It may not even feel like fall, given the temperate temperatures we enjoy all year here in Panama City Beach, but Christmas is right around the corner! In other parts of the country, that means freezing winds and an abundance of snow—and a craving for warmer weather. We live in a pretty prime place for vacationers to flock to, which means that if you prepare properly, you could stand to make some extra income this holiday season. But, before you start seeing dollar signs flash before your eyes, step back and do a vacation rental double check. Now is the perfect time to check over your rental home, before your calendar fills up with bookings. Here are a few things to check over:

Staples and Sundries

You know how hotels leave small bottles of shampoo and mouthwash in the room? Well, that trend started for a reason. Many travelers will be flying, rather than driving, so they aren’t going to want to stuff their suitcase full of household goods and toiletries. Be sure your vacation rental is well stocked with things like toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, conditioner, and hand soap. In addition, it’s always a good idea to keep some staple dry goods in the kitchen, things like pasta and cans of soup, so your renters won’t have to worry about a store run late at night after a day spent traveling. Those little touches may not seem like much, but they can make a big difference in the experience of each renter.

Repair Work

When you have a bunch of families and groups going in and out of your vacation rental constantly, it can be hard on the house. Before the holiday travel season picks up, set aside a weekend or two and do all the maintenance that’s been building up. Fix the crooked cabinet in the kitchen, fill in and paint any holes, and give the house a deep clean. First appearances matter, and a well-kept house will make your rental property stand out for all the right reasons—which means they will be more likely to share your place with their friends.

Check the Security

The other big concern for owners and vacationers alike is security. You want to provide enough security measures to keep your property and your renters safe, but you also don’t want to have to send your renters through several hoops or place time restrictions on a key pick up just to get in the house. Now is the perfect time to install a keyless entry system. It’s the perfect solution for vacation rentals because it provides all the security of a deadbolt—which is one of the best locks out there, despite the low-tech nature—with ease of entry for anyone with the code. In fact, most keyless entry systems will even allow you to change the code between guests and set expiration dates and times.

Want to learn more? Contact the team at Destin Locksmithing today and ensure your vacation rental is as secure as possible before the holiday rush.