What to Pack When Renting a Cottage

We had such a great summer vacation. I’m still smiling from all the fun we had there. For the third year in a row, we headed off on a vacation with extended family to a Parkbridge Resort – this time to Lakes of Wasaga. This was our third year going to a Parkbridge site and we’ve had an amazing time every single time.  Now, one of the things that I really love about a cottage rental at a Parkbridge Resort is that there isn’t a lot of packing to be done. Most items that you need are already provided at the cottage so it’s one of the easiest cottage getaways you’ll ever go on.

Having been several times before though, my niece and I (the chief organizing officers of the trip) have come up with a list of must bring items. Most of these tips apply to any cottage rental, not just those at a Parkbridge Resort but I do highly recommend Parkbridge. Here are two important things to know  – 1) You can double-check ahead of time by phone or email to find out what items are provided (this is true of all cottage rentals) and 2) The people at Parkbridge Resorts are incredibly helpful. When we found that one time, we had neglected to bring an axe to chop up our firewood, we were able to borrow one. Another time, we didn’t have a can opener and borrowed that. Knock on your “neighbour’s” door or ask at the office.

What to Pack When Renting a Cottage:

• Your confirmation number or email. Also bring along some photo ID like a driver’s license because that is often needed for registration. Remember to bring the credit card that you booked your reservation with. PRO TIP: I like to bring along some cash. There is usually a little “general store” on site and they may or may not be equipped to accept debit or credit.
• A map, directions, GPS, and the phone number of the resort in case you get lost despite all of that. That has never happened to us because the website provides really clear directions but better to be safe.
• The cottages come fully equipped with bed linens and bath towels. They also provide pillows but we like to bring our own and personally I like to bring my own pillowcases too. It’s just one of those personal comfort things for me. Although bath towels are provided, you need to bring your own beach towels for the beach/swimming pool/hot tub (depending on what’s available at that particular resort). I also like to bring some extra towels – old ones that can be used if the kids get especially messy.  We have always found that there are plenty of extra blankets but we usually bring sleeping bags for the kids (mostly in case they want to camp out on the floor and because they just like any excuse to sleep in their sleeping bags).  PRO TIP: We also bring some tea towels and dish rags with us. These are handy for cleaning up any extra messes in the cottage and in case there’s no dish drainer in the cottage and you need to air dry a few things.
• All of the cottages we have stayed in were equipped with a dishwasher. They also provide at least one of those dishwasher detergent tabs but you’ll likely need more so it’s a good idea to throw a few into a plastic storage bag or container. PRO TIP: We also bring some liquid dish soap to do any hand washing needed (since they provide dishwashers, liquid dish soap may or may not be in abundance in the cottages). If you bring a mild one, this can be handy for hand washing clothing or getting out stains as needed.  Many of the resorts also have a laundry room so one or two of those laundry detergent tabs could be handy too, especially for a longer stay.
• I like to bring a few plastic containers and some zipper storage bags for leftovers, wet bathing suits, rocks or shells or leaves that the children have gathered and other such items.
• Trash bags are provided but we always bring a few extra. Again, these can not only come in handy for extra trash but for transporting dirty laundry or damp beach towels home. Not all cottages we’ve been to had recycling bins in them (although they all had recycling available for the site), so we usually bring a container or a clear plastic trash bag for collecting our recyclables in so we can take them to the trash/recycling area. PRO TIP: Get the trash bags with built in handles. Then you can hang the bags from your side mirror to take it to the dumpster area without having to put trash in your car.

• Dishes, glasses, mugs, and cutlery are all provided so no need to bring those. BUT, after our second experience, my niece and I decided to bring along disposables. We still use some of the stuff provided at the cottage (who wants to cut a steak with a plastic knife?) but this gives us a break from having to do as much work while on vacation. Yes, we know it’s not the most environmentally friendly option but for these few days every year, it’s worth it so everyone gets to relax. PRO TIP: I like to bring along some cups with lids – like Tervis cups for example. These are so helpful in keeping little critters out of your beverages while hanging out outside.
• Pots and pans are also supplied. Again, we sometimes bring along some of the aluminum foil (hey, it’s recyclable!) disposable pans with us, especially if we are planning to cook on the BBQs with them. Sometimes, pans can get that soot type stuff on them when you grill with them and I would just rather not take a chance with pans that don’t belong to us. PRO TIP: If you know you will be making something a little bit out of the ordinary, bring a pan for it along with you. For example, my daughter planned to bake a peach pie while there and we couldn’t be sure they’d have a pie plate, since that’s not your standard pan necessity. We also wanted to make muffins one year so we brought muffin tins along with us.
• Bring paper towels, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap. There are just some super messy messes that I find better suited to paper towels, the foil is handy when needed for cooking, and the plastic wrap is great for covering over a plate or bowl of leftovers. These are those types of items you might think you don’t need but then you get there and sure enough, something crops up and you’re wishing you had packed them after all. PRO TIP: I also bring along a container of cleaning wipes for quick clean-ups and so we can be sure to leave the cottage just as we found it when we go.
• Bring a cutting board, a sharp knife, a corkscrew, a pitcher, grater, and a colander if needed. The cottages are well-equipped with the basics. 90% of the time you will find these items (well, maybe not the corkscrew) in your cottage but we’ve had a few times when one of them was missing and much wished for. We were able to get creative and do without them but they are handy. Oh and when it comes to sharp knives, they always provide those but I’m kind of fussy about mine and want a knife that is as sharp as possible. I always pack one just to be sure.
• Extra coffee filters. They have always provided a coffeemaker but just to be sure we always have plenty of filters there for the coffee-fiends among us, we pack a few filters. PRO TIP: You might want to pack a coffee scoop too if that’s what you’re used to measuring with.
• The cottages came equipped with a propane BBQ, propane, and BBQ tools. They also have fire pits so you can sit around the campfire. Firewood was not provided but available for purchase on site or you could bring your own. PRO TIP: Don’t forget to pack some sort of sticks to use for roasting marshmallows. And remember to bring an axe to chop the firewood into usable pieces. Kindling or other fire starting
• At one of the cottages, there was even a slow cooker and a waffle iron. These are specialty items though and you can’t count on them being present at all locations. If you need something like this (and yes, a slow cooker can come in handy for extended stays because you can fix a meal in the morning and have it ready to go after a busy day of swimming, fishing, and playing), be sure to bring yours.
• Your clothing. Obviously. PRO TIP: I suggest packing for comfort and packing clothes that you’ll feel free to have fun in without fear of “messing them up”.  Remember to bring something warm – a hoodie for example. If the resort is near a body of water, it can get chilly in the evening.  Don’t forget your sunglasses and hats. You’ll want socks, long pants, and running shoes or hiking boots if you are planning to go hiking.
• Toiletries and medications. PRO TIP: Bring some common over the counter medications too – things like Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, and children’s Tylenol can all come in handy.  Toss in a basic First Aid kit while you’re at it.
• Food and beverages. Duh. PRO TIP: Don’t forget seasonings. My mom was not too pleased to find out there was no salt and none of us thought to pack any. There often is salt and pepper and some other basic seasonings there but if you have specific ones you’ll need, best to pack them. Think ahead to things like lemon and lime juice (I use those a lot in cooking), soy sauce, and the like if it’s something you use on a regular basis. If you use it , I suggest bringing some cooking spray like Pam too. Not all pans provided in the cottages are non-stick.

• Board games, jigsaw puzzles, storybooks, craft supplies, a deck of cards, and any other items the kids would enjoy. Honestly, we spend most of our time outside and active but there is always that moment of down time – we’re preparing dinner and don’t want the kids outside unsupervised or it’s a rainy afternoon – and we need a little something to keep them busy. Some of the cottages have a small selection of games or books available but you can’t count on them being right for your family. Some of the resorts have games rooms and lounges with activities – planned activities for kids and adults, sometimes pool or ping pong tables, and even toys and books that are available for borrowing. If the weather is good, you’ll need very little during the day because Parkbridge Resorts are equipped with so many fun things such as pools, basketball courts, shuffleboard, miniature golf, 9 hole golf courses, playgrounds, and more. Selection may vary according to location. PRO TIP: Take a novel to read and then leave it behind as a “pay it forward” for the next guests to the resort.
• Pool toys – noodles and other flotation devices that the kids might want or need. Remember nose plugs, goggles, swim shoes, or any other swim accessory your kids are used to having. You might want to throw in some beach toys too – sand pails, shovels, and the like. PRO TIP: We took along inflatable beach balls too. If the pool is empty, the kids can enjoy them there. If not, they are still fun to toss around in the yard or at the beach. They take up no room so why not?
• Flashlights are handy as is a nightlight to put in the bathroom for late night trips to the loo. If you are an avid reader, one of those little book lights could be useful too. Not all rooms were equipped with bedside lamps.
• My niece brings a fan. The units are all air conditioned and heated and had fireplaces in them as well so being comfortable temperature wise is not an issue. She brought it because she finds it useful for “white noise” to help her sleep in an unfamiliar place. There are enforced quiet hours so getting a good night’s sleep in peace is not a problem.
• There are outdoor chairs but you might want to bring a few of the folding kind so you have extra seating around the campfire.
• Sunscreen and sunscreen for obvious reasons. PRO TIP: We brought along some citronella candles and torches, along with some  Benadryl Itch Cream to further deal with those pesky insects.
• Extra toilet paper. Most of the time there has been plenty but it’s just that one thing I really don’t want to run out of, you know?

Okay so that might seem like a long list but it’s really not and many of the items are optional! You could easily show up with your clothes, toiletries, food, and beverages and be good to go. Parkbridge cottages are very well-equipped, super clean, and beautifully maintained. Every time we walk into one, one of us always says, “I could live here permanently.” In fact, we’re looking into purchasing our very own Parkbridge cottages so we can enjoy them year after year all summer long!

What would you add to this list of cottage rental necessities? Leave me your ideas in the comments!