Can you help me furnish a Studio Apt?

[sugarbear1]

I have an ADU and have had a tenant for the last year, but now she's moving out. I think I am going to rent to traveling nurses so I need to furnish it. 

There are lists all over the place of how to furnish a studio you're living in, but I can't find a good one for a rental.

How deep do I need to get into kitchen stuff?
Do I need to provide an extra set of sheets?
How "decorated" should it be?

[wanderingback]

Yes I would provide kitchen stuff - pots, pans, utensils, strainer, etc.

Yes I would provide a blanket, extra set of sheets and extra towels.

Decorations aren’t a must, but maybe over time get some inexpensive things for the walls.

[pierogigirl]

What Wandering said.
I would do dishes, drinkware for 4
9x13 pyrex baking dish, pyrex nesting mixing bowls, 8 or 9 inch square baking dish
cookie sheet
stock pot, saucepan, frying pan
drip coffee maker
tea kettle (or electric kettle)
microwave
kitchen towels
measuring cups, measuring spoons

Edit - a hand mixer would be nice, so would a toaster or toaster oven

(I'm just trying to think of what I'd want to be able to make if I was away from home for a few weeks. I'm assuming these are longer than overnight stays)

[hannahgruen]

Ikea has lots of ideas for small kitchens

[maudefindlay]

My niece owns a rental home and currently has a group of traveling nurses there and they have been her best renters so far. After they get settled ask them what would be nice to have to add in addition to what is being suggested here. They will have good ideas.

[SusanBAnthony]

For decorations, stuff on the falls might be fine but don't put decorative items on flat surfaces (table, coffee table, dresser). Living in a small space, they will want to clear knocks knacks to have space for their stuff.

[definitelyO]

I would also stock some basic spices - S&P, garlic, sugar, etc... we use vacation rentals a lot for long weekends and it sucks to not even have salt. our favorite places even have tupperware so we can store leftovers (if we're renting for more than a few days).

I think a lot of the linens depend on the duration of the rental. DS and I rented a home for 4 nights and they provided 1 towel for each of us and that's it. I was a bit put out and would have appreciated 4 towels (for hair, etc..) but I wouldn't necessarily think you need extra sheets if they are a week or less.

[emilyinchile]

Tupperware is a really good one. I'd add some decent knives that actually cut (and a cutting board), a grater, a colander. Corkscrew!

[ssmjlm]

Here’s a list from YHL when they rented their duplex. I think it’s probably a good primer.

www.younghouselove.com/airbnb-vacation-rental-costs/

Our last VRBO had both a regular coffee maker and a keurig.

[sakoro]

I rent my spare bedroom to travel nurses. Blackout curtains are essential since they frequently doing night shift schedules. You’ll need to supply sheets, pillows, blankets and clothing storage. All of the travel nurses I’ve had brought their own towels.

As for the kitchen, normally people aren’t doing major cooking, but you’ll want to supply a coffeemaker, pots and pans, plates, bowls, cups, mugs, utensils, spatula, Tupperware, dishwashing soap, sponge, kitchen towels, olive oil, basic spices and paper towels.

Furnished finder has some good recommendations for setting up a rental unit. Be careful about pricing for your market. The hospitals are not paying the high rates they were during COVID. Travel nurses make a bit more than staff nurses but they have to pay their own benefits. Check other equivalent units in your are and try to fit in the middle.

[isabel]

Mar 12, 2023 17:08:09 GMT -5 definitelyO said:

I would also stock some basic spices - S&P, garlic, sugar, etc... we use vacation rentals a lot for long weekends and it sucks to not even have salt. our favorite places even have tupperware so we can store leftovers (if we're renting for more than a few days).

I think a lot of the linens depend on the duration of the rental. DS and I rented a home for 4 nights and they provided 1 towel for each of us and that's it. I was a bit put out and would have appreciated 4 towels (for hair, etc..) but I wouldn't necessarily think you need extra sheets if they are a week or less.

DH and I have been taking note of what we love and hate about various rentals. We use them a lot during ski season.

Tupperware is at the top of my list for things we’ll have in our mountain house when we build next year.

[Nonny]

I'd probably furnish it with all the stuff I'd want for myself in a long-term vacation rental situation. I have a FB friend who is a travel nurse, and I know she's often in an area for several months at a time, so she definitely wants to be able to cook for herself. She actually does a lot of housesitting so that she can live in fully equipped homes and get cat snuggles.

Also, if by any chance you want a slightly dusty papasan chair to furnish your rental, hit me up. LOL! I have one in my basement that we don't use and it's yours for free if you want it.

[mcppalmbeach]

We’re in a vacation rental right now and here’s what we have…
Set of mugs, dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, two sizes of glass glasses, set of plastic glasses (nice if you have a porch people might use), typical 5-utensil set and wine glasses (just one size)
Serving platter and bowl and another glass bowl for like salads
Pyrex 9x13 and 8x8
Pyrex glass cup measurer and plastic measuring spoons
Cutting board (it’s pretty small and I’d prefer a larger one)
Pizza pan and cookie sheet (this is a smaller cookie sheet and I would prefer a larger sheet pan and better yet a larger sheet pan AND the smaller cookie sheet)
Knife block (make sure there are scissors because that’s always handy)
2 pans (1 has a lid) and 2pots (both with lids) and a larger stockpot
Colander
Grater, spatula, whisk, can opener, ladle, spoon, slotted spoon, tongs, pasta spoon thingy, pizza cutter, ice cream scoop, wine opener, peeler
Blender, coffee maker, toaster (it’s for slices and personally I prefer a toaster oven)
coffee maker
1 set of glass mixing bowls (the biggest is a little smaller than I would prefer so consider that)
2 dish clothes and 2 hot pads

If someone is going to be renting by the month I think a mixer or food processor would be a nice to have. If you get Tupperware (which is another nice to have) then get glass because plastic kind of grosses me out😜 Also it might be nice to have two sets of sheets if someone is staying there that long. And beach towels if you are near a beach or pool or hot tub.

[mcppalmbeach]

Almost forgot an iron and ironing board and starter sets of paper goods, trash bags, dish cleaner, etc: We often rent a cabin in the summer for a week and although I don’t normally want to clean on vacation I am yearning for a vacuum by the end of the trip bc my kids are a mess. So I’d also provide an inexpensive stick vac, mop, bucket, toilet brush and some basic cleaning supplies in hopes that if someone is staying longer it might encourage them to clean up a little as they go. I’m talking like sponges, glass cleaner, toilet cleaner, a multipurpose cleaner like fantastic, floor cleaner, a bathroom/shower cleaner, oven cleaner (for the top of the oven if it’s a smooth top). They may not use it or they may want to buy their own products, but I think it’s worth the small investment to have on hand.

[sadlebred]

Maybe also supply kitchen trash bags, paper towels & TP (just the first roll or two), and some things like that.

[sugarbear1]

Mar 12, 2023 18:45:46 GMT -5 Nonny said:

I'd probably furnish it with all the stuff I'd want for myself in a long-term vacation rental situation. I have a FB friend who is a travel nurse, and I know she's often in an area for several months at a time, so she definitely wants to be able to cook for herself. She actually does a lot of housesitting so that she can live in fully equipped homes and get cat snuggles.

Also, if by any chance you want a slightly dusty papasan chair to furnish your rental, hit me up. LOL! I have one in my basement that we don't use and it's yours for free if you want it.

I just might!!

[orval]

My sister just rented from Furnished Finder for about 5 months. Her studio did not supply any linens at all. She had to provide her own sheets, comfortor, pillow and towels. She also had to supply all soft goods like TP, paper towels, shampoo etc. The kitchen had the basic items like plates, a pot, frying pan, small cookie sheet, utensils. She also did not have a tv but it had great wifi. It did have a small stick vac and washer and dryer. All utilities were included. Her rental had a 3 month minimum.
As far as decor, a few art pieces on the wall, that is it.
I think these are different than a vacation rental. I would not supply any spices etc. I would imagine travel nurses have a set of items they bring to each location. I have timeshares and I keep a small tub of stuff I bring if we drive -- spices, oil, cooking spray etc. I would not expect that a in long term rental.

[livinitup]

About a year ago, we stayed at a hotel that was a popular place for short-term stays. Besides having basics in the room, the hotel offered a good list of items available upon request. So, instead of stocking the mini-apartment with a lot of stuff they might want, you could provide the basics and provide a list of additional stuff that they could request - stuff you’d be willing to provide. This might keep the studio neat and tidy and scaled down to just what they actually want/use.

For example, I make tea every day. So, I would love an electric kettle (they are not expensive) but it would go to waste on my H. Along the same lines, 2 kinds of coffee makers (Keurig and drip pot) would go to waste on me. I’d also love a toaster oven but my sister wouldn’t use it but loves a hot pot.

[bittybomb]

Id also add maybe a directory of local places - food delivery, groceries, etc. I find that so helpful when we are doing VRBO and imagine travel nurses might appreciate it, too.

[basilosaurus]

I recently stayed at a furnished place that had, I shit you not, 6 different teapots in varying styles plus a large coffee urn, no coffee maker. And no corkscrew. Don't do that!

I think others have covered most of it.

I lived in one complex in 4 different units over the course of a couple years. 2 provided an extra set of linens which was much appreciated. I didn't have a dryer, though. I don't think it's absolutely necessary if you can go from dirty to clean in a couple hours, but it's a nice touch.

I do appreciate when there's style. Not knick knacks, but fun artwork (but not a huge painting of a woman staring at the bed. Ask me how I know!), Colorful sheets. Anything to make it feel homey and not a sterile hotel room.

I had a long term rental (was for a month but turned into nearly 2 years. Thanks covid!) So I bought some things not originally provided or itf low quality.

Colander, cheese grater, vegetable peeler, decent knife and board, hand mixer, pie pan, flat baking sheet, mixing bowls, small casserole dish (cooking for one, here). More cups. Somehow I never had enough.

There was salt and canola, probably from previous guests.

I think Ikea has some dinnerware sets of varying sizes pretty inexpensively. I got their kids plasticware utensils for taking to work as I usually brought leftovers (as a nurse) and didn't want to bring my real stuff.

[strawberry]

I think providing any sheets is really nice. And not a requirement. In my late teens early 20s I lived for 7 summers in what were basically short term rentals. (2-5 month for me). I worked for a park concessionaire and the government during this time. The concessionaire would provide bedding IF we wanted it. I never used their sheets & only used the blanket for a month at the most during all that time. (It was wool. Not great for a CA summer.)

The actual houses I lived in then (with private kitchen) didn’t provide much at all, maybe whatever a previous person left. One time I scored a HUGE roll of Saran Wrap. 😁 The big thing is furniture that’s all you really need. A microwave would be kind as would a coffee pot. I had neither of these provided at the house. They did have a microwave in the community kitchens for the times I had that. I just brought my own or did without at the houses.

[sugarbear1]

Thanks everyone!
My tenant is out next week and I'm hoping to have it listed by 4/1.

Another question -- several of you have suggested a microwave. The kitchen is TINY. There is a coffee machine, one burner, and a convection oven / airfryer. Is a microwave worth it to sacrifice the counter space? There's not really room for a shelf, either.

[pierogigirl]

Mar 14, 2023 11:17:00 GMT -5 sugarbear1 said:

Thanks everyone!
My tenant is out next week and I'm hoping to have it listed by 4/1.

Another question -- several of you have suggested a microwave. The kitchen is TINY. There is a coffee machine, one burner, and a convection oven / airfryer. Is a microwave worth it to sacrifice the counter space? There's not really room for a shelf, either.

I'd try to find a way to fit one in. Is the fridge smallish? In the condo we rent in the summer, the microwave is on top of the fridge.

[sugarbear1]

Mar 14, 2023 11:31:50 GMT -5 pierogigirl said:

Mar 14, 2023 11:17:00 GMT -5 sugarbear1 said:

Thanks everyone!
My tenant is out next week and I'm hoping to have it listed by 4/1.

Another question -- several of you have suggested a microwave. The kitchen is TINY. There is a coffee machine, one burner, and a convection oven / airfryer. Is a microwave worth it to sacrifice the counter space? There's not really room for a shelf, either.

I'd try to find a way to fit one in. Is the fridge smallish? In the condo we rent in the summer, the microwave is on top of the fridge.

It's an apartment fridge so not full sized. That could work, but it would block access to cabinets above the fridge.

[orval]

I wouldn't worry about the microwave. With the other small appliances you have, it is fine.

[strawberry]

Mar 14, 2023 11:17:00 GMT -5 sugarbear1 said:

Thanks everyone!
My tenant is out next week and I'm hoping to have it listed by 4/1.

Another question -- several of you have suggested a microwave. The kitchen is TINY. There is a coffee machine, one burner, and a convection oven / airfryer. Is a microwave worth it to sacrifice the counter space? There's not really room for a shelf, either.

I think it’ll be fine without the microwave.

[Stan]

When I worked in Covid relief for a year and stayed at cabins and later extended stay type Marriott and Hilton properties with kitchens, I’d have not made it without a microwave. I tried to prepare and eat fresh foods as much as possible but some days I was just too exhausted. And I wasn’t even nursing, I was overseeing the state’s testing and then vaccination sites. I’d rather have a microwave than what I assume are small over fridge cabinets.

[momin2013]

I agree about including a microwave if possible. Is there any room for a small rolling cart that could fit a microwave on top and which might also add some extra storage?

[basilosaurus]

Mar 14, 2023 11:17:00 GMT -5 sugarbear1 said:

Thanks everyone!
My tenant is out next week and I'm hoping to have it listed by 4/1.

Another question -- several of you have suggested a microwave. The kitchen is TINY. There is a coffee machine, one burner, and a convection oven / airfryer. Is a microwave worth it to sacrifice the counter space? There's not really room for a shelf, either.

I haven't had microwave in 3 years. Occasionally I miss it. I'm a previous unfurnished apt it also didn't have one.

I really only use it for heating leftovers. Traditional oven takes forever. Now that I'm in a place with no western oven and no microwave I get creative. But I've had time. If I were a nurse living there I'd want the ability to cook frozen meals.

I have one hot plate (induction) and a countertop "oven" that works pretty well. Do I sometimes miss the ability to zap? Sure. But I've had years to figure it out. For a 3 mo guest (assumption) it would be irritating. Sometimes you want to shove in an Amy's, mindlessly eat, head to bed.

[basilosaurus]

Mar 14, 2023 14:46:13 GMT -5 Stan said:

When I worked in Covid relief for a year and stayed at cabins and later extended stay type Marriott and Hilton properties with kitchens, I’d have not made it without a microwave. I tried to prepare and eat fresh foods as much as possible but some days I was just too exhausted. And I wasn’t even nursing, I was overseeing the state’s testing and then vaccination sites. I’d rather have a microwave than what I assume are small over fridge cabinets.

I can't even reach those things, and I'm of average height