What to Pack for a Vacation Rental: Beach, Desert and Mountain
Packing for a vacation rental is easier than packing for a hotel, because the house already holds most of what you need: a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, towels, linens, toiletries and a first-aid kit. What changes is the destination. A beach week on the Outer Banks, a pool week in the Coachella Valley and a cabin week in Big Bear each ask for a different bag, and this guide covers all three, along with what we stock so you can leave it behind.
We manage 32 homes across the Outer Banks, the Coachella Valley, Big Bear, Arizona and Southern California, and the question we hear most before arrival is “do I need to bring this?” Here is the honest answer, destination by destination.
What we stock in every home
Before you fill the car, here is what is already waiting for you in our homes, so you can cross it off your list:
- Bath, pool and beach towels, plus bed linens
- Shampoo, conditioner and body wash
- A starter supply of coffee and tea
- Laundry pods and dryer sheets
- A small first-aid kit
- A power strip or charging station
- Games, books and cards for a rainy afternoon
- Dog food and water bowls in our dog-friendly homes
We also send a digital house guide before you arrive that lists exactly what is in your home, and a quick message to us settles anything it does not.
What to pack for a beach house on the Outer Banks
Pack for sun, wind and sand. The wind is the part most first-time visitors underestimate, especially in spring and fall.
- Swimsuits, at least two per person, so no one has to pull on a damp one
- Reef-safe, water-resistant sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that will survive a gust
- A light jacket or hoodie for evenings on the deck
- Water shoes for shelly stretches of beach
- A cooler and a beach bag you do not mind getting sandy
- Bug spray for soundside evenings
Some of our Outer Banks homes include beach gear, and Hygge By The Sea in Avon, our oceanfront home, has it ready behind the dunes. Check your house guide before you buy chairs you may not need. For a wild horse tour in Corolla, closed-toe shoes and a windbreaker make the open-air ride much more comfortable.
What to pack for a pool home in the Coachella Valley
Desert packing is about sun and dry air. The pool is where you will spend your days, and the evenings cool off more than people expect, particularly from November through March.
- Swimsuits and a cover-up, again at least two per person
- High-SPF sunscreen, lip balm and a good moisturizer; the air is very dry
- A reusable water bottle for every person in the group
- Sunglasses and a hat for poolside hours
- Your favorite pool float if you have room; we have floats on hand, but a familiar one is more fun
- A sweater or light jacket for winter evenings
Our Coachella Valley homes are listed at our Coachella Valley page, and each listing notes whether the pool can be heated, which matters a great deal in the cooler months.
What to pack for a cabin in Big Bear
Big Bear is where people most often pack the wrong things. Even in summer the nights drop into the 40s and 50s, and in winter you may walk through snow between the car and the front door of Villa Grove, our cabin in the Moonridge neighborhood.
- Layers: a warm jacket, a fleece and a beanie, in every season
- Sturdy shoes for forest trails; in winter, waterproof boots with grip
- Sunscreen and sunglasses; the sun is strong at altitude, and snow glare doubles it
- A swimsuit for the hot tub, which is at its best on a cold night
- A flashlight for walking outside after dark
- Snow chains in the car if there is any chance of snow in the forecast
Details on the cabin are on our Big Bear page.
Packing with kids
This is the list that shrinks the most once you know what the house holds. Many of our homes stock baby and kid gear, including a Pack ‘n Play, a high chair, crib sheets and a sound machine. The honest caveat is that gear varies home to home and can change between stays, so we keep a home-by-home breakdown in our guide to what we stock for kids. If you are relying on a specific item, message us with your dates and we will confirm, including when the answer is no.
What you still want to bring: diapers and wipes, bottles and formula, a stroller or carrier, swim diapers and baby-safe sunscreen, and a favorite stuffed animal or blanket.
Packing with your dog
Several of our homes are dog-friendly, and we keep food and water bowls on hand. Bring your dog’s own bed or blanket so the new house smells like home, along with a leash, waste bags, food, treats and a copy of vaccination records just in case. Pet policies are on each property page, and we are always happy to confirm before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Do your homes provide towels and linens?
Yes. Every home has bed linens, bath towels and pool or beach towels ready for you, so there is no need to pack them.
Are toiletries included?
We stock shampoo, conditioner and body wash in every home. Bring your own favorites if you are particular, plus toothbrushes, deodorant and razors.
Do you provide baby gear like a crib or high chair?
Many of our homes do, but it varies by property. Check the house guide or message us with your dates and the items you need, and we will confirm before you book.
Can I bring my dog?
Several of our homes are dog-friendly, and we provide food and water bowls. Each property page lists its pet policy, and we are glad to confirm the details for your group.
Is there a washer and dryer?
Yes. Our homes have laundry on site with pods and dryer sheets supplied, which means you can pack lighter for a longer stay.
Ready to book your stay?
Browse our homes on the Outer Banks, Coachella Valley and Big Bear pages. Booking direct on our site saves about 10 percent compared with a flexible, refundable booking on the platforms, because there is no platform service fee, and our cancellation terms are shown before you pay. If a packing question is holding you up, call us at (949) 407-7448 or email support@ratherbeproperties.com. We would love to host you.
Because there’s no place you’d rather be.
