tackle it later. Based on my very short list of things that would stay, I knew I needed to pack up the house as if the movers were going to be backing into the driveway in two weeks’ time. Like I tell all my occupied home staging clients – if you really want to make this count, you need to change your mindset, so you are 110% commit- ted, instead of just giving it a try. You know what they say, mindset is everything! By the time packing up was finished, I was sure the hard work was over. Boy, was I wrong! The house was gutted, and the closets and cup- boards were empty, but now it’s time to clean! Cleanliness for a vacation rental is at the very top of the list. It is actually THE LIST, because without it, nothing else matters to guests. So, with that in mind, I cleaned every inch of the house. When I say cleaned, I mean outside the regular floors, windows, countertops, I attacked it all with the intention to make it brand new again. Baseboards scrubbed with a toothbrush, every kitchen, dresser, and vanity drawer sani-
“You’re always more critical of your own work! But in this situation, that is a good thing!”
“Turning a lived-in home that housed a family of 5 humans and 3 big pups into a luxury vacation rental seemed daunting.” Turning a lived-in home that housed a family of 5 humans and 3 big pups into a luxury vacation rental seemed daunting. I took each step in this process as a separate entity and didn’t worry about the big stressful picture. First up, emptying the house. I made a list of what needs to stay for guests. The larger items consisted of furniture, appliances, rugs, TVs, and lamps, to name a few. That list made me quickly realize I had my work cut out for me! The smaller items that would be needed, I put aside, added to a growing list as I went from room to room, and knew I would
tized to erase any signs of life, the white walls scrubbed clean of the 3-foot-high fun times had by the kiddos, and everything in between. This initial deep clean was the toughest part of the process. Not because the cleaning was difficult but wondering if it was hotel/new build standard, you know… self imposed stress! You’re always more critical of your own work! But in this situation, that is a good thing!
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MAY/JUNE 2022 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MAY/JUNE 2022
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