More and more we run into professional organizing and concierge clients that have more than 1 home. Whether it is a ranch house, beach house, mountain house, dessert house, lake house, etc. Every so often we get asked to help manage those 2nd and vacation homes. During the summers and winters and during the pandemic many of our clients fled Houston to their 2nd homes in an effort to get be somewhere different and because many had the time to spend at their 2nd / vacation homes.
Managing a 2nd or vacation home (s) can be a lot of work. There are several things you can do in order to take the stress out of it and really make the most of your time while you are there or if you will be renting it.
- Inventory what you currently have. Inventory what you currently have at your 2nd home so you are not constantly bringing unnecessary items to your 2nd home. If you will be renting it, you can keep track if anything goes missing.
- Make a list of what you need. What are some things you want to add to your 2nd / vacation home? Are there items that you have been meaning to take there? Repairs that need to be made? Make a list of anything that comes to mind while you are there.
- Maintain the house. Schedule regular maintenance. Try to pick service providers who you can get on a regular service where they call you or automatically maintain. This will significantly reduce your stress level and keep things in tip top shape.
- Organize. Get your 2nd home / vacation home organized and make sure there is a place for everything. That way it makes it easier to see what you have and what you need.
- Keep a vendor list. Do you have specific vendors and services that you really like in the area where you have a vacation or 2nd home? If so, keep an ongoing vendor list. Often times vendors that service remote locations are not always findable on Google and are local and known by word of month. If you find a good vendor keep their information handy.
- House binder. Make a house binder of all the things related to your vacation home that include contacts, local stores, vendors, bills and services associated with the 2nd or vacation home, etc. This will be a lifesaver in a pinch or if you have guests over to your house when you are not present.
- Have an emergency contact or service handy. Be sure to have an emergency contact or service that you can call in case you need anything last minute, need them to check on the house during a natural disaster, etc.
Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to managing a 2nd or vacation home?
No comments:
Post a Comment