Time to Open Idaho Deer Haven – Feeling that High Anxiety
Who knew that being so close to opening Idaho Deer Haven to happy visiting guests would make me so terrified? The house still has many things we’d like to update, but for now, we feel comfortable enough to say that our home is cozy and enjoyable enough for you to come and stay with us for your vacation. It’s about time to open Idaho Deer Haven and take a deep breath.
The post below contains affiliate links; purchasing through the provided links earns a small percentage back to Angie’s Angle at no additional cost to you.
So why is my anxiety so high? This should be an exciting and new experience that will hopefully help us. I think a lot of that said anxiety lies in finding a host and a cleaner. A host is so hard because you need someone you can trust to go through with before each new guest to make sure everything is just right. Be prepared in case the guests encounter any issues. Being 7+ hours away from Idaho Deer Haven leaves a lot in the host’s hands.
What to do before we open Idaho Deer Haven
There are a few details inside that we need to attend to. That’s why we think one more regular visit should do the trick. At the same time, this visit will allow us to meet the host and cleaner (more specifically, to go through with them what to do and when).
*Organizing the front room the rest of the way. The front room is where we’ll have the books, games, coloring books, desk/printer. Down the line, I hope to have a couch that can convert to a bed in that room.
*Clearing out the last tiny bit of the kitchen.
AND…
*Living room lamps. I want this set. The living room lacks any real lighting, which is somewhat of a drawback. So I always put the light on above the bar because that lights most of the living room.
*Windows in the bedroom. Ours (the King/Master) needs a new wrap-around curtain rod, which I am getting this one. The two other bedrooms need blackout curtains & one more rod for them. I am having a hard time finding the size we want for the curtains. We also need locks of some sort for those windows, due to the significant drop to the ground, for safety reasons.
*Safety lock for the sliding glass door to nowhere. A significant drop, like the other two bedroom windows.
*A lock to the garage/basement for the time being.
*Clean up the railroad ties that Jason removed from the retaining wall. That retaining wall still needs some extra reinforcement, but we think it’ll hold for a bit.
*Either a free full box spring for the time being for “Lily’s” room. Or the whole setup of box spring and mattress in a queen size, to magically appear.
*Various stocks of basic necessities for the house. Coffee, laundry soap, spray n’ wash, hand soap, tissues, etc.
*Signs to direct/show you have arrived at Idaho Deer Haven. Our house is somewhat hidden in a small section of the main drive. People often head up to the house at the end of the drive and not to us on the side.
*Take photos and videos. I have shared some on the Idaho Deer Haven Instagram. However, I know I need pictures of each room, different ways to share, etc. Having already established a background in blogging with social media will help there.
The Big Needs
*Cleaner. Someone to come in and clean after every guest. Washing the sheets and duvets, making the beds again. The whole nine yards. I don’t think a cleaner will be too much of an issue. I have seen quite a few on the various groups I am a member of. So let’s hope my feelings on that are true.
*Host. That dreaded host. I need someone I can trust completely. I would love to find someone I already know to fill it. However, I’m unsure if that will be possible. They need to come in after each guest leaves to check the house and then prep for the next guests, which may not be on that same visit. Lay out (maybe) a few little welcoming gifts. Ensuring everything looks inviting and just right for the upcoming guests. That host also needs to be prepared to assist if any issues arise.
Hosting is pretty big shoes to fill since we are not near. I hosted our next-door neighbors for a couple of years and enjoyed it. But the guests rarely had any issues. Hopefully, that will be the same with Idaho Deer Haven.
*Lawn Maintenance. I almost forgot that we have to find someone to take care of the yard this year, too. We had someone, but he no longer lives next door, so that is a whole new thing to tackle.
The anxiety is high…
Maybe now you can see why I have a bit of anxiety. I am also pretty excited and hopeful. Being able to open Idaho Deer Haven as a vacation rental is pretty unreal to me. Deep breath! Here is to opening soon with all the above in place!
