be aware that anything you supply with the property, glassware and so on, should look lovely but be easy to replace as accidents happen from time to time. The best outcome for you is to have a guest who wants to return to your property for their holiday every year. What would make you want to return each year? Is it a welcome gift basket with lovely local food and beverage samples or superior quality pillows and bedding? Keep your budget in mind because the options are endless. We’ll discuss other set up possibilities that are unique to your property but here are our tips for setting up your Belle Property Escapes home.
Three sets of keys • One set for our office – a full set of keys with keys to all locks • One set for guests – this should have access keys only. The front door, sliding doors and so on • One set for cleaners – a full set of keys with keys to all locks Key safe box / coded door • A coded key safe box on the property is the most convenient for guests and allows them to check in without worrying if they are running late. The box should be in an easily accessible, well lit, location but not obvious to anyone walking past the property • We can assist with having a lock box installed by a qualified installer • Coded doors are also becoming popular and are an alternative • Entry codes will only be supplied to your guest on their check in day Internet • Providing internet for guests is highly recommended • The password will be kept in the property compendium so only guests will have access • Having apps available on smart TV’s or other devices allowing guests access to Spotify etc can give your guest the extras to personalise their stay Foxtel, streaming services, movies • You can elect to allow guests access to Foxtel and Streaming Services • Supplying DVD’s is another way of allowing guests to relax and feel at home BBQ • If you have a BBQ at the property, please ensure you have appropriate utensils and cleaning products for guests to use • A BBQ cover will help to keep your BBQ looking great • If your BBQ needs bottled gas, please ensure you supply a full bottle. It’s a great idea to have a second gas bottle, in case your guest runs out mid-BBQ on a Sunday afternoon Fire extinguisher / fire blanket • In the event of a fire, these items will prove invaluable • They will need to be checked regularly by the appropriate authority to ensure they remain compliant First aid kit • Accidents happen and your guests will love having a basic first aid kit for such needs The basics.
Smoke alarms • There may be a legislative requirement for shortterm rental accommodation fire safety standard, smoke alarms, evacuation diagrams and STRA register. Please ensure you check with your property manager for what requirements are needed • We have access to professional smoke alarm & fire safety compliance companies that can assist with keeping your property legislatively compliant Pool and spas • If your property has a pool and/or a spa, may be legislative requirements • We have access to professional companies that can assist with keeping your pool safe and crystal clear Heating and cooling • If your property has air conditioners, please make sure they are serviced and cleaned regularly. We can help with that too • Supplying heaters and/or fans can help to make your guests stay pleasant if no air conditioning is available Other • Supplying a torch is helpful if the power goes out or you have some grounds that your guests might like to explore • Spare batteries for remotes or torches • Any appliance supplied with the property will need to be in good working order and safe to use • Operation manuals should be left on the property but make sure you either keep a copy or keep the originals and supply a copy for the property Insurance • You must have building, contents, and liability insurance • Please make sure you speak to your insurer to understand their requirements around using your property for holiday rental and make sure you let us know what those requirements are Inventory • We can do an inventory of everything at the property and will discuss costs with you • If you would like to supply your own inventory, please ensure you note everything at the property including Make and Model of appliances. Your insurer will rely on this document in the event of a claim so more details is better along with clear, dated, photos will also be beneficial Outdoors • We can assist with a professional maintenance service for lawns, gardens, and guttering • Providing a beautiful setting outside for guests to relax will add to the ambience and experience of your property. Refer to Sitchu for ideas on how to present the outside areas of your property
• Help your guests to feel relaxed and well rested by supplying good quality bedding and linen · Pillows with protectors · Mattress protectors · 3 sets of linen for each bed in the property • All seasons quilt for each bed • Extra cosy blankets and cushions are a great touch Linen and bedding. Supplying linen and bedding will give your guests a full holiday experience. You can supply your own or may be able to assist with a linen supply package.
Condiments • Salt and Pepper • Sugar • Butter • Tea and Coffee • Milk • General use condiments – sauces and seasonings • Tasting basket from local suppliers Whitegoods • Fridge/Freezer • Microwave • Coffee machine • Kettle • Toaster/Sandwich maker Other • Cookbooks • Bin liners • Storage containers / Tupperware • Foil, Baking paper, Cling wrap • Paper towel, tissues • Soap, dishwashing liquid, dishwasher tablets The kitchen. The kitchen is still the heart of the home, even when you’re on holidays. Most guests love the opportunity to use local ingredients and create meals they may not have time for when they’re in their working lives. We recommend that any item supplied for guests to use in the kitchen be easy to replace and not of personal value to you. Anything that is of personal value to you should be locked away for your personal use, if you choose to stay at any time, or removed from the property. If you would like to discuss what is essential in the kitchen and what is nice to have, please contact us. Crockery and cutlery • 2 sets of general use cutlery for each guest the property can accommodate • Salad servers and general use utensils • 2 sets of general use glassware for each guest the property can accommodate • 2 sets of cups/mugs for each guest the property can accommodate • 2 sets of white and red wine glassware and champagne flutes for each guest the property can accommodate • 2 sets of each type of plate/bowl for each guest the property can accommodate Cooking • 1 set of pots and pans of various sizes • 1 set of oven pans/racks • Mixing bowls of various sizes • General use utensils – tongs, ladles, spatulas etc • If the cooking facilities require specialist cleaning products, please ensure you supply a care document and appropriate cleaning products Pantry • Anything you love to use • Local suppliers can add to the holiday feeling with spreads, sauces, cooking items
An opportunity to ensure guests feel the full luxury of their stay and further sample local offerings. Bathroom and laundry. Bathroom • Hair dryer • Bathrobes • Toilet paper, tissues • Soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner Laundry • Washing powder and softener • Iron and ironing board • Washing machine and dryer • Vacuum and/or broom • General purpose cleaning items – cloths, sprays • Air drying facility
Keep your living areas comfortable and homey with pillows, throws, books and puzzles or games. A great addition is a laptop area for those that need a bit of desk space while they are relaxing. Living areas. Simple and practical with space for your guests to comfortably enjoy their meals. Consider local produce by supplying a fruit bowl or any other uncomplicated styling tricks to create a welcoming, considerate space. Dining areas.
Ask your friends and family what they enjoy about their getaways and consider if your guests would love that option too. Of course, everyone has a budget, and you can easily overspend in trying to create the best space possible for your guests. This list is purposefully generic, we will work with you personally to tailor the best options for your property and your target guests. Insurers, local planning laws, strata by-laws and state legislation may also be impacted by offering your property as a short-term rental, so please be sure to consider this and undertake any investigation needed. As your local expert we can assist you with understanding and compliance with these requirements. Providing little extras can keep your guests coming back again and again. Help your guests to enjoy the outdoors • Beach/Pool towels • Beach umbrella • Picnic basket and rug • Sunscreen, insect repellent, hats • Outdoor games, balls etc • Emergency raincoats • Shopping bags Added extras.
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