Whether you’ve been in Augusta your whole life, or you’ve just been here a short time, you know that Masters Week is a big deal. There are many out-of-town guests who come from all over to check out the tournament. Of course, hotels can accommodate some of these, but there are some locals who choose to rent out their homes during the big week. But when it comes to prepping your home for Golf Week in Augusta, there’s a lot that goes into it.
Obviously, one of the first priorities is finding somewhere for you and your family to go during that week. Then there’s all the prep work to get your house in order– cleaning, removing your personal items, providing extra linens and towels, stocking essentials, and more.
Prepping Your Home For Golf Week in Augusta
I spoke with one of our Beasley Augusta Account Executives, Heather Colvin, about her experience with renting her house out. Here’s our conversation:
Q: How long have you been renting your house out during Masters?
A: Off and on for about 20 years.
Q. Where do you go during Masters?
A. Usually the beach, the Gulf.
Q. What’s the hardest part about prepping your house?
A. When our kids were little, it was decluttering their rooms and keeping them straight until we left town. Now with them in college, we are able to do a lot ahead of time. The hardest part is the last-minute things you have to do the day you leave. Like, that last cleaning, animals to kennels, etc. But the BEST part is generally when you come home it’s perfect, and you’ve done all the spring cleaning ahead of it, so it’s great!
Q. Do you store your personal stuff somewhere?
A. We lock everything in our Master Bedroom closet and provide a separate hanging space for our guests.
Q. Have you ever had any significant damage?
A. We have not… But, I have heard some horror stories. The best advice I have is to go through a reputable local company for your rental. Their contracts protect you and your home.
Prep Checklist
Heather also showed me a Masters Rental House Checklist… and it’s intense! You definitely have to be committed to the process. Let’s take a look at just a few areas you have to prep! *These things may vary, depending on the company you go through to list your rental.*
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
When it comes to the bedrooms and bathrooms, there are quite a few things you need to have available:
- Two sets of linens per bed
- Four pillows per bed
- Alarm clocks
- Extra bath towels per bedroom
- Hairdryer in each bathroom
- Drawers available for folded clothes
- Gender neutral toiletries- soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, mouthwash, sunscreen…
- Check the water pressure and hot water functionality
- Remove personal items and free the area of clutter
Photo: ben-bryant/iStock/Getty Images
Kitchen
The kitchen area requires quite the overhaul too.
- A coffee pot, plus coffee essentials
- Remove perishables from refrigerator
- Deep clean appliances and ensure they work correctly
- Ensure there are everyday essentials: glasses, plates, coffee mugs, silverware, etc.
- Free up space in the freezer and on pantry shelves
Photo: hikesterson/iStock/Getty Images
Appliances Throughout The Home
Throughout the home, there are various things to check as well.
- Check all the lightbulbs
- Leave instructions for TVs and all appliances
- Provide contacts for services: plumber, electrician, and HVAC contacts
- Leave passwords for WiFi and streaming services
- Replace batteries in smoke detectors
Photo: hayatikayhan/iStock/Getty Images
General
There are other areas and actions to take too… Such as:
- Stopping your mail delivery
- Turning off interior and exterior cameras
- Have your pets boarded
- Don’t set alarms
- Leave instructions and location of plungers, breaker box, shut off valves, etc.
Photo: Erica Finstad/iStock/Getty Images
