Preparing for guests can feel overwhelming, especially when you want your home to look welcoming and tidy. There’s more to hosting than just cleaning; sometimes, what you choose to remove makes a bigger impact than what you clean or arrange.
Knowing what to toss before company arrives helps you create a comfortable space without unnecessary clutter or distractions. By clearing out certain items, you make your home feel more organized and inviting, setting the right tone for your gathering.
Expired food from the fridge
Before your guests arrive, take a quick look at your fridge for expired items. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are common culprits that go bad quickly and should be tossed.
Check the fresh produce next. Wilted or slimy vegetables and fruits can give a bad impression and affect your fridge’s smell.
Don’t forget leftovers that have been sitting too long. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to throw them out to avoid any risk.
You might also want to inspect condiments and sauces, especially if they’ve been open for months. Freshness here helps keep your fridge inviting.
Old magazines and newspapers
Old magazines and newspapers can quickly pile up and make your space look cluttered.
If you haven’t read them in months, it’s a good idea to recycle or toss most of them.
Keeping a few favorites or important articles is fine, but holding onto stacks usually just takes up space.
Clearing out these papers before company arrives helps your home feel cleaner and more welcoming.
Plus, recycling them gives you more room for the things you really use and enjoy.
Empty or half-used candles
You might have candles burning down to just a little wax left. When the wax is less than half an inch thick, it’s usually time to toss them. They won’t burn well or give off much scent anymore.
Leaving half-used candles around can create a messy look. Plus, they can be tricky to light safely. Once the candle’s near the end, it’s better to clear it out before guests arrive.
If you want, save the jars for other uses like storage or planters. Just clean out any leftover wax first for recycling or reuse.
Used tissues and napkins
You should toss any used tissues and napkins before guests arrive. Although they’re made of paper, used tissues are not suitable for recycling due to their short fibers and contamination from germs.
If you compost, you can put clean napkins or tissues in the compost bin. But if they’ve been used for illness or have food residue, it’s safer to throw them in the trash.
Having fresh, clean napkins ready shows you care about your guests’ comfort. Removing used ones keeps your space tidy and welcoming.
Random junk mail
When guests are on their way, clear out any random junk mail lying around. These papers often pile up quickly and create unnecessary clutter.
You can toss most of it without a second thought, especially coupons you won’t use or bills you pay online. It’s a simple way to tidy your space fast.
If the mail contains sensitive info, shred it instead of just tossing it. This keeps your personal data safe and your home looking neat for visitors.
Cluttered mail pile
You don’t want your mail piling up when guests arrive. A cluttered mail pile can make your space look messy and feel overwhelming.
Set a spot to sort your mail as soon as it comes in. Toss junk mail and flyers right away to keep the pile from growing.
Keeping only important papers prevents stress and helps you stay organized. This simple habit makes a big difference before company drops by.
