As real estate agents, we know how important it is to stage the home we’re selling. Even though tenants will be staying in your rental for a shorter amount of time, it is still just as important to provide a space for them that is comfortable and enjoyable. When you stage a home, you are helping potential buyers envision their lives inside that house. Today I’m going to give you tips on ways you can decorate your units with affordability and the comfort of your guests in mind. Are you ready?

Choose items that are easy to clean.

Let’s face it, stuff happens. You’d be mistaken if you thought your unit would stay in a tip-top shape forever. However, if you buy items that are easy to clean and maintain, then you won’t have to worry about constantly replacing these pieces. 

Choosing furniture made of materials such as leather, vinyl, microfiber, or velvet will be your best bet for keeping your items spotless. You’ll be able to quickly wipe up spills or stains and steam clean in between guests. Furniture made from these materials can get a little pricey at times, but think of the money you’ll be saving in the long run! Consider making this one-time investment for years of savings and quick turnarounds!

Pick affordable furniture that lasts.

When you’re just starting out with your short-term rental business, you may not have tons of money to spend on furniture and decor. I get it. But because your rentals will be high traffic, you still need to choose items that are affordable and durable. Don’t worry; this is completely possible!

Look for items made of hardwood and that are secured by using screws. Avoid those that are made of any type of plastic or fastened using staples or glue. Some examples of companies that carry quality items at a reasonable price include Amazon, Wayfair, Birch Lane, Target, Khols, Ashley Homestore, Ross, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Depot, Sears, and Overstock. 

You’ll have luck finding furniture, decor, and even appliances at most of these stores. Visit them for a one-stop shop once you’re ready to fill your rental with any of these items!

Provide a workspace for travelers on work trips.

Don’t forget that not all of your guests will be lounging on vacation! Some will be traveling for work or working remotely as they travel. In order to accommodate every type of guest, consider providing a workspace for those who need a quiet area to focus. 

If your rental does not include a spare room that you can convert into an office, you can create this space with just a few affordable items! All you’ll need is a medium-sized desk and a comfortable chair. Place the desk against an empty wall, in a spacious corner, or by a window. Add small plants and pictures to complete the space, and you have a nice, cozy workspace.

Have a theme for the entire rental or each room.

Another great way to decorate your short-term rental is to come up with a theme. A theme can serve as an extended greeting to guests welcoming them to the area. If you are renting a home near the beach, you might decorate this rental with ceramic seashells with a glossy finish that sits on the coffee table, cups and bowls covered with beach umbrellas, or towels with sunshine or flipflop patterns.

The possibilities are endless! You can develop a great theme with your short-term rentals. You can choose from places in the city or ones near a fun attraction, like Disney. Your theme doesn’t have to be restricted to the area you’re in. You can also decorate based on what you’re passionate about or what means a lot to you. Remember to decorate in a way that will be enjoyable for all of your guests and make sure to photograph your rental well.

Fill open walls and countertops with decor and artwork.

One thing you DO NOT want to do is fill the space with clutter! But you DO want to add a reasonable amount of decor to fill the bare walls and countertops, making your rental warm and inviting. Think of small to medium-sized plants, pretty vases, lamps, shelves, decorative books, and mirrors. Choose items that are cohesive with the rental or theme you are going for. You can find very affordable decor and artwork in all of the stores I mentioned above!

Have a strategy and a budget when it’s time to decorate your rental, so you end up with fully functional and beautiful spaces, without breaking the bank. The way you choose to decorate and furnish is essential for not only providing your guests with a memorable experience but also for marketing your rental and posting great-looking photos. Have everything thought about, the colors you plan to incorporate, themes, and the artwork you have in mind before you start purchasing any items. You’ll thank yourself later!

For more short-term rental tips, check out my post, 6 Tips For Marketing Your Short-Term Rental.