The Ultimate Cottage Packing Checklist

• Personal toiletries (i.e. skin care, makeup)
• Shampoo, conditioner, detangler for kids (great for stubborn, knotted beach hair)
• Gentle body wash or soap
• Hair brushes and accessories (hair ties, headbands, etc.)
• Toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss
• Razor and shaving cream
• Lip balm
• Feminine hygiene products
• Body lotion (unscented will prevent the bugs from being attracted)
• Wipes and diapers, both day and night

• Age-appropriate sunscreen (plus backups)
• Post-sun care
• Sunscreen (for kids and adults)
• Itch relief spray or lotion
• First aid kit containing a variety of bandaids, anti-infection cream, tweezers, age-appropriate pain medication, gauze pads, anti-allergy medication
• Any prescription medication, Epipens, inhalers or other necessary health aids (make sure all prescriptions are filled for the duration of your trip)

• Waterproof outer layers (splash pants, rain jackets)
• Hats for everyone; consider a waterproof hat for babies and small kids (pack two per child if possible in case one is wet or misplaced)
• Footwear for all occasions (rain boots, sneakers, sandals, water shoes for rocky beaches)
• Bathing suits, at least two per person (one wet, one dry)
• Warm weather: shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, dresses, skirts
• Cool weather: long pants, long-sleeved shirts, sweatshirts
• Pyjamas and loungewear
• Underwear and socks
• Baby clothes and plenty of extras

• Food, drinks and snacks for the duration of your visit
• Any food or beverage preferences or necessities due to allergies or preference (i.e. lactose-free milk, must-have kid snacks not found in rural areas, nut butter)
• Cooler
• Ice packs
• Food and snack containers for easy transportation
• Insulated water bottles for everyone
• Resealable bags
• BBQ charcoal, if required
• Lighter for igniting the BBQ and lighting fires
• A good, sharp knife
• Wine/bottle opener
• A multi-tool with several options is always handy

• Separate towels for the bathroom and for the beach
• Bed linens if required for every size bed (pillowcases, bottom and top sheet)
• Comforters or blankets
• Sleeping bags are another option to put on top of beds
• Washcloths
• Pillows, if required
• Favourite stuffies (you do not want to forget Teddy!)

• Age/size-appropriate personal flotation devices (PFDs), i.e. life jackets and/or puddler jumpers
• Inflatable floaties and water toys
• Portable sun shelter or umbrella
• Air pump for inflatables
• Beach and sand toys, buckets, pails
• Portable Bluetooth speaker
• Balls, kites, flying discs
• Lawn toys or games
• Fishing rods and gear (don’t forget bait)
• Bicycles and helmets (or just helmets if you can rent bikes)
• A portable barbecue so you can grill on the beach

• Puzzles
• Books/comics/graphic novels for all ages
• Favourite family games
• Deck of cards
• Dominoes, chess, checkers
• Craft supplies
• Favourite family movies on DVD if there is a player available
• Tablets and computers (for watching movies on rainy days)

• Matches or a lighter
• Roasting skewers
• Marshmallows
• S’mores kit
• Headlamp and/or flashlight

• Extra flashlight batteries
• Backpack for day trips
• Sunglasses
• Insulated wine tumblers
• Tablets, phones, computers and all chargers
• A fun camera
• Extra toilet paper
• Folding beach chairs
• Journal to jot down memories

• Fishing license
• Boating license
• Rental agreement
• Health cards and/or insurance cards for everyone in your family

Here are some expert tips to help make the most of your cottage rental experience.

• Your rental agreement (and other important documents): Once you finalize your rental with the owner, the cottage rental owner will send you the “house rules,” a document that outlines everything you need to know. Be sure to read it thoroughly and ask any questions before you go. The same goes for recreational licenses like fishing or boating: Know the rules for fishing and boating where you’re cottaging. Many places require license for both.
  
  Quick tip: Since most cottage rentals nowadays can be booked online via apps like Airbnb and VRBO, you don’t necessarily need to print out rental agreements. But a dead battery or weak Wi-Fi could derail things, so it’s a good idea to have a physical copy at the rental either way, for easy reference as well.
• Guide book: A guide book explains everything the renter needs to know including the above-mentioned house rules (re: pets, noise, occupancy, septic tank info, parking), COVID updates, Wi-Fi password, important contacts (nearest medical clinic, hospital, fire department, owner’s contact), info on using appliances such as the TV, coffee maker or BBQ, and fire-pit rules and the location of the fire extinguisher. “We typically send through a digital version to our guests a couple of weeks before check in so they can familiarize themselves with the rules,” says interior designer Tiffany Piotrowski of Barrie, Ont. who has been renting out her Amabel Beach House in Ontario’s famous Sauble Beach through Airbnb since 2018. “It also has a list of things we provide and a list of ‘don’t forget to pack items’, so it’s great for them to have ahead of time.”
• Local attractions: Some owners will share their favourite spots to help guests enjoy their stay. “We love to let our renters know our favourite spots,” says Piotrowski. While you may expect to spend your days on the dock, ultimately, the kids will appreciate an adventure into town for homemade ice cream, or tacos, for example.
• Kitchen supplies: While the kitchen will be stocked with utensils, dishes, pots and pans, cutting boards, a coffee maker and other basic items, you will have to bring all of your food, drinks and snacks. If there’s something you and your family love to eat that won’t be widely available in a rural area, be sure to plan ahead.
• Fire pits: First, find out if the cottage allows fires outdoors. Is there a designated area? It’s the responsibility of the renter to check if there is a fire ban, says Piotrowski. “Most local township websites will have this info.” If there is a ban, it’s due to excessive dryness which can cause fires to spread out of control quickly. Do not have a fire if there is a ban. Any fines or damage will be your responsibility.
• Damage deposits: Some rentals will include a damage deposit that will be refunded after departure, others don’t. Just know that you are responsible for any major damage. “A host can choose to opt into a security deposit,” says Piotrowski. “I do think it’s a good incentive to encourage guests to take good care of the home.” If you or a family member break something, tell the host immediately. “Any major damage to the structure or finishes could be cause for an insurance claim. I’m really appreciative when guests are upfront when something’s been broken because it gives us time to fix it before the next guest arrives.”
• Extra guests: It’s a huge no-on to add to the occupancy of a rental. Yes, you can have a guest during the day, but no extras overnight. “More and more, townships are cracking down on occupancy rates for rentals, and can result in hefty fines for the owner if they aren’t being followed,” says Piotrowski. “In addition, many rentals run on septic tanks, which can only accommodate so much waste.”
• Pets: If you want to bring your pet, it’s best to search for pet-friendly rentals. However, it doesn’t hurt to check with the owner even if it says “No pets.” “I think it’s always worth an ask!,” advises Piortrowski s “We allow pets, but it does need to be discussed ahead of time to make sure they’re suitable, and so I can go over additional pet rules (no pets in beds at our place!).”

It will help you keep track of everything you need to stay organized whether you’re shopping or packing