Moving into a vacation rental: What families should check immediately upon arrival

After a long journey, everyone just wants to arrive. Especially with children, however, a quick tour of the vacation rental, apartment, or bungalow is worth it before suitcases are unpacked and groceries are put away. Ten quiet minutes at the beginning save stress later: You can see if the fridge is cooling, if the balcony and windows seem child-safe, and where important things are located.

The check is not a sign of distrust toward the accommodation. It is simply everyday protection: strange kitchen, strange sockets, different lighting, unknown doors. Those who check right at the beginning can report problems immediately and do not have to improvise while tired in the evening.

1. Secure keys, address, and emergency number

Place the keys in a fixed spot and save the address of the accommodation on your phone. A photo of the house entrance or parking space is also practical, especially in large complexes. If there is a phone number for the rental agency, reception, or property management, add it directly to your favorites.

Anyone who has already prepared the most important documents will finish faster here. Our holiday folder before departure fits well with this. It helps to keep booking data, e-cards, IDs, and authorizations ready at hand.

2. Check the fridge before the groceries go in

After the journey, yogurt, fruit, spreads, drinks, or leftovers from the cooler often go into the fridge. Check briefly beforehand: Is the device turned on? Does it feel cold inside? Is it clean? Does the door close tightly? If the fridge is warm, contact the accommodation first and keep sensitive food in the cooler if possible.

Especially in heat, perishable food should not stand around for long. Fruit, cut melon, dairy products, and ready-made meals should be cooled quickly. You can also find more basic rules on the topic Fridge and freezer in the heat.

3. Look at the balcony, windows, and doors from a child's perspective

Walk through the accommodation consciously at child height: Can the balcony door be opened easily? Are there low windows, loose furniture on the railing, or wobbly chairs that could serve as climbing aids? Are exterior doors really closed when you pull them shut?

If something seems unsafe, move chairs and tables away from the railing and address the rules immediately: balcony only with adults, do not open windows, do not hide keys. This sounds strict, but it prevents arguments when everyone is tired later.

4. Check the kitchen and appliances once

• Stove: Are all burners off?
• Oven: Is it empty and clean?
• Kettle/coffee machine: Are they standing stably and away from the edge of the table?
• Knives and graters: With small children, move them up high or into a cupboard.
• Dishes: Sort out and report broken glasses or cracked plates immediately.

For snacks and quick summer cooking, the following applies: use clean boards and knives, wash fruit and vegetables, and cool leftovers quickly. This is also sensible if the kitchen looks tidy at first glance.

5. Plan heat, ventilation, and sleeping arrangements

If the apartment is already warm, ventilate briefly by opening windows on opposite sides as long as it is more pleasant outside. Then close the windows, shade the rooms, and check sleeping areas: Where is it coolest at night? Is there a fan? Is a cot in the sun or right next to a window?

After long car journeys in summer heat, it is also important to take drinks and sensitive items out of the car. Our article on Passports and identity cards valid?.

6. Document defects immediately

If something is damaged, dirty, or not functional, take a photo immediately and report it. This concerns broken furniture, missing bed linen, defective appliances, loose railings, or a strong odor in the fridge. This makes it clear that the damage was not caused by you, and the accommodation can react.

7. Only unpack after that

If the most important points are okay, then unpack: food in the fridge, chargers in a fixed place, medication away from the sun and children's hands, swimwear ready to hand. Anyone looking for a fresh recipe for hot days can make a note of Watermelon ice cream without an ice cream makerFor the journey itself, the route check remains important. If you are leaving later, also read:

Quick check for the first 10 minutesSat nav in holiday traffic: Why families should check the route beforehand.

Secure address, keys, and emergency contact.

• Turn on the fridge and check for cooling.
• Check balcony, windows, and doors from a child's perspective.
• Check stove, oven, and kitchen knives.
• Plan sleeping areas and shading.
• Photograph defects and report them immediately.
• The first tour does not have to take long. Anyone who briefly checks their vacation rental or apartment immediately after arrival starts their vacation more calmly and recognizes problems before they disturb the first evening.

Conclusion:Posted on: 11.07.2026

Sources and further information

• ORF/Ö3: Start of the summer holidays in the south and west of Austria
• ÖAMTC: Power of attorney for children traveling alone
• BMB: School holidays 2025/2026
• Ministry of Social Affairs: Heat
• BMLUK: In season now – the Wachau apricot
• AGES: Cooking safely

Article image: AI-generated symbolic image.