Fail-safe Ways to Easily Prepare Your Home for Guests
Having friends to stay? Check out these simple steps for a stress-free visit
Do you only have a little time before your guests arrive? Then check these seven must-dos off your list so you can be sure you haven’t forgotten something in the mad rush to get ready. And if you do find yourself with a bit of extra time, take a look at the bonus checklist of nice extras you can add to the guest bedroom and bathroom, so your guests’ stay is even sweeter.
Make the guest bed
Put crisp, clean sheets on the spare bed and set out a stack of extra blankets and pillows. While you’re there, take a moment to tidy up and remove any items that belong elsewhere.
Check lighting and privacy
Change the lightbulbs in the bedside lamps if you need to, and make sure the windows have coverings.
Read these smart tips on caring for your bed linen
Put crisp, clean sheets on the spare bed and set out a stack of extra blankets and pillows. While you’re there, take a moment to tidy up and remove any items that belong elsewhere.
Check lighting and privacy
Change the lightbulbs in the bedside lamps if you need to, and make sure the windows have coverings.
Read these smart tips on caring for your bed linen
Clean and restock the bathroom
While most guests couldn’t care less about a little dust under the furniture, the bathroom is one place where it’s essential to spend a little extra time cleaning.
Clean the sink, mirrors, loo, shower and bath, and mop the floor. Take out the rubbish, supply a fresh bar of soap or refill the soap dispenser, and set out new rolls of toilet paper and plenty of towels.
While most guests couldn’t care less about a little dust under the furniture, the bathroom is one place where it’s essential to spend a little extra time cleaning.
Clean the sink, mirrors, loo, shower and bath, and mop the floor. Take out the rubbish, supply a fresh bar of soap or refill the soap dispenser, and set out new rolls of toilet paper and plenty of towels.
Get your house info together
If you plan to lend your guest a key, be sure to put it on a keyring that’s easy to distinguish from your guest’s own keys. Write down your Wi-Fi password, emergency numbers and any household instructions on a card – and keep a copy on your computer so you can find it easily the next time a guest comes to stay.
If you plan to lend your guest a key, be sure to put it on a keyring that’s easy to distinguish from your guest’s own keys. Write down your Wi-Fi password, emergency numbers and any household instructions on a card – and keep a copy on your computer so you can find it easily the next time a guest comes to stay.
Stock up on morning essentials
Most people are creatures of habit in the mornings and like to have their ‘usual’ routine. Ask ahead what sort of hot drink or breakfast your guests would prefer, and put tea and coffee-making supplies and food (fresh fruit, muesli) together in one easy-to-access spot on the kitchen worktop.
Show it to your guests when you’re giving them a tour of the house, and they can help themselves in the morning without having to wait for you.
Most people are creatures of habit in the mornings and like to have their ‘usual’ routine. Ask ahead what sort of hot drink or breakfast your guests would prefer, and put tea and coffee-making supplies and food (fresh fruit, muesli) together in one easy-to-access spot on the kitchen worktop.
Show it to your guests when you’re giving them a tour of the house, and they can help themselves in the morning without having to wait for you.
Childproof your space
Got a friend with young children coming to stay? As the parent, your friend will need to be responsible for keeping an eye on their children, but there are a few things you can do to smooth the way and make things easier for everyone.
To prepare for toddlers and young children, move fragile items onto higher shelves, store medicine in a secure cabinet and lock cupboards or rooms that you don’t want the kids getting into. If you don’t mind spending a little on supplies, pick up a packet of plug socket covers and use them to fill any unused sockets.
Want a family-friendly bathroom? Do these easy tweaks and touches
Got a friend with young children coming to stay? As the parent, your friend will need to be responsible for keeping an eye on their children, but there are a few things you can do to smooth the way and make things easier for everyone.
To prepare for toddlers and young children, move fragile items onto higher shelves, store medicine in a secure cabinet and lock cupboards or rooms that you don’t want the kids getting into. If you don’t mind spending a little on supplies, pick up a packet of plug socket covers and use them to fill any unused sockets.
Want a family-friendly bathroom? Do these easy tweaks and touches
Have time to do more?
Nice extras for the bathroom:
Nice extras for the bathroom:
- Small basket of sample-size toiletries
- Fresh flowers
- Bathrobe
- Spare toothbrush (a new one still in the packet)
- Hook for hanging a toiletries bag
Nice extras for the guest room:
TELL US…
Do you have any essential tips when preparing for guests? Share them in the Comments below.
- Jug of water
- Fresh flowers
- Hairdryer
- Scented candle and matches
- Pile of interesting books
- Extension lead with sockets to plug in a laptop
- Grab-and-go snack items: chocolate, cereal bars, nuts
TELL US…
Do you have any essential tips when preparing for guests? Share them in the Comments below.
Your home doesn’t need to be perfect – just spend a few minutes gathering any stray items and putting them back where they belong. Sort through your post, take out the rubbish and recycling, and wipe down surfaces.