Planning Your Cape May Vacation

Here is the "Rental House Reality" checklist to make sure you don't arrive to a naked bed or a kitchen you can't use.

1. The "Big Three" (Often NOT included)

In Cape May, many traditional vacation rentals follow an old-school rule: They do not provide linens.

• Bed Sheets & Pillowcases: Check your lease! If they aren't provided, you’ll need to bring your own or use a local service like Linen Ladies or Shoreline Linens.
• Bath Towels: Most rentals expect you to bring your own.
• Beach Towels: Even high-end rentals rarely provide these; definitely pack a set for the family.

2. The "First Night" Survival Kit

Most rentals provide a "starter set" of paper products, but it usually only lasts 24 hours. Pack these so you don't have to run to the Acme immediately:

• Paper Goods: A few extra rolls of TP and paper towels.
• Trash Bags: Especially the large 13-gallon kitchen bags.
• Dish Soap & Sponge: You’d be surprised how many houses have a dishwasher but no soap to run it.
• Laundry Pods: If your rental has a washer/dryer, you'll want to wash those sandy towels mid-week.

3. Kitchen & Pantry Basics

Cape May rentals usually have "empty" cabinets. Unless you want to buy full-sized versions of everything at the store, bring small containers of:

• Salt, Pepper, and Olive Oil: The holy trinity of vacation cooking.
• Coffee & Filters: Check if the house has a Keurig or a standard drip machine beforehand.
• Ziploc Bags & Foil: Essential for packing sandwiches for the beach or saving leftover pizza from Mario’s.
• Take advantage of grocery ordering: ShopRite of Rio Grande has a great online ordering feature so you can have groceries ready for pickup or even better, delivery!

4. Outdoor & Beach Logistics

• Beach Chairs & Umbrellas: Some rentals provide these in a "beach box" or garage, but many do not. If you’re driving, bring your favorites. Or consider renting from Steger’s.
• Beach Wagon: If your vacation rental is more than two blocks from the sand, a wagon is a life-saver for hauling the kids' gear.
• Door Mat / Small Rug: If the rental doesn't have a good one, a cheap mat for the entry helps keep that fine Cape May sand out of your beds.

5. Electronics & Comfort

• Extension Cords / Power Strips: Many historic Cape May homes have outlets in weird places (or only one per room).
• Portable Fans: Older Victorian rentals can have "character" (read: uneven AC airflow). A small fan can keep a bedroom much more comfortable.