We’ve all been there: the moment when you realize that you have guests coming over and your house looks like a hurricane just swept through. It’s easy to panic and start frantically cleaning every corner of your house, but with a solid plan and a few tips up your sleeve, you can prepare your home for guests without the stress. Here are the top 11 things that I always do before guests arrive. These tried-and-true tactics will not only make your home inviting, but will also leave you with enough time to actually enjoy your company!
1. Get a fresh perspective
Before launching into full-on cleaning mode, take a moment to walk through your home as if you were a guest. Experiencing your space from a visitor’s perspective can help you identify problem areas and prioritize your cleaning and organizing tasks.
For example, as a homeowner, you might not notice the pile of shoes by the door or the clutter on the kitchen counter. But these small details can make a big difference in how welcoming your home feels to guests. By taking the time to see your space through fresh eyes, you can ensure you’re addressing the most important tasks first.
2. Declutter common areas
Your living room, kitchen, and bathroom are likely the places your guests will spend the most time. Start by decluttering these areas. Remove any unnecessary items and make sure everything has its place.
This doesn’t mean you need to hide every personal item. Instead, aim for a balance between lived-in and clean. Your guests will appreciate the effort you’ve put into creating a comfortable and clutter-free environment for their visit.
3. Deep clean the bathroom
There’s nothing more off-putting than a dirty bathroom. Give your bathroom a thorough deep clean, paying special attention to the toilet, sink, and mirrors. Don’t forget to restock toilet paper and hand soap.
While it’s important to keep your entire home clean for guests, the bathroom is one space where cleanliness matters most. Make sure to give it extra attention and ensure it’s spotless and stocked with essentials.
4. Refresh guest bedrooms
If your guests are staying the night, make sure their sleeping quarters are comfortable and inviting. Change the bed linens, fluff the pillows, and make sure there are enough blankets.
Also, consider the little things that create a welcoming environment: a bedside lamp, a stack of interesting books, a carafe of water, or even a vase of fresh flowers. These thoughtful details can make your guests feel right at home.
5. Stock up on essentials
Ensure your home is stocked with all the essentials your guests might need. This could include things like extra towels, toiletries, and even commonly forgotten items like phone chargers and toothbrushes.
Remember, your guests may not feel comfortable asking for these things, so it’s best to have them readily available. It’s these little details that can really make your guests feel cared for and welcome.
6. Plan the menu
If you’ll be serving meals, plan your menu ahead of time. Try to choose dishes that can be prepared in advance so you’re not stuck in the kitchen while your guests are there.
Don’t forget to ask your guests about any dietary restrictions or preferences. By taking their needs into account, you show your guests that you’ve put thought into their comfort and enjoyment.
7. Tidy up the entrance
First impressions matter, and your entrance is the first thing your guests see. Make sure it’s clean, tidy, and welcoming. This could involve sweeping the porch, cleaning the front door, or even adding a welcoming touch like a wreath or a door mat.
Remember, your entrance sets the tone for the rest of your home, so make sure it’s inviting and gives a positive first impression.
8. Create a cozy atmosphere
Simple touches like lighting candles, playing soft music, or setting out fresh flowers can make your home feel cozy and welcoming. Think about the senses and create an environment that’s not only visually appealing, but also smells good and sounds pleasant.
Creating a warm and cozy atmosphere can make your guests feel relaxed and comfortable, adding to the overall enjoyment of their visit.
9. Prepare a welcome basket
If your guests are staying overnight, consider preparing a small welcome basket for them. This could include travel-sized toiletries, snacks, bottled water, and a note with the Wi-Fi password.
A welcome basket shows that you’ve put thought and effort into your guests’ comfort. It’s a small gesture that can have a big impact on how welcome and cared for your guests feel.
10. Do a final walkthrough
Just before your guests arrive, do a final walkthrough of your home. Check each room for any last-minute cleaning that may need to be done, or any personal items that may need to be tucked away.
This final check can give you peace of mind, knowing that your home is as clean and welcoming as possible. Plus, it gives you a chance to catch any details you may have missed in your initial cleaning and organizing.
11. Relax and enjoy!
Finally, remember to relax and enjoy your guests’ visit. After all, the most important thing is not how spotless your home is, but the quality time you spend with your loved ones.
By preparing your home in advance and taking care of the details, you can ensure that you’re able to fully enjoy your guests’ company, rather than worrying about whether your home is clean enough. So take a deep breath, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy the company of your guests. You’ve earned it!
