5 Mistakes to Avoid When Renting a Bounce House for the First Time
So, you’re planning a party—and for the first time, you’re thinking of renting a bounce house. Smart move. Bounce houses are crowd-pleasers, kid magnets, and a great way to burn energy without screens. But like anything in party planning, there’s a learning curve. If you’re not prepared, small details can turn into big problems.
Before you hit “book now,” here are five common bounce house mistakes first-timers make—and exactly how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Not Measuring Your Space
One of the most common bounce house problems? Booking a unit that doesn’t fit your yard. Photos can be deceiving—and bounce houses can be bigger (and taller) than you think. Fences, trees, and uneven ground can all interfere with setup.Before renting, measure the flat, open space you plan to use. Make sure it’s clear of overhanging branches or power lines. Don’t forget to allow at least 5 feet of clearance around the sides for safety and anchoring. A good rental company will list the exact dimensions—but it’s on you to verify your yard can handle it.
Mistake #2: Booking Too Late
This one catches a lot of first-timers off guard. You’d be surprised how quickly bounce houses book up—especially during spring, summer, and holiday weekends. If you wait until the week of your party, your favorite themed bounce house might already be gone.For best results, book your inflatable 3–4 weeks in advance. This gives you better availability, more price flexibility, and peace of mind. Some companies even offer discounts for weekday events or early reservations.
Need help choosing the right inflatable? Read our full Bounce House Rentals Guide for setup, sizing, and safety tips.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Age-Appropriateness
Not all bounce houses are designed for all age groups. Renting the biggest one you can find might seem like the safest bet, but younger kids often struggle with larger slides or steep entrances. On the flip side, putting older kids in a toddler bounce house is a recipe for boredom—or worse, accidental damage.The safest approach is to match the bounce house to the age and size of the children attending. If your party includes a wide range of ages, consider rotating groups or renting a second unit so toddlers and tweens aren’t bouncing at the same time.
For more options by age and size, see available bounce houses.
Mistake #4: Overlooking Delivery & Setup Details
Bounce house delivery issues are surprisingly common—and usually preventable. Some companies offer full-service setup; others drop off the inflatable and leave you with instructions and a blower. If you’re expecting the former and get the latter, your party prep could get stressful.First-time rental tips: Ask ahead of time if setup and takedown are included. Confirm whether they’ll anchor the unit, deliver a sanitizes unit, and handle the power connections. And always make sure an adult is present during delivery.
Not sure what to expect? Explore our bounce house blog for setup tips, safety advice, and parent-approved planning guides.
Mistake #5: Forgetting to Ask the “What If” Questions
Weather, power access, cleaning policies—these are things you don’t want to be Googling the morning of your event. A few key questions can save you major party-day stress:- What happens if it rains?
- Do you provide extension cords?
- Is the unit sanitized before delivery?
- Do you require grass or can it go on concrete?
- What’s the cancellation or rescheduling policy?
These bounce house rental FAQs are important to ask upfront, especially if this is your first time. The more you know, the smoother your party will go.
Final Thoughts: Knowledge Is Your Superpower
Renting a bounce house shouldn’t be stressful—but it can be if you’re unprepared. From last-minute bookings to choosing the wrong size, first-time renters face a lot of avoidable mistakes.
The good news? Now you know better. Plan early, ask questions, measure your space, and match the inflatable to your guest list. And when in doubt, resources like our bounce house rentals guide and blog are always here to help.
Planning a party in Pearland or the surrounding area? Orbit Moonwalks offers a variety of inflatables, along with clear communication and easy setup to keep your event stress-free from start to finish.