Staying in a condo....What do I need to bring?

[irishsharon]

So we are staying in a two bedroom condo in Williamsburg Va. for a week and I was wondering what supplies I will need? Would I need trash bags.dish soap.tin foil and laundry detergent and things like that? Please any help would be great...by the way we are driving

 

[pixiewings71]

IME condos have supplied things like that, dish soap, a small sponge, towels, but I do bring my own detergent (even tho they normally have small packs of it with the washer/dryer) because I'm picky and I do bring my own ziploc bags and tin foil as well. I bring the precut sheets of foil, we use them for camping so I always have some on hand. Bring your own spices, I like to measure mine out into small snack size baggies. Everything else should be provided for you.

 

[shoney]

I'm in the process of packing for williamsburg now...We leave on Sunday!

We have stayed at many timeshares and what they provide can vary.

Right now I have out....
Laundry detergent
gallon size zip locs
bbq utensils
assorted gladware
tin foil
extra garbage bags just in case!
a few dishwasher tabs
paper towels

I like to bring paper goods to cut down on the dishwashing....paper cups and plates.

shampoo and other toiletries aren't provided (in case you are used to hotels)
hair dryer is sometimes not there so I always bring one (got stuck going to a Wal mart once!)


I'm sure I'll think of more....Have a great trip!!!!

 

[irishsharon]

I'm in the process of packing for williamsburg now...We leave on Sunday!

We have stayed at many timeshares and what they provide can vary.

Right now I have out....
Laundry detergent
gallon size zip locs
bbq utensils
assorted gladware
tin foil
extra garbage bags just in case!
a few dishwasher tabs
paper towels

I like to bring paper goods to cut down on the dishwashing....paper cups and plates.

shampoo and other toiletries aren't provided (in case you are used to hotels)
hair dryer is sometimes not there so I always bring one (got stuck going to a Wal mart once!)


I'm sure I'll think of more....Have a great trip!!!!

Thank you and have a wonderful tripWe leave on the 25th

 

[dimimi]

I would suggest asking the person you are renting from...then you won't duplicate items.

 

[englishteacha]

The condo we've stayed at had very few consumables. We even had to buy our own toilet paper once because there was only one roll! But the weekly rate was so low, we can't really complain. Check with the owner/manager. I now know to bring laundry detergent, dish soap, ziplocks, etc.

 

[kirstenb1]

some rentals, you need to bring your own sheets/towels, so I'd double check. Otherwise, I'd plan on paper towels, t/p, ziplocs, tin foil, soap, dish soap, trash bags. I hope you enjoy your stay, we're 90 minutes from Williamsburg, and love it.

 

[McKelly]

We just got back from Kingsgate (Williamsburg) and there were two packages of laundry detergent, a couple trash bags and enough dishwasher detergent for a couple loads. There was also a couple rolls of toilet paper and there was a roll of paper towel. I did bring extra of all of these items though because it wouldn't be enough for my family for an entire week. Plus I am particular about the brands I use.

My view of it was, they give you enough to start out, so you are not in a bind right when you get there. After that, you are on your own for supplies.

Kingsgate also provided small bottles of lotion and shampoo, sheets and towels were also provided.

One thing I wish I would have brought, tin foil and/or baggies. They didn't have those and I could have used some. They did have a tiny salt and pepper though, my kids thought it was "cute".

Have fun. It is a beautiful area and we had a great time! (Except for the crazy drivers on Hwy 64, the road between Richmond and Williamsburg - OMG - bumper to bumper, no shoulder and FAST - definitely not used to that!)

 

[torinsmom]

First of all, I would ask the owner to see what items are provided. The condo we stayed in last summer didn't even have a hair dryer!

We usually bring:

liquid soap for the bathrooms and kitchen, toilet paper, paper towels, dish detergent and dishwasher tabs, laundry detergent sheets, bar soap, shampoo, ziplocs, garbage bags, salt and pepper(if I plan on cooking)

 

[auger]

LOL!!! You wouldn't want to see my list!!! The whole back-end of the van is filled with the stuff I take along!! Things like groceries, elec griddle, waffle iron, pots/pans, kitchen utensils, towels, pillows, cleaning supplies,toilet paper, paper towels, ziplocs, tin foil, tissues, toiletries, DVD's (sometimes even the DVD player!! LOL!!)... and the list goes on and on!!

Seriously, though, we have found each place is different in what they supply.
We have learned to make a list of the things we need, then call the owner/resort and ask what is supplied. Then we know what to expect when we arrive.

 

[irishsharon]

LOL!!! You wouldn't want to see my list!!! The whole back-end of the van is filled with the stuff I take along!! Things like groceries, elec griddle, waffle iron, pots/pans, kitchen utensils, towels, pillows, cleaning supplies,toilet paper, paper towels, ziplocs, tin foil, tissues, toiletries, DVD's (sometimes even the DVD player!! LOL!!)... and the list goes on and on!!

Seriously, though, we have found each place is different in what they supply.
We have learned to make a list of the things we need, then call the owner/resort and ask what is supplied. Then we know what to expect when we arrive.

I know linens are provided but will bring beach towels.My dh will bring his favorite frying pan(ahh breakfast in bed)I think I will pack the iteams everyone suggested in a big storage container I did notice you didn't have the kitchen sink on your list

 

[shoney]

I know linens are provided but will bring beach towels.My dh will bring his favorite frying pan(ahh breakfast in bed)I think I will pack the iteams everyone suggested in a big storage container I did notice you didn't have the kitchen sink on your list

We use those big plastic storage containers for everything for our "driving timeshare vacations".

We dedicate 1 to:
household
outdoor (pool towels, pool toys, balls, frisbee, etc)
kids clothes go in 1
one for my clothes
one for dh's

They are easy to stack in the mini van and make loading and unloading much easier!

My parents join us, so they bring the food/drinks.

Also, if you aren't used to these types of vacations, there is usually no maid service. Some, like the Hiltons, did have a mid-week cleaning. We think of it as an extra perk and do not go there expecting it.
They don't take out garbage. That is DH's job...find dumpster and remove garbage!

These are common complaints of timesharing! we just got used to it.

 

[shoney]

OK, I'm still packing and thought of more:

coffee filters! Usually need the standard Mr. Coffee shape!

I pack a little tupperware of sugar so we don't have to buy any. DH takes sugar in his coffee.

Insulated mugs for "beverages" by the pool!

 

[irishsharon]

OK, I'm still packing and thought of more:

coffee filters! Usually need the standard Mr. Coffee shape!

I pack a little tupperware of sugar so we don't have to buy any. DH takes sugar in his coffee.

Insulated mugs for "beverages" by the pool!

Great tips especially the insulated mugs

 

[auger]

I know linens are provided but will bring beach towels.My dh will bring his favorite frying pan(ahh breakfast in bed)I think I will pack the iteams everyone suggested in a big storage container I did notice you didn't have the kitchen sink on your list

LOL!! I bring everything but the kitchen sink!!!

DH thinks like me! I take those pots/pans because I want the ones I love to cook with. You never know what quality you may find at the rental.

I always use totes to pack my things, also. Kitchenware in one, linens in another, food, cleaning supplies, etc.
They stack so nicely in the van, and other luggage fits on/around them perfectly.

We are fortunate for our upcoming trip. Our owner has a lot of the items I usually have to take. He even went out and purchased a couple of the smaller things I asked about; things he'd just never given thought to.
I have been able to cut back by one full tote already.

Like I said, give a call to whomever you're renting from. Ask what is provided and then pack accordingly.

Have a great time!!

 

[IluvKingLouis]

Someone mentioned bringing some of your spices/seasonings if you like to cook. I read a great suggestion somewhere to use those little 7 day pill boxes you can pick up at the drugstore for sorting out your spices. Most drugstores sell them for a buck...some give them away.

 

[disneybirds]

Sounds like you are getting some good advice. Many times I wished I had brought one good knife. Sometimes the knives are terrible in a condo.

 

[irishsharon]

Someone mentioned bringing some of your spices/seasonings if you like to cook. I read a great suggestion somewhere to use those little 7 day pill boxes you can pick up at the drugstore for sorting out your spices. Most drugstores sell them for a buck...some give them away.

Wonderful tip

 

[irishsharon]

Sounds like you are getting some good advice. Many times I wished I had brought one good knife. Sometimes the knives are terrible in a condo.

Great idea,another iteam for the box

 

[ilovemonk]

Hi! There is a Walmart, Target, Dollar Tree, Kmart, and other discount stores in the area. If you forget to bring something, there will be ways to get them. Have fun!