How to Prepare to Be a Houseguest

Making a list and checking it twice takes on new meaning when you're preparing to be a guest. Do you have everything you'll need, plus that gift?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cosmetic Bags
• Luggage Sets
• Nice Men's Bathrobes
• Nice Women's Bathrobes
• Travel Kits
• Bath Towels

1. Give some thought to your prospective locale: beach house, chalet, tent, townhouse?

2. Gather everything you may need, from antifreeze for the SUV to zebra repellent. It's not a good idea to expect to borrow anything - not toothpaste, not bathing suits and not that fabulously expensive camera.

3. Check out your luggage from a critical stranger's perspective. Make sure it closes correctly, holds all your goods and meets room restrictions.

4. Make a list of everything you bring so it will all come home with you.

5. Do a little research about your hosts. If they're early risers, maybe you need an alarm clock. If they love to hike, bring your boots; consider a pack of cards for the poker lovers.

6. Bring a gift. Wine glasses and wine, books, coasters, an ice bucket - whatever can be transported and whatever will surely be appreciated.

7. Note that the gift may reflect the length of stay. A month in Italy might call for a hand-knitted throw rug instead of a box of stationery, which is fine for a weekend visit.

8. Put into place solid child care, pet care, elderly care and so forth. Have reserve plans in mind just in case.

9. Stop your newspaper, mail and whatever else might make your house look vulnerable in your absence.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring along enough clothing, in a range of categories, so that you can easily and comfortably go along with your hosts' varied plans. For example, think about dressier clothes, snow outfits, extra socks, etc.
• If you have a special skill - you're a photographer, watercolorist, musician or juggler - consider bringing your tools and sharing your talents.
• Plan to be flexible about schedules and routines.
• If you have any food allergies, tell your host in advance.
• Don't ask to bring your children or your pets when you're going to be someone's houseguest. Assume they're not invited unless you're told otherwise.

[Diablo2]

on 8/25/2007 you're right Tameka, probably one of the biggest things some people don't know is WHEN to call it a day; I can always see it in someone's eyes and general behavior when they want to be left alone already.

Analyze your hosts and appreciate them!

on 11/22/2005 Wouldn't it be nice if everyone were like my mom, who rinses out the sink and swishes the toilet brush around the bowl before she leaves our house?

on 11/22/2005 When visiting with my immediate family, I make sure to go grocery shopping for myself either before I arrive (bring food there) or soon after arriving. I find that I often miss meals when they don't have something I would like to eat, and I get thrown off, leaving my stomach upset. Mostly I am talking about breakfast and lunch and snack items (and milk, which I love). Dinner you can be pretty sure will be taken care of in any household. I also find this takes stress off of sisters-in-law who have new children. They have no sense of time, and it's just easier to take care of your own needs. (I buy cottage cheese, snack bars, cereal, coldcuts and milk, especially with my preferred percentage and in case family members have their own lactose free milk, or only use their little milk for coffee). Be prepared to share, but it's nice to keep one's self healthy and energized while being a guest. I should mention, my one brother has a house FULLY stocked with food and they make real meals for every meal, so I don't need to do that while staying with him.

on 11/22/2005 Always pick up after yourself, ie, towels should be hanged to dry after the shower, clean toothpaste from sink, etc.

on 11/22/2005 Offer to help with meal preparation and clean up.