First world question- second home - holiday- owners

[Platespinnner]

Hi
Have name changed as this is a new thing for us and as title says this is aimed at second home owners which I’m painfully aware is a whole other world. We have friends and family impacted with jobs with covid and would seem totally inappropriate to mention to them hence queries here.

Following an inheritance we have decided to step into world of second home ownership- a park home style holiday home (so not ‘taking anyone’s home’ locally - high level feeling in the area concerned)

We never ever imagined we would be in this position and decided to jump at opportunity to be able to use it for holidays for next 10-15 years whilst kids still little and rent it out rest of time to contribute towards cost of running
We did this instead of paying off some of mortgage so we had something to ‘show for’ the money received.
Now that’s all done- it’s all new to us.

What haven’t we thought about- what are the must have things we should keep at the house- we have little space for storage as it will be rented some of the time.
I was thinking games, DIY kit etc- the stuff which is nice for guests and we would use too. In a couple of years the agreement changes and we won’t then let it and will use it just for ourselves.
If it makes any difference it would be considered a family only, entry level style park, in v popular location south west way.
Thanks

Good selection of dvds.
Swingball
Hot water bottles

If you’re near the beach, then bucket and spade, wind break, umbrella, cooler bag and body boards.

A few board games as you've said, a selection of books for adults and children, a few magazines maybe? Local interest information. A book of local walks. A tide timetable. Recommendations for restaurants and takeaways. Bus timetables if relevant. Info re fusebox, how to work appliances etc.

Things we find useful to keep in ours which you might not otherwise think about:

• electric toothbrush charger
• sewing kit
• nightlights for the kids
• spare toiletries (we keep a full set of our usual ones there so we can turn up with minimal packing required)
• wetsuits
• beach chairs and beach tent
• head torches
• selection of batteries

We don’t rent ours out and it’s amazing how often I get home after visiting and think of something else which it would be useful to keep there!

Thanks all, adding everything to the list!

We're just about to do something similar and I made a list yesterday of what we'll need to get from ikea! I've taken the obvious stuff like beds off...

Kitchen knives
Knife sharpener
Tin opener
Corkscrew
Grater
Kettle
Pyrex dishes
Toaster
Spatula etc set
Wooden spoon
Bath mat

Good first aid kit.
Fire extinguisher / blanket
Spare light bulbs

Brilliant. That's lovely for you, OP.

We loved park holidays in Dorset & around when the kids were small.

How about:

Folding chairs for beach or picnics
Crabbing nets
Cool box

Keep a sum to cover any sudden increase in the service charges (not at the property of course).

We have a lockable cupboard in the kitchen, and one in the attic bedroom that we leave alcohol, foodstuffs , towels beachstuff etc. We also have a shed for bikes etc.
I find it useful to keep a running inventory on my iPad of what we have left there, fill it in as we leave - so it might say shampoo shower gel ( need conditioner) get more tea towels
We leave rainjackets and umbrellas too.

This is amazing thank you so much!

Slippers &/or wellies. Often wish I had either when I'm in an airbnb.

If you will be renting it out then you need somewhere safe to lock away any personal possessions.

Don't leave anything out that has sentimental value or that you'd be sorry to lose. Things WILL disappear or get broken.

Also check the legal requirements for renting out holiday properties such as fire risk assessments and electrical safety/boiler checks and make sure your insurance covers letting and especially public liability.

Also bear in mind you'll need reliable cleaners who will clean to the standard required for Covid prevention and space to store spare guest linens.

Even if you ask guests to bring their own linen you'll need to provide duvets and pillows and bear in mind that guest who "forget" to bring sheets etc may well use the bedding without ( yes I know - gross but not unheard of)

Sorry, but do you mean its a static caravan (park?) or an actual second home/house???

Stock kitchen plates/glasses with basics you can easily replace that match- tesco, asda or ikea basics etc

Plastic platter cover for inside the microwave

Silicone cover on the base of the oven

I agree with having a secure, lockable storage for your own personal items

A fan or 2 for summer is a must plus fly spray!

Be clear about pets and smoking inside the property

Is there WIFI for guests? If not, I'd suggest getting it.

Enough heating for winter, water bottles and/or electric blankets

How far is the 2nd home from your own? Will you be cleaning and doing laundry between rentals? Some real estate agents and private companies offer an air BNB/holiday home service where they will clean the house and use professional linen services between guests.

Depending on the location- binoculars, beach items, a hot water flask, local maps, local discounts, list of recommended local restaurants/attractions can be useful for some guests.

@lljkk

Slippers &/or wellies. Often wish I had either when I'm in an airbnb.

Why don't you take your own?

I can't imagine anything worse (covid or otherwise).

Op, you'll get lots of random suggestions here. Get extra cutlery as it always goes missing. Sharp knives, scissors. Plastic picnic stuff (helps to stop the nice stuff bring taken out the house).

First Aid kit
Hotel quality mattress and pillow covers
Spatter cover for frying pan
Table and bedside lamps
Electric blanket
Sink plunger
Colouring books and pens
Books

As you'll be renting it out and I assume storage is limited it might be easier to keep a bag packed at your home with things like toothbrushes, pajamas etc ready to just put in the car when your leaving.
People holidaying there will use anything accessible as they will assume they are supposed to.
Enjoy!

Why don't you take your own?

i can't quite fit the kitchen sink in the bags. I've tried... but end up I just can't do it. anyway, it's the sort of thing that you never think of until you're there. But I'd remember eventually if it was my 2nd home.

I arrived at our place once with teenaged DS at about 7 pm after a long train journey. There was no food in ! We trudged across fields in the pouring rain to just arrive at 'little shop' and pub moments after they shut/ stopped serving food. We trudged home again . DS had turmeric flavoured rice for dinner as that was all that was in the cupboard. Baked beans are now a minimum ; and wine obvs.
I recommend leaving a screwdriver and hammer, light bulbs, a torch , batteries, slippers, hot water bottle , matches and a lighter.