How to Stage a Vacation Rental: Practical Tips and Hacks

So, you've got a vacation rental, and it's as cozy as your grandma's house. The location is great, the amenities are top-notch, and you've even stocked up on those tiny shampoo bottles. But here's the thing: none of that matters if your place doesn't look like it belongs on the cover of a travel magazine.

Take it from us: in the vacation rental world, looks do matter. Throwing a few decorative pillows and keeping your vacation home clean won't do the trick. If you truly want to stand out, you must thoughtfully stage your vacation rental photos. In this guide, we'll show you how.

What is Home Staging?

Home staging is all about making your rental look more presentable. You might think your house looks great in person—which it probably does—but making it look appealing in photos is a different chapter. As a homeowner, you need to persuade potential tenants to book, which often translates to selling the experience of what it's like living in your rental.

Why Should I Stage My Vacation Rental?

Here are the most important perks of staging your vacation rental home:

• Increased bookings: First impressions matter, especially online. A well-staged rental catches the eye, making potential guests pause their endless scrolling and picture themselves relaxing in your space. Thus, they hit that "Book Now" button faster.
• Repeat guests and referrals: Impressed guests will likely bring more friends and leave positive reviews. Staging your vacation rentals is the secret sauce that makes your property memorable.
• Boosted rental income: A professionally staged space can justify higher nightly rates. After all, guests are willing to pay more for a place that feels luxurious and well thought out.
• Competitive advantage: In a crowded market, staging your real estate photos can set you apart from competitors. While other rentals blend in the background, yours will stand out, drawing guests.

Tips for staging a short-term rental

7 Tips for Staging a Short-term Rental Property

1. Declutter Your Space

Clutter can make a room feel cramped and chaotic. Go through each room and remove any unnecessary items and personal belongings. The goal is to create a clean, open space that feels inviting. Clean lines and minimal clutter help potential guests visualize themselves in your space. That's why personal belongings like family photos, documents, or any items of sentimental value should be removed.

2. Hire Professional Cleaners

Cleanliness is non-negotiable. A clean home is more attractive and makes a great first impression. Hiring a professional cleaning service can make a big difference even if you're diligent about cleaning. Cleaning providers have the tools and expertise to deep clean your property, getting into all the nooks and crannies you might miss. After all, who wouldn't want their property shining in every photo?

Home staging for professional photos

3. Focus on Natural Light

Natural light makes your vacation home feel larger, brighter, and more inviting. When staging your rental property, open curtains, pull up blinds and make sure windows are clean. Also, turn on all lights inside and outside and double-check that light bulbs and LED lights work properly. Your LED lights should also be of the same color and tone. If your property lacks natural light, consider adding mirrors to reflect light and brighten the space.

4. Highlight the Best Features

Every property has its unique selling points. Whether it's a stunning view, a cozy fireplace, or a spacious kitchen, highlight those features. Arrange furniture and decor in a way that draws attention to what makes your property unique. For example, position the seating to face the windows if you have a beautiful view, or add some string lights in the backyard to enhance the romantic ambiance.

5. Use Props to Your Advantage

Props can help you sell the experience of what is like staying in your rental. For instance, place a bouquet of fresh flowers on the dining table to add a pop of color or lay a cozy throw blanket on the sofa. Have Netflix playing in the background and place a few board games on the coffee table. These small touches create a lifestyle image that helps guests picture their stay.

How to stage your property for higher rental income

6. Sell the Experience

Beyond staging the physical space, keep in mind the overall experience. Consider using a model to showcase the lifestyle in your rental, such as enjoying a warm bath in a rose-petal bathtub or sipping morning coffee with stunning views. If you're targeting couples, set up a romantic atmosphere with candles and soft lighting. Your goal is to stage your rental in a way that speaks to the desires of your target audience.

7. Take High-quality Photos

Last but not least, invest in professional vacation rental photography. Even if your property is perfectly staged, it'll make no difference with low-quality photos. Hire a professional photographer specializing in real estate or interior photography who can capture the best lighting and details. This will not only make your photos shine online but will also attract guests and profits.

Vacation rental photography

Home Staging: the Bottom Line

To sum up, staging your vacation rental is like giving it a major makeover for its big debut. It's all about creating a space where guests can picture themselves sipping cocktails or curling up with a good book. From outdoor furniture to thoughtful indoor touches, the right staging doesn't just attract guests but turns them into loyal customers.

If you're just starting out in the vacation rental industry, Houfy can prove your greatest ally. Our book-direct platform allows you to connect directly with guests without middlemen and maintain more of your profits. Join a community of more than 15,000 vacation rental owners and regain control of your rental business by listing your property today!