Oh No, House Guests Are Coming! 10 Tips To Prepare Your Home
The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and food – but it can also be a time for stress. For example, if you’re hosting house guests this year, you might feel the pressure to ensure everything is perfect.
Relax!
With a bit of planning, you can ensure your home is ready for visitors without losing your mind.
Here are ten tips to help get you started:
1. Make A List
An organized to-do list is key to preparing for your guest’s arrival.
Begin by thinking through the essential items that you will need to get your home ready before they arrive – this could include things like vacuuming, making sure extra towels and bedding are available, stocking up the pantry, reading up on local attractions and nearby restaurants, and getting those pesky little dust bunnies out from under the bed. It may seem tedious, but checking off these items can help ensure you’re prepared for your house guest’s stay.
When creating your checklist, have some fun with it! Add quirky items such as “call Dad about his favorite murder mystery novel” or “be sure to recommend at least one amazing local food place.” Wishing your overnight house guests a warm welcome starts with strategic preparation – a checklist helps ease into hospitality mode without breaking a sweat!
2. Schedule The Necessary Time To Prepare Your Home
Nobody likes to be rushed – especially when it comes to cleaning and preparing your home for house guests. So make sure you plan ahead and schedule the necessary time to get everything done without feeling pressured or overworked.
This could mean a few hours on Saturday morning dedicated solely to house cleaning or maybe just an hour in the afternoon to dust and vacuum. Whatever you decide, make sure it fits your schedule – this way when it comes time to welcome your house guests, you’ll have plenty of energy for the task without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Stock Up On Supplies
No one likes being caught off guard in the middle of the night without extra blankets or towels! Make sure to stock up on items like toilet paper, tissues, and other necessary supplies days before your house guests arrive.
It’s also a good idea to have plenty of extra food available in case you run out of something essential for breakfast or dinner. A few loaves of bread, cereal and milk, eggs, and snacks like nuts or crackers can help your house guests feel welcome and cared for.
HOT TIP: Consider leaving a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter to encourage healthy gnashing between meals.
4. Create A Welcome Packet
A welcome packet is a great way to personalize the experience for your house guests. Include items such as a welcome letter, local city maps, attractions, restaurant brochures, your Wi-Fi password, emergency numbers, bottled water, and anything else you think your overnight visitors might need during their stay.
You can also consider adding a few small personalized touches to make them feel extra special – from a scented candle in the guest bedroom to a homemade treat in the kitchen. It’s all about making them feel at home!
5. Clean And Declutter Your Home
One of the most essential steps for preparing for house guests is to clean and declutter your home. This includes taking out the trash, washing the dishes, sweeping and mopping the floors, and dusting all visible surfaces.
You may also want to consider rearranging furniture or reorganizing closets to create a more spacious atmosphere – this can help make your house feel less cluttered and give your visitors plenty of room to move around without feeling cramped.
HOT TIP: To leave a space smelling fresh after you vacuum it, place a few drops of your favorite essential oil (such as lavender or peppermint) near the vent where the air is released. The air warms the oil and blows it into the room.
6. Set Up Your Guest Room With Extra Beds And Blankets
Depending on how many house guests you expect, you may need additional beds or sleeping arrangements for their stay. Now’s the time to set these up in advance – add extra pillows and blankets to ensure your guests feel comfortable during their visit!
HOT TIP: Short on beds? Consider having an air mattress (or two) on hand to create an instant guest bed on demand.
HOT TIP: To revive wilted flowers in a vase, add a teaspoon of mild detergent.
7. Adequately Stock The Kitchen
Having the necessary supplies in your kitchen can make all the difference when it comes to hosting house guests. Ensure you have enough dishes, cups, bowls, and utensils for everyone staying over and some essential ingredients like oil, salt, and pepper.
It would be best to consider having a few non-perishable goods available in case your house guests get hungry after hours – think granola bars, chips, or popcorn – so they don’t go to bed on an empty stomach.
HOT TIP: In a rush for a centerpiece, take a large clear vase and fill it with lemons, it gives off a great fragrance, and they can be reused for water or lemonade.
8. Make Sure Your House Is Well Lit And Ventilated
It’s important to ensure that your home is adequately lit, inside and out, for your house guests. Check all the light fixtures and replace any burnt-out bulbs before their arrival.
Install a few strategically placed nightlights for those middle-of-the-night food cravings or bathroom visits.
You may also consider using natural light or candles to create a cozy atmosphere during their stay.
HOT TIP: To make your candles last longer, cover them in a plastic bag and place them in the freezer for 24 hours before lighting.
If your house guest will stay with you for an extended period, make sure that your home is well-ventilated with good air circulation. Open windows when possible, run fans and keep air filters clean to maintain fresh air in the house.
9. Provide Ample Bathroom Space
When preparing for house guests, don’t forget about bathroom space! Ensure that each person has enough bathroom counter, shelf space, and extra toilet paper and towels.
You may also want to consider adding a few amenities, like a basket of extra toiletries and fragrant soaps, in case your guests forget theirs. This will make them feel right at home!
If you can dedicate a bathroom to serve as a guest bathroom during their stay with you even better – this provides an even more sense of comfort and privacy for your overnight guests during their stay.
10. Show Your House Guests Around
Once your house guests arrive, one of the first things you should do is give them a tour of the house, so they know where everything is located. Show them how to use special appliances or lighting systems, and point out common areas such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and other living spaces.
If you have pet-related rules or regulations, now’s the time to let your visitors know so that everyone can enjoy their stay safely.
Wrapping Up 10 Tips To Prepare Your Home For House Guests
These ten tips are essential for preparing your home for house guests – from providing essential amenities to ensuring your house is well-lit and ventilated. Following these great tips can help create a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere for your overnight visitors!
Congratulations on taking the first step in preparing for your house guests – now all that’s left to do is enjoy their company! Have a fantastic time hosting your visitors and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Happy hosting!
Want Some Help Preparing Your Home For Overnight Guests?
While we can’t help you with everything on this list, we certainly can help you make your home sparkle! Don’t hesitate to request a free house cleaning estimate from our team today!
