How to Set Up a Summer Home/Bungalow

Want to make sure you don’t forget something basic? This list will keep you calm and organized while packing for your summer away. 

Over the years we’ve gotten lots of requests on setting up a summer home or bungalow. We have a post with 12 Tips and a post for packing up your bungelow/summer home, but what about what you need to do to get there in the first place?

This is where it gets tricky. Some people have summer homes that are fully stocked that they go back to year to year. Other people rent a home/cabin/bungalow for 2-4 weeks. They may be fully stocked or completely empty! Others go away for one week, travel with cooked food and are back home for Shabbos. Some of you drive to the cold Swiss Alps one summer and another year rent a summer home in the south of France (shoutout to our European BCP fans who are a minority but we think about you too!)

We put together a list that’s both basic–and extensive as possible. We planned this as if you are renting a completely empty summer home for 3-4 weeks and want the basics. If you are only going away for a week, you most likely will manage with a lot less. It’s also possible that many of these things will already be available in the home. Just cross off the items that don’t apply to you! 

Our download also includes lines so you can add your personal items that might not be listed here.

See our Ultimate Travel Food Roundup here. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD & PRINT THE GUIDE.

Linens

Bedding/Linens 

Mattress Protectors 

Popup Laundry Hampers 

Bath Sheets/Towels

Pool Towels

Kitchen Towels 

Hand Towels/Washcloths 

Clothing/Personal

Clothing for Weekday/Shabbos 

Sweatshirts 

Hairbrush 

Ponytail Holders

Makeup

Swim/Outdoors

Bathing Suits/Cap

Pool Cover ups 

Puddle Jumpers/Swim Tubes 

Caps/Sunglasses 

Pool Bag/Tote 

Kids Backpacks for Day Camp/Overnight trip 

Goggles 

Rain Poncho

Rain Jackets 

Umbrella 

Kitchen

1 Meat Skillet 

1 Meat Large Pot 

2 Meat Knives (+1 for challah, below) 

1 Dairy Skillet (if needed for eggs)

1 Dairy Pot (if needed for pasta)

1 Dairy Knife 

1 Dairy Spatula (if needed for eggs)

Betty Crocker for Dairy 

Mixing Spoons (meat + dairy)

2 Cutting Boards (meat + dairy) 

Disposable Aluminum Pans 

Salad or Mixing bowl 

Plates, Cutlery, Napkins 

Baking Paper / (and/or baking rounds for Betty Crocker) 

Aluminum Foil 

Ziplock Bags 

Shabbos

Tablecloth/ Plastic for Shabbos 

Becher 

Challah Board/Knife

Tray for Food/Dips 

Tea Light /Candles 

Tray for Tea Lights 

Hot Plate

Hot Water Urn

Crockpot/Liners 

Havdalah Candle 

Besomim 

Household/Toiletries 

Garbage Bags 

Paper Towels 

Tissues/Tissue Boxes 

Shampoo/Conditioner 

Body Wash 

No Tangles Spray for Pool Hair 

Mouthwash 

Toothpaste/Toothbrush

Cleaning Supplies 

Broom/Dustpan

Mop/Pail 

Floor Cleaner 

409/All Purpose Cleaner  

Windex

Dish Soap 

Laundry Detergent 

Laundry Stain Remover 

Other

Toys / books 

Pens / paper

Scotch tape 

Scissor 

Coloring books

Crayons 

Phone charger 

Basics/First Aid 

Bandaids

Mupirocin/Neosporin 

Burn Cream 

Cream for Bites/Rash

Pepto Bismol/Tums

Kids Tylenol/Motrin 

Adults Advil/Motrin 

Nail Scissor 

Sunscreen