Costs for Furnishing a Vacation Rental Property

[Gary Ennis]

Experienced VR owners - I'd love to hear your tips/tricks for furnishing a property in a manner that is cost effective while still appealing to your target guests.

We spent way too much (IMO) on furnishing our first VR - a 1340sf 3/1 that ended up costing almost $15K to equip. 

What are your secrets for supplying everything from king size beds to pizza cutters and everything in between, without breaking the bank? 

What do you think is the "typical" cost for furnishing a 2/1, 3/2, or 4- or more bedroom property, based on your market/experience?

[Mark Gallagher]

@Gary Ennis

I stepped backwards into my first VR and therefore it was extremely piece meal (read CRAIGSLIST). Starting over, I think I would budget $1800 per bedroom. That's enough for a decent furniture set, mattress, pillows, 1-2 sheet sets, and decorations. Bathroom decorations, towels, shower curtains - $200. Living room - $1500 including decorations. The kitchen table, plus silverware, blender, toaster, etc. should be in the $1000 range. 

So, for a 3/2 I would expect to spend $8500 for mid-range items. 

Try Big Lots. They have certain weekends where you can buy everything 20% off. Their furniture is already "cheap" so throw in 20% and you're buying new couches for $250.