Whether you’re renting a property with your friends for a few weeks in the sun or it has been in your family for generations, a summer house is your little piece of paradise. Summer homes are unique because they combine the comforts of home with the excitement of travelling to a new place. Just like any summer vacation, you have the freedom to create your own schedule, whether you’re spending your days outdoors or simply relaxing with a good book.

Getting to a summer house can be stressful. Unlike staying at a hotel, you’ll have to bring more with you and think practically about what your daily routine will look like when staying there. There are simple things you can take to make your summer planning less stressful, from packing smarter to handling the logistics early and taking care of your seasonal maintenance.

Hiring an auto transport company will help you avoid a long road trip, while giving you the freedom of having your own vehicle once you get to your summer house. In this article, we’re breaking down the essential tips for planning a stress-free vacation this summer.

Essential Packing Tips for a Stress-Free Summer House Retreat

When packing for your trip, you don’t want to go overboard. Be intentional with the things you decide to pack. Writing a packing list a few days in advance can help you figure out what you really need, including everyday items like tech products and toiletries. Unlike a hotel, you’ll have access to laundry facilities and can clean your clothes as normal.

If you’re thinking ahead, you can be proactive and reduce the amount you need to pack in the future by keeping larger essentials at your summer house year-round. You can also plan to buy these things once you arrive, including essentials like towels, linens, and cookware, to use again in the future.

You probably won’t unpack everything once you arrive, so it’s a good idea to make your basic essentials – the things you’ll need for your first 24 hours – in a bag that’s easily accessible. It’s also a good idea to bring along a few home comforts to unpack right away, whether it’s your favorite blanket, board games to play with your family, or lightly scented candles to add some ambiance to your summer house.

While it’s important to think about packing, you’ll also want to make smart decisions when planning how to get to your summer home. Depending on the distance, a road trip might not be the ideal way to start your vacation, making an auto transport company a more efficient alternative to driving across the country.

How to Arrange Auto Transport for a Seamless Summer House Getaway

Working with an auto transport company can make your travel plans more convenient and potentially more affordable. The cost of hiring a rental car has risen dramatically since the pandemic, making long-term car hire unaffordable. Instead of driving your car across several states and eating into your vacation time, you can fly to your summer home and use a car transportation service to deliver your vehicle directly to your front door.

A reliable car transport service can streamline your vacation planning, whether you’re traveling with young children or if you want to avoid a multi-day road trip. You can transport your vehicle to your summer house without adding extra mileage or wear and tear to your car, while getting live updates for your vehicle’s location.

Summer is the busiest time of year for the travel industry, and you can expect the best car transport companies to start booking up months in advance. If you’re planning to travel during the busiest days of summer, including around the 4th of July, make sure to book your travel logistics as early as possible.

Take the time to prepare your vehicle for its journey and double-check the estimated delivery date for its arrival at your summer house. Once you have your travel logistics arranged, you can start thinking about how to make your summer house a more enjoyable space.

Creating a Relaxing Ambience: Interior Design Ideas for Your Summer Home

Keeping things simple is the best way to create a relaxing atmosphere. Try to avoid bringing unnecessary things to your summer home and keep your interior design simple.

If you’re visiting a summer house that’s been in your family for years, you can make small upgrades that will have a major impact on the look and feel of your interiors. Choosing a color palette with cool tones will make your home feel more tranquil, especially in common areas like your living room and kitchen. Linen curtains will still allow some natural light into the room for a relaxing ambience, while layered lighting and incorporating dimmable lights can make a space more practical and welcoming.

Planning Outdoor Activities to Enhance Your Summer House Experience

If you’re lucky enough to have a summer house near the beach or in the mountains, you’ll want to plan your daily itinerary around outdoor experiences. Make sure to take advantage of the surrounding area, especially if you want to spend more time outdoors this summer. Having your own vehicle can make it easier to visit national parks, nearby hiking trails, and secluded beaches.

You can still relax by planning low-impact activities, such as taking a morning walk, going paddleboarding, or spending your evening by an outdoor fire pit. When your summer house is well-maintained, it’s easier to enjoy the outdoors.

Maintaining Your Summer House: Seasonal Upkeep and Safety Considerations

One of the most important things to do when planning a visit to your summer house is to do regular safety checks. It’s a good idea to have your HVAC system checked yearly, and you may want to consider pest prevention measures, depending on your location. You’ll also want to check your smoke detectors, locks, and outdoor lighting when you arrive and before you depart. Having your own vehicle can make this seasonal upkeep easier, especially if you’re planning to do most of the maintenance yourself.

Planning early and thinking practically about your day-to-day routine will help you enjoy a stress-free vacation at your summer home. You can get started by getting a quote from a reliable car shipping company and searching for packing list templates online.