As winter approaches, Big Bear becomes a popular destination for travelers seeking snowy adventures and cozy getaways. For property owners, this means it’s time to ensure that your short-term rental is prepared for the colder months ahead. A well-maintained and inviting property can enhance your guests' experience and help you avoid costly maintenance issues. In this guide, we’ll cover essential tips to winterize your vacation rental, from optimizing heating systems to snow removal strategies and adding seasonal décor.
Ready to get your property winter-ready? Let’s dive in!
1. Optimize Your Heating System for Comfort and Efficiency
One of the top concerns for guests during the winter is staying warm. A properly functioning heating system not only ensures comfort but also helps you avoid emergency repairs during peak rental season. Here’s how to make sure your heating system is ready to handle the winter chill:
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Service Your Furnace or Boiler: Before winter begins, schedule a professional inspection and service for your furnace or boiler. This helps identify any potential issues and ensures that your system is running efficiently, reducing the risk of breakdowns during guest stays.
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Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat: Installing a programmable thermostat allows guests to adjust the temperature to their liking while also saving on energy costs. You can set limits to prevent excessive heating when the property is vacant, ensuring energy efficiency throughout the season.
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Stock Up on Blankets and Space Heaters: Make your rental feel extra cozy by providing plush blankets and, if needed, portable space heaters. Guests will appreciate the added warmth, especially on particularly cold nights.
2. Plan Ahead for Snow Removal
Big Bear's winter weather brings plenty of snow, which can create challenges for both you and your guests. Ensuring that snow removal is well-organized will improve guest satisfaction and keep your property safe:
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Arrange Snow Removal Services: If your property is in an area that gets significant snowfall, hire a reliable snow removal service to clear driveways, walkways, and stairs after each snowfall. This ensures guests can easily access the property and reduces the risk of slips and falls.
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Stock Up on Ice Melt and Shovels: For smaller properties, you may want to handle snow removal yourself. Keep shovels, salt, and ice melt available on-site so you or your property manager can quickly address snow buildup. You can also leave these supplies for guests to use in case of sudden snow.
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Clear Walkways Before Guests Arrive: To make a great first impression and prioritize safety, ensure that all pathways, driveways, and entrances are cleared of snow and ice before each guest checks in. Not only does this make the property look well-maintained, but it also minimizes potential liability issues.
3. Add Cozy and Seasonal Décor
Winter is the perfect time to spruce up your property with seasonal décor that makes your guests feel right at home. Thoughtful touches can create a warm, welcoming atmosphere and help your rental stand out from others:
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Outdoor Lighting and Décor: Festive outdoor lighting can create a magical first impression. String lights along the roofline or around trees, and add a winter wreath or other seasonal decorations to the front door for a welcoming touch.
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Cozy Indoor Accents: Inside, add cozy, winter-themed accents such as flannel throw blankets, pillows, and seasonal candles. These small touches will make your property feel like a true winter retreat.
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Bonus Tip: Go the extra mile by providing guests with a guide to local winter events and activities in Big Bear, such as snowboarding, skiing, or holiday festivals. This will not only enhance their experience but also encourage repeat bookings.
4. Prepare for Potential Power Outages
Winter storms can sometimes lead to power outages, so it’s best to prepare your rental in case this happens during a guest’s stay. Here’s what you can do to be ready:
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Stock the Property with Emergency Supplies: Equip your rental with flashlights, extra batteries, blankets, and bottled water. You may also want to provide a battery-powered lantern and a portable phone charger.
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Leave Instructions for Guests: In case of an outage, make sure there are clear instructions on where emergency supplies are located and how to contact you or your property manager for assistance. Consider providing information about nearby hotels or shelters as well, just in case.