How to Make a Vacation Rental Feel Like Home
- Maria V.
- Jul 10
- 6 min read
Vacation rentals offer the freedom and flexibility of a home away from home, but that doesn’t mean they always feel like one—at least not right away. Whether you're staying for a weekend or an entire season, a few thoughtful touches can go a long way in transforming any short-term rental into a cozy, personalized haven. Here’s how to make your vacation rental feel like home, no matter where in the world you are.
Unpack and Settle In: The First Step to Making Any Space Feel Like Home
Whether you’re staying in a vacation rental, a temporary apartment, or a guest room, the fastest way to feel comfortable is to treat your space as your own. One of the simplest but most impactful steps is to unpack and settle in right away.
Instead of living out of your suitcase, take a few minutes to hang your clothes in the closet and neatly arrange your essentials—like toiletries, books, chargers, or snacks—where you can easily find them. Not only does this create a sense of order, but it also sends a mental signal that you’re no longer in transit: you’ve arrived.
Stashing your empty luggage out of sight—under the bed, in a closet, or in a corner—immediately reduces visual clutter. With fewer reminders that you’re just passing through, the space feels more permanent and welcoming. You’re more likely to relax, sleep better, and fully enjoy your stay when everything is accessible and tidy.
So before you rush out to explore, pause for a moment. Unpack, organize, and claim your new home base. You’ll be amazed how quickly those little rituals transform any unfamiliar place into a comfortable retreat.
Add Familiar Scents: Transform Any Space into a Comfort Zone
When you walk into a space that smells like home, everything instantly feels more inviting. Scent is one of the most powerful triggers of memory and emotion, capable of transporting you back to comforting moments in an instant. That’s why adding familiar fragrances to your vacation rental, hotel room, or temporary living space is such a simple but transformative touch.
Pack a small candle, essential oil diffuser, or room spray in a scent you already associate with relaxation and happiness. Calming lavender can ease stress and help you sleep better, while warm vanilla creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Fresh citrus notes like lemon or grapefruit can energize the room and boost your mood.
Using your favorite fragrance doesn’t just freshen the air—it helps anchor you emotionally. The familiar smell tells your brain, This is my space now, making it easier to unwind and settle in.
A few sprays or drops are all it takes to make even the most impersonal room feel like your own sanctuary. So the next time you’re packing, don’t forget to bring a little bottle of home with you.
Bring Your Favorite Comfort Items: Small Touches with a Big Impact
When you’re away from home, even the most beautifully decorated space can feel a little impersonal. That’s why bringing along a few of your favorite comfort items can make such a difference. These familiar pieces create an instant connection to home, helping you relax and feel truly at ease.
Consider packing something simple but meaningful—a pillow you can’t sleep without, a soft throw blanket that makes any couch feel cozier, or the mug you always use for your morning coffee. Even one or two beloved objects can instantly personalize a space and remind you that you’re not just a guest—you belong here.
These small touches also offer emotional comfort. When you’re surrounded by things you love, your mind and body can settle more quickly into a restful, positive state. You’ll find it easier to stick to your routines, get restorative sleep, and start each day feeling grounded.
No matter how far you travel, a few familiar items are all it takes to make a new place feel like your own.
Personalize the Decor (Temporarily): Make Any Space Reflect Your Style
A vacation rental or temporary living space often comes with neutral, generic decor meant to appeal to everyone—but that doesn’t mean you have to live without personality. With a few renter-friendly touches, you can easily transform your surroundings into a space that feels like yours, without risking your security deposit or leaving permanent marks.
Try adding removable decor elements such as peel-and-stick wallpaper to create an accent wall or define a cozy nook. Decorative hooks and adhesive strips make it easy to hang art prints, family photos, or mirrors without damaging the walls. These little details instantly make a space feel more personal and inviting.
Don’t underestimate the power of fresh greenery, either. A vase filled with bright flowers or leafy stems from a local market brings life, color, and a sense of care to any room. Even a small potted plant on the table or nightstand can soften sterile surroundings and lift your mood.
By layering in your own decorative touches, you’ll feel more grounded and connected—no matter how temporary the stay.
Create a Coffee or Tea Station: Start Your Day with Familiar Comfort
One of the quickest ways to make any space feel like home is to recreate the small routines you look forward to each day. For many people, that means starting the morning with a comforting cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. Setting up a dedicated beverage station in your vacation rental or temporary living space can help you stay grounded and bring a sense of normalcy to your time away.
Begin by gathering your favorite supplies—your preferred coffee beans or tea bags, sweeteners, and a mug that makes you smile. Designate a corner of the kitchen counter or a side table as your beverage station. Arrange everything within easy reach: your kettle or coffee maker, spoons, napkins, and any extras like flavored syrups or a little jar of honey.
This small ritual creates a familiar anchor in an unfamiliar place. Each morning, you’ll wake up to a comforting routine that feels just like home, even if everything around you is new. A warm drink in your hands is often all it takes to start the day feeling centered and at ease.
Use Soft Lighting: Instantly Warm Up Any Space
Lighting can completely change the mood of a room, yet it’s often overlooked when you’re settling into a vacation rental or temporary home. Harsh overhead lights tend to make a space feel cold and sterile, emphasizing that you’re somewhere unfamiliar. The good news? A few small adjustments can transform that atmosphere into something warm, cozy, and inviting.
Instead of relying on bright ceiling fixtures, set up table lamps or portable LED lights to create softer pools of light. These gentle glows instantly make a room feel more relaxed and comfortable. If you brought fairy lights, string them along a headboard, curtain rod, or shelf for an extra touch of charm. Battery-powered lanterns are also a great option—especially if you’re traveling light or staying somewhere without many outlets.
Soft lighting doesn’t just improve aesthetics. It helps you unwind, signals to your body that it’s time to relax, and makes the space feel more like your own private retreat. In just a few minutes, you can turn a stark rental into a sanctuary you’ll look forward to coming back to each evening.
Play Your Favorite Music or Shows: Fill Your Space with Familiar Sounds
When you’re settling into a new place, silence can sometimes make it feel empty or unfamiliar. One of the easiest ways to bring warmth and life into your surroundings is by playing the sounds you love most. Whether it’s music, a podcast, or a comforting TV show, familiar audio instantly creates an atmosphere that feels like home.
Start by streaming your favorite playlist to set the tone—upbeat tunes for energy, soft instrumentals for relaxation, or nostalgic hits that remind you of good times. If you prefer podcasts or audiobooks, put on an episode while you unpack or wind down for the evening. Even having a familiar TV series playing in the background can be surprisingly soothing.
If you brought a Bluetooth speaker, connect your phone for better sound quality and richer ambience. Many vacation rentals also have smart TVs or speakers you can easily pair with your devices.
These simple touches of sound do more than fill the quiet—they help you feel grounded, connected, and more like yourself in a temporary space. A little music or background chatter can turn an unfamiliar room into a place where you feel truly at ease.
Keep a Clean Space: Make Room for Relaxation and Peace of Mind
When you’re away from home, clutter and mess can build up quickly, especially in a smaller vacation rental or temporary apartment. A tidy environment does more than just look nice—it helps you feel calm, in control, and truly comfortable.
Start by giving your space a quick once-over as soon as you arrive. Wipe down high-touch surfaces like countertops, tables, and doorknobs so you feel confident everything is fresh and clean. Each morning, take a moment to make the bed—it instantly makes the entire room feel more orderly and welcoming.
Throughout your stay, maintain simple routines that keep clutter at bay. Put things back in their place after using them, empty the trash regularly, and tidy up the kitchen each evening. These small habits only take a few minutes but make a huge difference in how relaxed and settled you feel.
A clean, organized space not only reduces stress but also creates a backdrop where you can fully unwind and enjoy your time away. By keeping things neat, you give yourself the gift of clarity, comfort, and peace of mind—no matter where you are.
Sources:
Comments