How to furnish a vacation rental property (my professional step-by-step process)

Step 1: Define your ideal vacation rental client

You may think, “I want to appeal to everyone!”

But there’s a rule in advertising: “If you try to appeal to everyone, you actually appeal to no one.”

So define your ideal guest. Start with really basic questions and work your way to more complex details. The first questions could simply be related to the number of people checking into your vacation rental property:

• Is it a large family traveling together?
• Is it a couple on a romantic getaway?
• Or someone traveling solo for business?

Then you can look at other factors like:

• Their hobbies and interests
• How long they plan to stay
• Their desire to save money or live in luxury

Don’t worry, you’ll get guests outside this target market too. But you need to start with a focused guest type in mind.

Step 2: Develop a realistic short-term rental property investment budget

I help my clients create a budget for getting their vacation rental fully furnished and functioning. This budget will be based on their target market and expected nightly rental rate.

If they already have a budget in mind, I break that projection into the specific categories in which that money will be spent: furniture, decor, linens, TV’s, and other value-adding amenities. It is often helpful for my clients to see this breakdown, and where they may need to add more money to get their expected return.

Step 3: Carefully design the vacation rental property to inspire more bookings

I develop an interior design plan that tells the story our ideal guest is looking to experience. Every detail, from the dishes and towels to wall art and coasters can paint a mental picture that excites potential renters.

As a certified Expert Psychological Stager, I use strategic furniture placement and color selection to invoke the emotions your guests hope to feel while visiting the vacation rental. This can lead to more bookings and higher rental satisfaction.

To help convey these concepts to my interior design clients, I use an online tool called a “design board” to communicate the look, feel, and color scheme developed for the short-term rental property.

Where to buy short-term rental property furniture

Once the interior design plan is approved, I move on to furniture procurement. When sourcing furniture, I start by creating a room-by-room list of all items needed. I then decide which vendors are going to have the items that best line up with the quality, look, and budget of the design plan presented.

If I am under a strict timeline for launching, I must also consider lead time on the furniture I want to purchase. I typically like to allow myself 3 months of lead time to get the most options for furniture procurement.

Where to buy short-term rental property home decor items

After the furniture has been purchased, while I’m waiting for delivery, I focus on the decor and amenities of the property. This is such an important piece in giving your property its own personality.  I source these unique items from multiple vendors.

Sometimes I give the property owners this insight and they place all the items themselves. But many clients hire me to source and place all the items myself. This is especially useful for busy people and out-of-state investors who own properties in the greater Branson, Missouri, area.

I have furniture and accessories shipped to my office, where I can store them until set up time.

Step 4: Choose the right TVs and other tech items for your short-term rental property

Next, I line up the TV’s and gaming equipment. Most of my clients opt for putting TV’s in every room. But some people want to provide a more tech-free experience and only place one or two TV’s in the vacation rental property. Either way, I ensure they are the right size and proper placement for each room.

Also start looking into options for internet service providers and wifi. Some rural areas have limited options and lead times.

Step 5: Clean and decorate your vacation rental property 

Finally, make sure the rental has been thoroughly cleaned. If it is clean from top to bottom, you are ready to coordinate the delivery of all furniture and accessories.

For my business model, it works best if I coordinate all deliveries within a one-week time frame, then allow myself and my team another week to perfect the placement of all items.

Step 6: Photograph and list it!

Your property is now ready for consideration on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo.

A professional real estate photographer will have the experience and high-end camera equipment needed to get the best shots. Remember to gather photos that tell a story. And write great content to go with your listing.

Let potential renters know what type of experience they will enjoy at your short-term rental property. People are looking for more than a place to stay. They are looking for a specific feeling.

Call in a vacation rental interior design expert

Do you need help getting all these tasks done?

I am a certified Short-term Rental Stylist. You can book a free discovery call with me to learn how Branson Upstaging can help you find your property’s full potential for success in the vacation rental business.