Ok, so sure…Bring your bathing suit and golf clubs…But here is a list of a few special things you might want to consider bringing to The Villages if you are here for a few days or renting for a few months.
| Smarter TV Devices | OK, so not every rental house will provide you with all the premium channels and HBO Max. So, a good option is to bring your own Roku or Chromecast stick so you can watch the same stuff as you have at home. You can add apps for Orlando area local channels as well. Just do a search for “WFTV channel 9” or “WESH 2” or “Fox35 Orlando” |
| Calling Cards | Almost everybody in The Villages has a contact card with their e-mail and phone numbers. This is really a valuable tool for renters who meet someone to play golf or sports with. You don’t need to print your Village ID on the card, but a simple way to get in touch helps. Cards are easy to make with blank labels from Avery or get some nice ones printed at vistaprint.com. Or, if you just want to share contact info on your smartphone, well then, paper-based cards aren’t necessary. And, if you’re single, well, you just never know…. |
| Smartphone cradle for golf cart | Since much of your movement around The Villages will be done via a golf cart, you will want a holder that fits onto a golf cart. There are a number of products (e.g. on Amazon.com) that can clamp onto one or more parts of the golf cart frame. Having the smartphone GPS application at hand while you’re driving is really helpful. |
| Plastic footstool | There are a number of small folding footstools that can be very handy for many purposes at a rental property. |
| LED NIghtlights | Renting a “strange” house in The Villages may be a different layout than you’re used to, even a hotel room is pretty predictable at night. So, we pack a couple of LED nightlights so we don’t trip over things in the dark. |
| Water Hat | There are many sports pools in The Villages, and having a hat that you can get wet is a good idea in the water for sun protection. |
| Throw Blankets | You may want to bring a blanket for many reasons. Lap blankets are great while sitting during entertainment at town squares, tailgating at the polo grounds, etc. You can also use it to cover up your possessions in the back of your car during travels. |
| Specialty Clothing and Accessories | Ok, nothing kinky…But, think about the months you will be visiting The Villages. There are many, many fun special events especially during the holidays and the Spring high season. Think about fun dressing for: — Christmas — February (Valentines red) — March (Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s green) — April (spring flowers) — October (Halloween) |
Lucy’s Tip:
If you’re into tennis, pickleball, etc bring your own rackets and balls, but there are nearby sports stores if you don’t BYO. For other sports (e.g. archery or air rifle), The Villages Recreation group has these items available for loan.
Ask Your Landlord (Homeowner)
Most rental homes come “fully furnished”, but there may be some specific things you may want to ask about BEFORE you come to The Villages. Some hints to ask about include:
- Golf Cart: Well, this is obvious, but many homes do NOT come with a golf cart included in their rental agreements. So, ask and then check out the page on golf cart rentals <HERE> and lock down a cart well BEFORE you come to The Villages.
- Computer and printer: Many people bring laptops and you can get a cheap printer locally, but it’s nice if the house includes a printer.
- TV content provider(s): Ask if the house TVs have cable or if you need to bring a laptop/Roku device to stream your favorite content.
- Folding chairs: There are plenty of chairs at the town squares, but if you tailgate at the polo grounds or other outdoor activities, it’s nice to have “tube” folding chairs. These too can be bought locally as needed.
- Grill: Of course, you’re not going to BYO a grill, but it’s nice to know whether or not your rental house includes one.
- Pool noodles: The “sports” pools have these for exercise, but the adult/family pools do not. So, bring some or buy them locally.
- Misc items to ask your rental home owner: Make sure your house has an iron and ironing board, hair dryers, blender and other kitchen appliances you may use, etc. Look around your own house for thoughts of what you might need during your rental period.
Don’t Bother
Here’s a list of things we do NOT think you need to worry about bringing to The Villages
| Golf pull cart | Each of the golf courses (9-hole executive) have pull carts available for a nominal fee. They may not be the fanciest 3-wheel push carts, but they work. |
| Tuxedo | Ok, so there are some “fancier” events held at times of the year, but overall pretty casual (golf attire, snappy casual, etc). Men may want to bring a sportcoat, and ladies will find the opportunity to wear a nice dress, etc…Best to simply watch the many videos posted to YouTube or search photo archives |
