If we’ve learned anything from watching Scott and Debra on Scott’s Vacation House Rules, it’s that the longer you can rent out your vacation property, the more income you can make. And while winterizing a house or property may not be achievable just yet, you can give guests the best cabin experience by prepping your space for the cozy fall season ahead.
Plenty of families and friends look for cabins in the fall, whether to take in the beautiful colours or even to celebrate Thanksgiving. If you want your vacation property to stand out among the competition, you’ll want to put one of Scott’s golden rules into place and “get noticed.” Specifically, attract people to your space with these fall-inspired touches that will make your listing pop.
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Embrace the Colourful Season
Fall is full of fiery red, burnt orange and luscious brown hues that set the season apart. Why not recreate that colour scheme inside your vacation rental for that added fall touch? That could mean swapping out summery art, setting a fall table for your new listing photos, or subbing in seasonal table runners, towels and accents.
Macrame Feather Hanging Wall Art, Etsy, $42.
Add Cozy New Elements
As the weather begins to drop, guests will want to snuggle up. That means adding some inviting new throw blankets or adding fall-themed covers to your throw pillows. Adding these comforting and warm layers will spark renters’ imaginations, and let them envision how warm and inviting your rental will be once they arrive.
Pumpkin Patch Throw Pillow Cover, Amazon Canada, $16.
Pick Up Some New Decor
Fall decor is some of our favourite thanks to the abundance of cute pumpkins, gourds, and other seasonal harvest items. The good news is you can also add a few of these fpieces at a reasonable rate, since a little goes a long way. Place some pumpkins on a coffee table, invest in seasonal coasters, or add a fall-themed basket to the kitchen or front entrance.
Oak Tree Acorns Bowl & Vase Filler, Crate & Barrel Canada, $20.
Make the Fireplace Extra Cozy
If you really want to embrace fall, focus on creating a cozy mantel that serves as a centre point to the space but doubles as a spot for guests to warm up. Add a fall-themed garland, sign or candles for extra vibes. Bonus points if those candles are battery operated, since they cut down on potential fire hazards when renting out your property.
Birch Bark Flameless Candles, Amazon Canada, $36.
Theme Your Basics
Do you provide basics, like hand soap, dish towels or toiletries? Embrace the season and swap in fall-themed basics instead. When it comes to scents, pumpkin spice is always a mood-setting favourite, but cider, pecan pie, salted caramel and maple are also great picks.
Sweater Weather Gel Hand Soap, Bath & Body Works Canada, $8.50.
Decorate the Porch
Scott is of the mindset that you want an entrance that stands out to renters, so why not spruce up the entire porch or entryway when fall hits? Adding a couple of hay barrels, buckets of chrysanthemums, or fall signage is a sure way to get noticed and set the mood once your renters arrive.
Magnolia Leaf Wreath, Wayfair Canada, $89.
Make Outside Just As Cozy
If you’re adding extra throw blankets and pillows inside to set the cozy vibe, don’t forget to do the same outside. If you’ve got a firepit, consider adding a few blankets to the space. Or if you want to encourage guests to continue outdoor dining while they can, consider an outdoor heater to warm things up.
Indoor/Outdoor Diamond Herringbone Throw, Amazon Canada, $22.
Update Your Garden
Once fall hits, chances are your garden will need a bit of pruning and tidying up. But putting those gardening gloves on is also a great excuse to plant a few fall flowers or add some decor to the outdoor space. This is particularly important if you have a property where outdoor hangouts are encouraged, since it will add instant fall ambiance.
Grapevine Brown Resin Wicker Planter, Lowes Canada, $100.
Print a List of Upcoming Events
Farmer’s markets continue well into the fall, as does apple picking, pumpkin patches, and other local events. Consider printing and framing a list of nearby happenings for guests to check out during their stay. You could even add things that encompass the whole season, which may encourage your guests to return in the near future.
Gold Picture Frame, Amazon Canada, $21
Stock Up on Indoor Entertainment
When the mercury drops, guests will inevitably spend more time indoors, which is why it’s essential to ensure your vacation property is equipped with things for renters to do. Board games, a stocked library, DVDs or access to a streaming service are all ways to encourage guests to hang out and interact, especially when the unpredictable weather does make it too cold to head outside.
Pumpkins & Leaves Tic Tac Toe, Michaels Canada, $25.
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