Prepare Your Home for Guests

Whether you’re expecting house guests this holiday season or in the new year, the stress of preparing your home for out-of-town visitors can be overwhelming. While there is no simple solution that takes the work out of having guests, having a plan of action can simplify the process and ensure that your company has relaxing and enjoyable stay.

1. Focus on Key Areas: Don’t pressure yourself to deep clean your entire house. Main areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, guestroom, and shared living spaces should take priority while areas like closets, basements, and even your own bedroom can probably get by with a light cleaning.

2. Clear Out Space: If your guests will be staying for more than one night they will appreciate dedicated space for their clothes, luggage, and bathroom essentials.

3. Stock-Up on Favorites: Contact your guests prior to arrival and ask what some of their favorite foods and drinks are (and if they have any allergies). Snacks and breakfast foods that they can help themselves to will especially be useful.

4. Provide Back-Up Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soaps, comb, and a hair-dryer are just some of the items you may want to keep on hand in case they were forgotten by your guest.

5. Offer Extra Comfort: Layout extra pillows and blankets if your guests need extra comfort in the night.

6. Make Necessities Easy to Find: Show your guests where you store the extra towels, toilet paper, dishware, coffee, and any other necessities they may need.

7. Stock the Nightstand: Tissues, a bottle of water, and light reading material are a few examples of items to leave bedside for your guests.

8. Add Extra Lighting: Since your guests may have difficulty navigating your home in the dark, add nighlights to your hallways and bathrooms.

9. Write Down the WiFi Password: Sounds simple – but it will probably be the most helpful piece of information you can provide them.

10. Don’t Stress the Small Stuff: Though it’s nice to create a welcoming environment for your guests, remember that everything doesn’t have to be perfect. Your friends are here to spend time with you – and will often appreciate your attention more than your attention to detail.