There is no place like home. That statement rings especially true when you travel or stay away for some time. While shortlets provide the convenience of home-like amenities, they do not immediately feel like home, especially if you’re staying for an extended period. How can we make our shortlet like our home?
What if there was a way to take home with us wherever we go, especially with temporary accommodations like short-term rentals? This article highlights practical steps to make your short-term rental feel like home during your stay.
While packing, include familiar items
Everyone has personal belongings that hold sentimental value or represent a part of their daily routine. For me, it is my journals and my favorite school bag. For you, it could be photographs or keepsakes of loved ones.
Furthermore, if you use aroma diffusers or scented candles, you could pack them to create a familiar scent in your temporary abode, creating an emotional connection to your home. This way, once you arrive at your shortlet, you can get down to personalizing your space.
Personalize the shortlet space as much as possible.
Just as a bespoke two-piece suit would make you smile and be pleased with yourself because it is custom-made for you and you alone, is the same way customizing your space with a few changes would go a long way to making your space feel more you.
One way to do this is to rearrange the furniture and adjust the layout to suit your preferences (ensure that it is allowed by the property rules or covered in the terms and conditions or policies you signed).
Another way is to add your touch with the familiar items you packed. In my case, a personal touch involves placing my journal on my bedside table so I can use it first thing in the morning and last thing when I go to bed.
Interestingly, research by R.H. Crawford and A. Stephan in 2015 revealed that, on average, 76% of time at home is spent in bedrooms and living areas, so it’s only natural that you spend time personalizing your space, including the Kitchen.
At the shortlet, stock up on comfort food because why not?
Home is incomplete without the taste of your favorite meals. While shortlets often come with a kitchen, they usually do not include your food preferences. For example, I am a beans fanatic, meaning there has to be an element of beans in my daily or at least weekly meals. What is that meal/snack you cannot do without?
You could carter for these food items on your way to the shortlet location or visit a local market or grocery store (Shoprite, supermarkets, street markets, etc.). And if you enjoy cooking, of course, bring along quantities of your favorite spices or sauces that will last you the entirety of your stay. Doing this would allow you to settle in more comfortably and place you in the right mental space to follow your routines.
Create or continue your routine.
If you start your mornings with soaking garri😂 (I seriously advise against it) or tea and bread (this is a better option), stock up on these essentials when you arrive. Also, if you pray or meditate before bed or when you wake up, allocate a corner in your bedroom for that.
For my fitness enthusiast, you can find a section in the shortlet apartment for your daily workout sessions or look for a nearby gym. By keeping up with your usual routines, you will find that you can settle in faster and make your stay more enjoyable (let me know how this goes for you.
Unpack your bags
Living out of your travel bag is reasonable, especially if you plan to stay for a day or two. However, if you’ll be staying longer, it does not make sense to continue doing so. Imagine digging through your bags for your charger, jalabia, or casual outfits. With time, it gets frustrating.
You can make your shortlet (yes, yours) feel like home by unpacking your clothes into the wardrobe or drawers provided. Next, arrange your toiletries in the bathroom instead of the travel bag. Finally, position your slippers by the bedside and set up your workspace if you are working remotely.
These actions might seem minor and almost inconsequential, but they do go a long way in helping you feel settled. When everything is in place, you will feel more relaxed and in control of your space, just like at home.
Final thoughts
A shortlet may not be your permanent home, but you can make it home for the days/weeks you’ll be there. It is all about owning the space like you would at home. So, don’t forget to bring familiar items, personalize your space with careless abandon, stock up on comfort food, continue your routines, and follow the other points covered in this article.
And if you’re looking for the easiest, stress-free, and cost-effective way to find a shortlet that already feels like home, we have good news. The Lifestyle App is launching soon to help you book short-term stays effortlessly.
Whether you’re traveling for business or just taking a vacation (or baecation), the Lifestyle app will help you browse, book, and personalize your shortlet experience- all from your phone. Stay tuned for the official launch and join the waiting list ASAP.
Until next time, for the couples in the house, check out this article on planning a 10/10 baecation. Adios✌.
