Situated in the stunning mountains of North Carolina with an abundance of amenities, it’s no wonder that Eagles Nest has become a vacation destination all year round. Whether your Eagles Nest oasis is a vacation home away from home, or you’re just starting research into Banner Elk properties, our guide will ensure that your home is in great shape as you wrap up your mountain getaway.

Here are our top tips for ensuring your second home is well maintained and ready to welcome you on your next visit.

Kitchen

To avoid unwanted odors and pests on your next visit, you’ll want to concentrate on the kitchen. First, focus on the fridge and throw away any perishables that might mold or cause critters. Toss any lasting leftovers and make sure all containers are securely closed. To keep the fridge fresh, keep a box of baking soda on a shelf to absorb any odors that may escape.

Be sure to wash any dirty dishes and run the garbage disposal to avoid any odors. Wipe down the counters to collect insect-attracting crumbs, and don’t forget to take out your trash and recycling before you head out. To be safe, turn off and unplug appliances including the stove, coffee maker, and microwave.

Living Room

To ensure that your cozy living area is ready to welcome you back in style, make sure to tidy up any couch pillows and throws. Take a pass at any side or coffee tables to collect dishes and wipe your surfaces down. Don’t forget to close and secure any open windows before you head out.

Bedrooms

You’ll thank yourself on your next visit for stripping the beds and making sure all of your linens are freshly washed. Be sure to collect any dirty clothes and towels and run them through the wash, too. Collect any nightstand water glasses you left behind as well.

Bathrooms

Leaving the bathrooms sparkling clean will ensure that hotel-fresh feeling on your next visit. Collect all used towels for your next load of laundry, and be sure to clean all surfaces, showers, toilets, and floors. You’ll want to restock any supplies that might be running low including soaps, toiletries, and toilet paper to avoid errands and stress on your next trip. Don’t forget to empty out your trash cans.

If you’d rather leave the dirty work to professionals or don’t want to spend vacation time cleaning, check out some top local cleaning services who can make your vacation home sparkle:

High Country Cleaning Services

Peace of Mind Cleaning Solutions

Inside-Out Professional Housekeeping

Laundry Room

Tidy up your laundry area by removing any dryer lint, folding any clean clothes, and ensuring your washer is wiped down to avoid any mold and bacteria buildup.

Now that your indoor spaces are covered, there are a few final things you won’t want to forget! Before you close the door behind you and say goodbye to vacation, be sure to double check your home’s thermostats to avoid a pricey electricity bill while you aren’t there. Make sure your doors and windows are secured and turn on any security systems or remote camera devices so you can easily check in while you’re away. Every so often, it’s a good idea to check the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to avoid potential issues and pesky beeping while you’re away.

Outdoor Spaces

Prevent any issues upon your next arrival when you audit your outdoor spaces. Be sure to collect any food products, clean up after your pets, and tidy up any landscaping that needs attention. If you have any outdoor cushions or blankets, be sure to store them inside to avoid any weather damage. Store, clean, and turn off any outdoor grills, and power off any outside lighting you may have.

Want to leave the landscaping to the professionals? These local companies can help:

Grandfather Landscaping

Greenworks Landscape & Hardscape

Mountaineer Maintenance

Don’t want an empty nest? Explore our rental program.

If you don’t want to leave your Eagles Nest oasis empty between visits, explore our popular short-term rental program. Designed to help families generate ongoing revenue while they’re away and offset the cost of owning a vacation home, the program transforms your empty home into an opportunity.

According to our partners at Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals, Eagles Nest vacation homes typically gross 10-15% more than comparable homes in the region. While not guaranteed, homeowners can generally earn $30k-$100K+ through our successful rental program.

Thankfully, our Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals partners have made it easier than ever to rent out your second home while ensuring the process is safe, secure, and streamlined. In addition to helping you throughout the rental process, they offer 24/7 maintenance services, inspections before check-ins, and more.

Before you close the door behind you and say goodbye to vacation, be sure to double check your home’s thermostats to avoid a pricey electricity bill while you aren’t there. Make sure your doors and windows are secured and turn on any security systems or remote camera devices so you can easily check in while you’re away. Every so often, it’s a good idea to check the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to avoid potential issues and pesky beeping while you’re away.

Are you ready to discover why Eagles Nest is a go-to vacation destination? Schedule a tour today and find your perfect escape.

Don’t forget to download and print our vacation maintenance checklist here.