Find a place for wet coats before you need one
A little planning for damp coats prevents the sitting room from becoming an improvised drying rack.
Find the intended space
On arrival, look for the porch, utility room, hooks or airer described in the cottage information. Ask if the appropriate place is unclear. A tiled entrance may be intended for boots, while a wooden floor or upholstered chair may not tolerate wet items.
Check where water can drip without damaging surfaces or making a slippery route. Use the supplied tray or other approved arrangement, and keep doorways clear. The best drying location is one people can still move around safely.
Do not assume every radiator can be covered. Follow the property's instructions, keep items away from stoves and other heat sources, and use designated drying equipment as intended.
Separate the different items
Take muddy footwear off in the agreed area and deal with obvious water or dirt promptly. Hang coats with some space between them where possible. A crowded bundle stays inconveniently damp and is harder to handle.
Keep clean clothing separate from wet outdoor kit. If the cottage is small, a reusable bag can contain muddy items temporarily during transport, but do not leave damp things sealed longer than appropriate for their care instructions.
For several guests, assign a simple place to each person's footwear so that the entrance does not become a pile of similar boots.
Plan for the next morning
Check the weather and choose which items genuinely need washing during the stay. Washing everything at once is unhelpful if there is nowhere suitable to dry it.
If the supplied arrangement does not meet the group's needs, ask the manager about an alternative rather than moving furniture or improvising beside appliances. A local service may be an option, but verify it before relying on it.
Before departure, look behind doors and under benches for the coat or pair of shoes put aside to dry. These are exactly the items that can remain out of sight once the rest of the luggage is packed.