How to prepare your house for guests

Having guests over is an unforgettable experience. It guarantees creating beautiful memories and spending a good time. 

But after the initial enthusiasm fades, everyone gets exhausted with the daily rhythms changed. Sharing a space with guests needs careful handling, in order for things not to become hectic. 

Sometimes we have no other choice but let guests stay in our own bedroom during their visit. It is the most sensitive and stressful scenario to deal with, especially when guests are staying for more than a couple of days.

Even if this is not the case, and you have plenty of room to accommodate guests, a little preparation is requested to ensure things will run smoothly for everyone sharing the space.

Here are some tips for each are of your home. You might want to save them for every time you need to make your life easier with guests at home and ensure they feel welcomed.

For the bedroom

• Gather every single item you use daily and put them in a tray, basket or box. Consider skincare, toiletries, make up, tools and everything you will need to use for the following days, from morning to night. Put it in the bathroom or hallway, so you can access it any time, without having to bother your guests.
• Make a list of a few outfits you can wear for the following days, considering all the activities you will go through. Then write down everything you will need for each outfit, including undergarments and accessories. This way, you can grab everything you need from your bedroom in one minute, without forgetting anything.

• Make the bed before they arrive, so you have one less thing to do and they won’t feel the need to apologize for taking your bed.

• Bring out an extra layer like a blanket or throw in case it gets cold through the night and let the guests know where it is.

• Take a look around the room. Take everything personal out of sight. Anything that you wouldn’t feel comfortable with others seeing/touching should be put away. The same goes for fragile objects or valuable items you don’t want to risk being broken or lost. Money falls in the same category, to avoid unpleasant situations.

• Prepare a tray or basket to leave in the bedroom, with everything they might need. Water, snacks, mini toiletries, feminine hygiene items, magazines, notepad + pen, TV/AC remote are a few to consider.

• Make duplicates of personal items like pajamas, socks, slippers ready for guests. If you know they might ask to borrow your clothes, gather a few items you don’t mind sharing and keep them separately before their arrival.

• Think of how to tuck away luggage. A stool or chair to place it on is a simple idea. They can also be put under the bed or table. Having a space ready will prevent people leaving it on the floor for convenience and you messing with it on every move.

• Leave one air freshener spray in the bedroom and one in the toilet. Too much information here, but no one wants to deal with awkward situations that happen all the time.

• For longer staying guests, you might want to open up a shelf or a closet section for their clothes.
  
  

 For the bathroom

• Stock up a few extra soaps, body sponges/loofah and toilet paper in the bathroom before guests arrive. Trust me, you will forget to put new ones at least once during their stay.
• Ask guests if they need a toothbrush or anything you wouldn’t be okay with them using. This might seem a little paranoiac, but you never know other people behaviors and logic of doing things.

• Give guests a personal set of towels, so you don’t have a ton of laundry to do.
  
  

 For the kitchen

• Have some meals planned, so you know what you need to buy. When I am stressed, I can’t think clearly and the last thing I need to worry about is food.
• If you’re having more than one guest over, feel free to use single use (but biodegradable) cutlery to avoid mess and doing dishes all day long.

• When you plan on eating in for every meal, make sure to have a few extra options for breakfast, drinks and fruit. Three is a good number that always works for me.
• Leave out fruit and snacks, so anyone can grab anytime, without having to ask. 

  General tips

• Have a designated place for shoes and coats that take up so much space. If you don’t have any corner available, stick some hooks behind doors.
• Leave leaflets with current events happening in the city, restaurant and take out menus on a table. Guests can entertain themselves when you’re at work or running errands.

• Write down instructions for all things that need special operations at home. Consider things like where to find or leave the keys, internet password, how to open/lock things, any defective appliances, security codes, etc. Might seem like an excessive step, but it will be a relief not having to repeat the same things over and over. Also, your guests won’t feel awkward about having to ask a hundred questions.

• Don’t wait for guests to decide on your schedule during their stay. Ask from the beginning what their plans are is and if they need you to ride or accompany them anywhere. Then let them know your schedule, making it clear when you can spend time together or go out. This way you’re not tied to your guests 24 hours per day and you won’t end up exhausted. You will need some time off even from the dearest ones.

 ~ Love, Lisa ~