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5 ways to winterize your short-term rentals

The holidays are fast-approaching, which means it’s time to start transitioning your short-term rentals into winter mode. Here are a few steps you can take to prepare your properties for the months ahead and make sure your guests have all they need to vacation right when temperatures start to drop. 

  1. Think ahead 

Winters are notoriously responsible for a lot of property damage, especially in storm-prone areas. Make sure all of your properties are thoroughly inspected before the first snow so you can prevent any costly leaks or breakages that may force you to temporarily close your doors to guests.

  1. Make comfort food easy

After a long day of skiing or sightseeing in the cold, your guests could probably fuel up on a warm, filling meal and the last thing they want to do is a supermarket run. Equip your pantry with essential ingredients so they can whip something up. Alternatively, you can curate a list of nearby delivery options with winter-friendly dishes. And of course, don’t forget to leave some hot cocoa mix and tea in the pantry!

Make winter comfort food accessible to your short-term rental guests
  1. Go the extra mile 

You can also keep guests nice and toasty by providing some plush complimentary slippers and extra blankets in the closet. 

In case your guests don’t anticipate just how cold it can get in your area, you can even leave them some hats, gloves, coats and one-size-fits-all snow boots. 

  1. Have an escape route

The last thing your guests need is to head to the car in the morning for a fun-filled day only to find they’ve got no way out. Provide them with shovels to clear a path in the driveway and an ice scraper and snow brush for their cars. Make sure they have access to rock salt to prevent falls on slippery surfaces. 

Make sure your short-term rental guests don't get trapped inside in the snow
  1. Prepare for a rainy day

Some guests won’t let rain ruin their plans and would definitely benefit from an umbrella or two. Others may prefer to stay in and keep dry. For them, consider stocking your properties with some board games or puzzles, and of course, high-speed internet. 

Rain or snow, you can expect guests to spend more time in your properties than they would during summer if your listings are located in colder climates, so be sure they have ways to entertain themselves and enjoy their vacation – even when stuck indoors. 

Let it snow

From purchasing fun, colorful mugs to setting out some scented candles, there are so many ways to make your rental an inviting place to come back to after a day out in the cold. This winter, step up your game to ensure guests stay safe and make some warm memories to take home with them.

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