3 min readI've accepted that I'm never going to be the person who can simply arrive somewhere. I need a few rituals before a vacation rental starts feeling less like someone else's house and more like ours. It's not about making it perfect—it's about making it comfortable. As a design editor (and a mom), these are the five things I do every single time we check into an Airbnb.
Light a Candle
There is something incredibly intimate about scent. You can swap out artwork, fluff the pillows, and open every curtain, but if a space smells like someone else's dinner from three nights ago—or worse, a mystery air freshener—it never quite feels like mine.
I always pack a favorite candle, and it's the first thing I light after we unpack. Within minutes, the whole house starts to feel familiar. It's amazing how quickly your brain relaxes when a room smells like your home instead of a stranger's. It's a tiny ritual, but it completely transforms the atmosphere.
Cover the Sofas
This may sound a little neurotic, but hear me out. Upholstered furniture is one of the hardest things to truly clean. In my own home, I know exactly what's happened on my couch. In a rental...well, I'd rather not think about it.
I usually toss a top sheet or lightweight blanket over the sofa, and suddenly everyone is happier, including me. As a bonus, I spend a lot less time worrying about popsicle drips, wet bathing suits, or whatever snack my kids inevitably decide belongs on the couch. It's not glamorous, but it makes relaxing a whole lot easier.
Move the Furniture
This is probably the most "design editor" thing I do, but I can't help myself. I’m not rearranging the whole house, but if a chair is blocking a beautiful window or the coffee table makes the room feel impossible to navigate, I make it work for the way my family actually lives.
We play games on the floor; we gather around oversized puzzles. We need room for kids (and me, let’s be honest) to sprawl out. Before we leave, everything goes right back where I found it, but during our stay, I want the house to work for us, not the other way around. Sometimes, the smallest shift makes a space feel completely different.
Buy Fresh Flowers
It may seem silly and extravagant, but since every vacation starts with a grocery run, somewhere between the milk and cereal aisles, I always pick up fresh flowers. They don't have to be expensive—in fact, grocery store bouquets are often my favorite—but it’s amazing what one vase of greenery or blooms can do for a room.
Vacation rentals can sometimes feel a little generic, like they've been designed to appeal to everyone. Flowers immediately soften that feeling. They bring life, color, and just enough personality that the house starts to feel less like a rental and more like a home you're borrowing for a little while.
Bring a Throw Blanket
I don't travel anywhere without a throw blanket. Ever. This is not an exaggeration. In fact, one time I cut a hole in the middle of one and wore it on the plane like a poncho because I refused to sacrifice suitcase space. (Resourceful? Ridiculous? Both can be true.)
There's something about curling up under my blanket at the end of the day that instantly settles me. It doesn't matter how beautiful the rental is—having one familiar, cozy piece from home makes the entire space feel more personal. It's comfort you can pack, even if it occasionally doubles as outerwear.
