How to Prepare for House Guests

You love having your friends and family visit, but getting the house ready is a ton of work. You'll need to strip the beds, scrub the bath and put out a welcome mat--and that's all before they arrive. There are ways to make it easier on yourself, though--in fact, you may actually hate to see them go.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Get ready ahead of time so your guests feel welcome instead of in the way. Clean the house and clear the clutter from your guest room (see 37 Conquer Clutter). Fresh flowers, candles and chocolates are all thoughtful, welcoming touches.
2. Make an extra set of house keys for your guests so they can come and go as they please. Not only is this a generous gesture, but it will free you up.
3. Buy an inflatable air mattress to supplement sleepovers. They're inexpensive, comfortable and can be re-inflated at the touch of a button. Well before guests arrive, inflate the mattress outside and let the smell leach out. Lie down and check for leaks.
4. Place a basket of sample-size shampoos, soaps and lotions near a stack of fresh towels for guests' convenience.
5. Set up a small television (with headphones) in the guest room in the event that your guests have trouble sleeping or wake much earlier than the rest of the household. Include some books and magazines.
6. Draw up a map of your neighborhood and environs, pointing out points of interest. Purchase a guidebook and flag any special places or activities your guests would be interested in.
7. Provide a surface or suitcase rack where guests can open their luggage so they don't have to spread out their belongings all over the floor. Clear out part of the closet and provide hangers.
8. Give guests the grand tour. Point out where glasses, dishes and silverware are kept, as well as tea, coffee, cereal and doughnuts. Encourage early risers to help themselves.
9. Put the coffeemaker on a timer to start up in the morning, or get it ready to go with a flip of the switch (see 17 Streamline Your Morning Routine).
10. Let guests know what to expect as far as household schedules are concerned. Clarify when people get up and go to bed, and mention any special events that are in the works to minimize miscommunications. See 68 Set Up a Bathroom Schedule.

Tips & Warnings

• Make your guests as selfreliant as possible. They'll appreciate the freedom and you will, too.
• Fill in guests on the rules or procedures of the house-- for instance, they need to be careful when opening the door not to let kitty escape.
• If you can't comfortably host guests in your house for whatever reason, offer to help make them reservations at a nearby hotel.

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