9 Mistakes I Made Setting Up My First Vacation Rental (So You Don’t Have To)
Vacation Rental Mistakes that Cost Us Time and Money – and How We Fixed Them!
I so desperately wish I could tell you that every decision I made when setting up our first vacation rental was the right one.
But I’m afraid I’d be struck by lightning.
Mistakes were made. Lots of them.
And honestly? Even with all the research, planning, and good intentions in the world, there are some things you simply don’t know until you actually start hosting guests.
We made furnishing mistakes. We bought things guests never used. We underestimated the importance of security. We overbooked ourselves. And in our attempt to make owning a vacation rental easier, we were initially far too hands-off.
Some of these mistakes cost us money. Others cost us time. And a few probably cost us a 5-star review or two along the way.
Fortunately, I’m pretty quick to change course when something isn’t working.
After several years of owning and operating our vacation rental, I have a much better understanding of what actually matters—and what I would absolutely do differently if I were setting up a vacation rental today.
So, in the spirit of saving you a little money, frustration, and possibly a couch or two, here are 9 mistakes I made setting up my first vacation rental—and what I recommend doing instead.
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1. I Bought Beautiful Couches Instead of Durable Ones
Oh, the couches.
Our vacation rental is a very sweet Mid-Century Modern home, so naturally I wanted the furnishings to complement its original MCM character.
When I started shopping for furniture, I looked for couches with clean lines, sleek silhouettes, and the perfect aesthetic. Because we have two entertainment areas, I actually purchased two sets of couches and built the room designs around them.
They were beautiful.
There was just one teeny-tiny problem.
Those adorable little pedestal-style feet.
Would you like to guess how well those held up in a vacation rental?
Not well.
One of the biggest lessons I learned as a new vacation rental owner is that you have absolutely no idea how guests are going to use—or move—your furniture.
It didn’t take long before those cute little couch legs started collapsing underneath the furniture.
We tried makeshift braces. We reinforced them. We repaired them.
Then we repaired them again.
Eventually I realized we were spending far too much time trying to save furniture that simply wasn’t designed for the amount of use a successful vacation rental receives.
What I Do Differently Now
When shopping for vacation rental furniture, I put durability ahead of delicate design details.
I eventually replaced our original couches with affordable L-shaped sectionals with much sturdier construction, and I couldn’t be happier.
As an added bonus, some sectional styles include pull-out beds, which can potentially give you additional sleeping space without adding another bedroom.
Vacation rental lesson: You can absolutely create a beautiful space—but always ask yourself, “How will this hold up after hundreds of guests?”
Link to Sectional without Sofa Sleeper
Link to Sectional with Sofa Sleeper
2. I Chose Bedding That Was Beautiful—but Completely Impractical
My desire to create the coziest beds on the planet led me directly into mistake number two.
Duvets.
I originally chose beautiful boho-inspired duvet covers with fluffy duvet inserts.
They looked absolutely gorgeous on the beds.
They were also a nightmare to deal with between guests.
Changing multiple duvet covers during a tight turnover takes time. Storing extra inserts takes up an enormous amount of valuable linen-closet space. And if an insert gets stained and needs to be washed, getting a bulky duvet completely washed and dried during a busy same-day turnover can become a serious headache.
There was another realization I hadn’t considered.
Most of our guests visit during late spring through early fall. They didn’t necessarily need an enormous, heavy duvet.
Sometimes simpler really is better.
What I Do Differently Now
After our first year, we switched to lightweight, washable comforters.
They are easier to change, easier to wash, faster to dry, and much easier to store.
We also keep cozy extra blankets neatly folded in the closets so guests who prefer a little more warmth or weight can easily grab one.
The setup works beautifully. And PRO TIP – Always size up on your comforter to account for any shrinking and it makes the bed look enveloped in luxury!
And because lightweight comforters tend to be more affordable, keeping extras on hand for unexpected spills and same-day turnovers is much more realistic.
Vacation rental lesson: When choosing bedding, don’t just think about how it looks in listing photos. Think about what happens at 11:30 a.m. when housekeeping has four hours to completely turn the property.
Link to California King Comforter
Link to Standard King Comforter
Link to Affordable Cozy Blankets
3. I Bought Way Too Many Kitchen Gadgets
Before opening our vacation rental, we actually hired some local “experts” to help us figure out what we needed.
Some of their advice was helpful.
Some of it…not so much.
Case in point: the kitchen gadgets.
We were told that vacation rental guests do a lot of cooking and that we should give them practically every appliance imaginable.
So we did.
Air fryer?
Check.
Pressure cooker?
Check.
Crockpot?
Check.
Every other gadget that might conceivably help someone prepare dinner while on vacation?
Probably check.
Want to know how often most of them were used?
Never.
Meanwhile, all those appliances were taking up valuable cabinet and counter space.
What I Do Differently Now
Instead of trying to recreate the appliance aisle of a department store, I focus on providing a well-stocked kitchen with really good basics.
Think:
- A reliable coffee maker
- Quality pots and pans
- Sharp kitchen knives
- Plenty of cutting boards
- Baking sheets and basic bakeware
- Mixing bowls
- Cooking utensils
- A toaster
- Basic serving pieces
Your particular guests may require something different, so pay attention to what people actually use and request.
But don’t assume you need every trendy kitchen appliance simply because someone told you that you do.
Vacation rental lesson: A well-equipped kitchen doesn’t necessarily mean more stuff. It means having the right stuff.
4. I Bought Dishes That Chipped Too Easily
I love simple white dishes in a vacation rental.
They’re clean, classic, easy to replace, and they work with practically any design style.
So the style wasn’t my mistake.
The material was.
Our first set of dishes came from IKEA. They were affordable, looked great, and initially seemed perfect for the house.
But over time, the ceramic started chipping.
One chipped plate isn’t a big deal.
Then another one chips.
And another.
Eventually your beautiful matching dinnerware starts looking a little like it was assembled at a flea market.
Not exactly the boutique vacation rental experience I was going for.
What I Do Differently Now
We’re transitioning to a more durable line of dishware made from tempered glass.
It isn’t dramatically more expensive, but it is much more resistant to the everyday chipping and breaking that happens in a frequently used vacation rental.
And that’s an important distinction.
When furnishing a short-term rental, the least expensive product isn’t always the least expensive product to own.
Replacing something over and over again can quickly make the bargain option far more expensive.
Vacation rental lesson: Whenever possible, choose items based on cost per year of use, not simply the price on the shelf.
Link to Chip Resistant, Durable Dishes
5. I Underestimated How Important a Great Coffee Station Would Be
This one makes me laugh because my husband and I aren’t even traditional coffee drinkers.
We’re crazy about instant Italian espresso in the morning.
So naturally, when we first opened the vacation rental, we left out the coffee we liked.
And nobody touched it.
Message received.
It was a great reminder of something every vacation rental owner eventually learns:
Your rental isn’t about what you want. It’s about what makes your guests comfortable.
And apparently our guests wanted coffee.
Real coffee.
What I Do Differently Now
Today we have a proper coffee station with a reliable coffee maker, hot-water kettle, French press, and several different coffee options. Below is an image of how we’ve created the entire station to cater to our guests beverage needs morning, noon and night!
It’s a relatively small investment that can have an outsized impact on a guest’s morning.
Because when someone wakes up in an unfamiliar house, walks into the kitchen half asleep, and realizes everything they need for a good cup of coffee is right there?
That’s hospitality.
Vacation rental lesson: Pay attention to the little rituals guests bring from home. Those small comforts can make a rental feel incredibly thoughtful.
Link to Stylish and Affordable Hot Water Kettle
Link to Adorable Coffee Filter Holder
Link to Tried and True Coffee Maker
6. We Didn’t Install Exterior Security Cameras Right Away
When we first started hosting, I was hesitant about installing cameras.
I didn’t want guests to feel like they were being watched, and as new vacation rental owners working within a budget, I assumed a proper security setup would be expensive.
Fortunately, my husband Greg happens to love researching technology and gadgets.
We lovingly refer to his endless collection of devices and gizmos as “GRadgets.”
And this was one of the many occasions when the GRadget obsession paid off.
He found affordable exterior cameras that allowed us to monitor important areas of the property without investing in an elaborate security system.
Why Exterior Cameras Have Been Helpful
Our exterior cameras allow us to see when guests have departed so we can let housekeeping know they’re welcome to begin early.
They can help us keep an eye on the property when it’s vacant.
And yes, they can also help identify situations such as unauthorized visitors or parties—although thankfully, that really hasn’t been an issue for us.
We are also very intentional about guest privacy.
Our cameras are exterior only and aren’t positioned toward windows or private areas such as our hot tub.
Of course, vacation rental owners should always make sure their camera placement and disclosures comply with the rules of the booking platforms they use, as well as applicable local laws.
Vacation rental lesson: Security doesn’t necessarily require an expensive whole-home system. There are affordable options that can provide tremendous peace of mind.
Link to Affordable Solar Powered ieGeek Cameras for Exterior Security
7. We Initially Had the Wrong Keyless Entry Locks
It only takes one guest leaving your front door unlocked to make you realize how vulnerable your vacation rental can be when you live somewhere else.
Ask me how I know.
A guest checked out and left our house unlocked.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t a same-day turnover, so our housekeeping team wasn’t scheduled to arrive for another 24–48 hours.
Knowing the house was sitting there unlocked was incredibly unnerving.
And it taught us an important lesson.
We needed to be able to lock the doors remotely.
What We Changed
Once again, Greg and his beloved GRadgets came to the rescue.
We found affordable smart/keyless locks that allow us to check and secure the doors remotely through an app.
Now, if a guest forgets to lock up when they leave, we don’t have to panic—or drive to the property just to lock a door.
We can take care of it remotely.
It’s one of those relatively simple upgrades that I wish we’d made from day one.
Vacation rental lesson: When choosing a keyless entry system, don’t only look for something that eliminates physical keys. Look for a system that gives you remote control and visibility when you’re away.
Link to Affordable TEEHO Smart Door Lock
8. We Overbooked Our Vacation Rental
Our first year, we were nervous.
Nervous about getting enough bookings.
Nervous about making enough money.
Nervous about whether we’d made the right investment.
So every open night on the calendar felt like money we were losing.
And we filled that calendar.
Boy, did we fill it.
Same-day turnover after same-day turnover after same-day turnover.
We didn’t think about blocking dates for deep cleaning.
We didn’t leave much room for maintenance.
We didn’t give our housekeeping team—or ourselves—much breathing room.
By the end of summer, everyone was exhausted.
What I Wish I’d Known
You don’t necessarily need to squeeze revenue out of every available night to have a successful vacation rental.
Your house needs downtime.
Your cleaners need breathing room.
Things need to be repaired.
Furniture needs to be inspected.
Baseboards need to be cleaned.
Supplies need to be reorganized.
And sometimes you just need a day when nobody is arriving at 4 p.m.
We still allow same-day turnovers, but we’re much more intentional about our calendar now. We require a minimum stay, don’t allow ultra-last-minute bookings, and when a month starts looking a little too packed, we’ll block a few dates.
The house gets a break.
Our housekeeping team gets a break.
We get a break.
And the business continues to work.
Vacation rental lesson: Don’t let fear convince you that every empty night is a failure. Sometimes a strategically empty night protects the quality—and longevity—of your entire business.
9. I Thought Being a Hands-Off Owner Would Make Everything Easier
This might be the biggest lesson of all.
When we first started, I thought the secret to making vacation rental ownership manageable was to be as hands-off as possible.
We relied heavily on our property management company to communicate with guests.
We trusted our first housekeeping team to handle the cleaning and restocking.
They were the experts, right?
So why would we interfere?
Except over time, things started slipping.
At the beginning of the summer, supplies would be well stocked.
Then we’d notice less soap.
Less detergent.
Less toilet paper.
Cleaning quality started becoming inconsistent too.
And because we had intentionally removed ourselves from the day-to-day operation, we weren’t catching those little changes as quickly as we should have.
Eventually we realized something important:
Being involved doesn’t necessarily create more work. Sometimes it prevents problems before they become work.
What Changed Everything for Us
We eventually found a new housekeeping team, and we couldn’t have been luckier.
But this time, we approached the relationship differently.
Instead of simply handing everything over, we focused on setting our housekeeping team up for success.
We purchase and stock the consumable supplies ourselves.
We created organized storage areas on both floors so cleaners don’t waste time running back and forth.
We make sure there is an abundance of the things guests regularly need.
And we built a strong relationship between owner and housekeeping crew rather than treating cleaning as something happening completely separately from us.
I talk much more about this philosophy in my Abundance Mindset article because it has become one of the most important principles behind how we operate our vacation rental.
We also became more involved in guest communication.
Instead of relying entirely on someone else, we started communicating directly with guests around arrival and departure.
Ironically, becoming more involved made owning the vacation rental feel easier—not harder.
Vacation rental lesson: You don’t need to micromanage everyone involved with your property. But you do need to stay connected to what’s happening inside your business.
Next Read – The Abundance Mindset: How Thoughtful Stocking Creates a Better Guest Experience
Next Read – How We Reduced Vacation Rental Guest Questions by 80%
The Biggest Lesson I’ve Learned as a Vacation Rental Owner
Looking back, I don’t regret making these mistakes.
Okay.
Maybe I regret the couches a little.
But most of these lessons changed the way we run our vacation rental today.
The biggest shift has been learning to stop asking:
“What would look best?”
or
“What’s the cheapest option?”
or even
“What would I personally want?”
Instead, I ask:
“What will make this home easier to operate and more comfortable for our guests?”
That question changes everything.
Sometimes the answer is a prettier comforter.
But sometimes it’s a comforter that can survive the washing machine 100 times.
Sometimes it’s skipping the fancy kitchen gadget and spending that money on better knives.
Sometimes it’s blocking two perfectly bookable nights in August because the house—and everyone taking care of it—needs a minute.
A successful vacation rental isn’t created by making every decision perfectly from day one.
It’s created by paying attention, learning quickly, and being willing to change what isn’t working.
And after several years of doing exactly that, I can confidently say our vacation rental operates better today because of the mistakes we made at the beginning.
So if you’re setting up your first vacation rental and don’t get everything exactly right?
Welcome to the club.
You’ll figure it out.
And hopefully, thanks to this list, you can at least skip the couches with the cute little legs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Setting Up a Vacation Rental
What is the biggest mistake new vacation rental owners make?
One of the biggest mistakes is choosing furnishings and supplies based entirely on appearance or price instead of durability and ease of maintenance. Vacation rental items receive significantly more use than furnishings in many private homes, so durability, washability, and easy replacement should be major considerations.
What should I spend more money on in a vacation rental?
Prioritize the things guests use constantly: comfortable mattresses and bedding, durable seating, quality kitchen basics, reliable locks, good lighting, and the items that directly affect cleanliness and comfort. You don’t necessarily need luxury products—you need reliable ones.
What should I avoid buying for a vacation rental?
Avoid buying large quantities of specialty appliances, fragile decor, complicated furnishings, difficult-to-wash bedding, or products that take up valuable storage space without providing a meaningful benefit to guests.
Are smart locks worth it for a vacation rental?
For us, absolutely. Remote-access locks give us the ability to secure the property even when we’re not physically there. They also eliminate many of the headaches associated with physical keys.
Do vacation rentals need security cameras?
Exterior security cameras can be useful for property security and operational purposes, but owners need to respect guest privacy and follow the current camera policies of their booking platforms and applicable local laws. Cameras should never be placed in private interior spaces.
How often should vacation rental owners block off dates?
There’s no perfect schedule for every property. We watch our booking calendar and intentionally create openings when we need time for maintenance, deep cleaning, restocking, or simply to prevent an exhausting stretch of back-to-back turnovers.
Before You Set Up Your First Vacation Rental…
If there’s one thing I’d love for you to take away from our experience, it’s this:
Don’t try to create the perfect vacation rental. Create one that’s easy to improve.
Choose durable basics. Listen to your guests. Listen to your housekeeping team. Watch what gets used—and what doesn’t. Fix problems quickly. And don’t be afraid to admit that something you were positive would work just…doesn’t.
That’s part of becoming a great host.
And trust me.
It’s much cheaper when you learn some of those lessons from someone else’s mistakes.
