What you need for an Open Sustainable Homes Route

An Open Sustainable Homes Route needs more than refreshments and a welcome desk. Visitors move between several homes, so clear maps, visible route arrows, name badges and reliable communication equipment matter just as much. Plan supplies for the information desk, volunteer team and participating households separately. This checklist covers the items to buy or bring, including reusable tableware, hot-drink equipment, printing supplies and power accessories.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 3
Coat rack
Waste binsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Coffee mugsqty 80
Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Serving traysqty 8
Pouring jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 3
Storage binsqty 12

Equipment

Laptop
Tabletqty 2
Printer
Mobile phoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Charging cablesqty 6
Handheld megaphone

Decorations

Welcome banner
Information boardsqty 8
Route arrowsqty 30
Name badgesqty 40
Tableclothsqty 8

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 8
LED string lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Dish brushesqty 3
Reusable glovesqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
First aid kit

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Lemonade - 4 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 20 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 6 kilos
- Bananas - 5 kilo
- Wholegrain crackers - 8 packs
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Unsalted nuts - 2 kilos
- Raisins - 1 kilo
- Olives - 4 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Plan one information pack and one route map per registered visitor, plus at least 10% extra for walk-ins, replacements and last-minute changes. Print the final version only after the participating homes and route order are confirmed.
For a four-hour route, prepare roughly two hot drinks per visitor if refreshments are offered. Use reusable cups and coffee mugs, and bring at least 10% more than your expected attendance so washing or misplaced items does not stop service.
Allow one name badge for every homeowner, volunteer and organiser, plus 10 spare badges. Keep marker pens with the badges; they are easy to forget and needed when a replacement volunteer arrives.
Take at least two extension cords, two power strips and the correct charging cables for every laptop, tablet and phone used at the desk. Test the equipment before opening rather than discovering a missing adapter during registration.
Place route arrows at every turn and repeat them after long stretches without a landmark. Bring spare signs, tape or another fixing method, and one information board for the welcome point so visitors do not need to ask for basic directions.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for an Open Sustainable Homes Route?: Buy or bring reusable cups, coffee mugs, plates and cutlery, serving trays, pouring jugs, thermos flasks, kettles, coolers, storage bins, waste bins and printing supplies. You will also need route maps, information boards, arrows, name badges and working power accessories for the information desk.
How many cups do I need for an Open Sustainable Homes Route?: Allow one reusable cup or mug per expected visitor for a serving round, plus 10% spare. If refreshments run for about four hours and you cannot wash items during the event, plan two cups or mugs per visitor.
How many route maps should I print?: Print one route map per registered visitor, plus 10% extra for walk-ins and damaged copies. Keep a small reserve at the information desk rather than distributing every copy before the route starts.
When should I buy supplies for the route?: Check the shopping list at least 7 days before the event and complete the main shopping 3 to 5 days beforehand. Confirm participating homes, visitor numbers and route details before printing maps, signs and visitor information.

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