Your Complete Vacation Rental Packing List (Free Digital and Printable Checklist)

Creating a packing list for a vacation rental can be daunting, mainly because what you pack tends to be very different depending on what the rental might already have on hand, how you get to the rental, and with whom.

If you’re driving, it’s easier because you can fit a lot more. Don’t need that French press after all – that’s ok. If you’re flying, it’s much more difficult. You’ll likely need to pack a carry-on that can last you for a week and a suitcase that can cover every eventuality.

Finally, what about the kids? Anyone who’s flown with children knows that if you need to pack a carry-on for yourself to cover a week, you need to pack a carry-on for them that could handle four years of boarding school in Switzerland – unless of course the rental has a washer and dryer!

What makes packing for a vacation rental different is that you have to pack like you’re going home … only your home has few of the things that make it truly home.

You can’t be sure exactly what the rental has, so you have to pack things that you’ll probably never use. But, if you have the room, it’s better to cover your bases.

Tips and tricks

Here are a few things we’ve learned:

Be ruthless

By that, we don’t mean leaving Ruth at home. We mean paring down what you pack and being cold-blooded about it.

Clothes are the obvious area to begin. It’s a vacation rental with a washing machine; you could probably make it a week with one hoodie, one pair of sweatpants, three T-shirts, a couple of pairs of underwear, and a few pairs of socks.

Sure, a pair of chinos would be nice; a cute skirt would be nice. But, depending on how you’re getting there, consider what you can do without.

Know where you can go shopping

Our list (spoiler alert!) will contain a lot of items you can buy at the nearest grocery or convenience store. That’s assuming your rental isn’t in the middle of nowhere where the closest thing you can get to Doritos within 50 miles is a handful of pine needles.

You’re probably not staying there, but we’re covering a lot of possible scenarios. You’re probably going to have a car and be within driving distance of a store. If you know that, leave the Ziploc bags and boxes of Cheerios at home and buy them at your destination.

Really know where you’re staying

This is what it really comes down to: The more you know about your vacation rental – and we’re talking granular here – the better able you’ll be to pack.

If you’re a repeat customer, you’re in luck. You know exactly what to bring.

If all this is new to you, study the pictures thoroughly and ask questions – so many questions. Ask things like:

• How many outlets are there and where are they located?
• What’s in the laundry facilities? Be specific.
• What’s in the fridge – and how big is the fridge?
• Where are the sheets/towels/toilet paper located? Send pictures.
• What’s on the beds? Send pictures.
• Are there books, games, and kids’ indoor activities?
• Are there flashlights and nightlights?
• Are the pictures in the listing pictures of our specific unit?

There are a million more questions you could ask. Check the listing for FAQs and then ask the rest.

The following list attempts to supply the essentials for flying or driving vacation rentals. Where things are mentioned that obviously apply only to one or the other use case, just take that into consideration. We know that a 50-gallon Yeti will not fit under the seat in front of you.

Items of note:

Laundry items

Assume the detergent at your rental might not be your favorite brand or could even ruin your clothes after washing. Bring your own, plus a clothesline for things that can’t go in the dryer.

Dryer sheets and a lint brush are always a good idea, as is a stain stick.

Clothing

Assume that whatever common weather that happens at your destination will happen a lot from rain to a heat wave and pack accordingly.

Personal-care items

Never leave home without earplugs and an eye mask. Unfamiliar noises and unexpected light sources can really mess with your sleep.

If you’re heading to a rental in the mountains, lip balm is a must. Altitude and dry air will do a number on your lips.

When it comes to sunscreen, opt for a zinc-based, high-SPF formula. Remember that insect repellent goes on over sunscreen.

Convenience/entertainment items

Pack a variety of card games. It’s hard to beat Uno, but if it looks like you’re going to be stuck in the rental a while, you should get creative or bring something new.

Invest in a quality multitool and bring it with you (in checked luggage, if you’re flying). You’ll need it if anything gets loose or broken during your long stay.

Office supplies are the secret weapons in your arsenal of stuff. Post-it notes can help remind everyone to turn off lights, close the closet door or buy milk. Paper clips can hold together important papers. A small notepad can be used for shopping lists and reminders. And magnets can stick everything to the fridge.

Finally, Ziploc bags can hold everything from snacks to wet swimsuits – ideally not simultaneously.

If you are driving to a remote location or aren’t sure about cell coverage, be sure to download the map of the area to your map app.

In addition to packing the right stuff for your vacation rental, pack some peace of mind with travel insurance and assistance services from Generali Global Assistance.

See for yourself – start by getting a quick quote for your trip.

Now, here’s your vacation rental packing list (remember, some of this applies to the beach, some to the mountains, some for families, etc. – skip what doesn’t apply to your trip):

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