Getting Your Home Ready for Overnight Guests

If you have friends or family coming to visit for the week or just the weekend, here are some tips to help you make guests feel right at home.

Plan on stocking up your fridge and pantry with extra drinks and snacks and be sure your guests know they can help themselves. Check with them to see if they have any food allergies or special dietary requirements you can accommodate. Leave coffee and tea in plain sight, don’t forget the sugar and creamer. Instead of going all out for gourmet meals three times a day, plan for some simple items such as eggs and bagels in the morning, and some light snacks throughout the day.

Prepare the sleeping area with all the comforts of home. Making the room or area your guests will be sleeping in nice and cozy will go a long way in helping your guests feel comfortable. Give the room a good cleaning, empty the trash and clear out a closet or part of one and provide some hangers. Have some extra blankets and pillows at the ready, so your guests can choose how many of each they would like without having to ask. Provide your guests with their own towels in their room as well. If your guests are from out of town, consider putting together a list of sights and good restaurants in the area.

Be sure to provide instructions for any electronics in your home. You may have different streaming services, or different TV providers than they are used to. Also be sure to show them how the alarm clocks and appliances work. While you’re at it, write down your Wi-Fi information and leave it for them where they can easily see it.

Another important area to prepare is the bathroom your guests will be using. Do a deep clean and declutter the counter and shower areas. It’s a nice touch to have a basket or tray of extra toiletries in case your guests forget anything. Keep extra toilet paper stocked up and let your guests know where the extra rolls are kept. Keep a plunger next to the toilet in case it’s needed. Consider adding a night light as well.

If your guests include any small children, take some time to ask what they might need and how to make their stay in your home safe and comfortable. Move anything breakable or dangerous far out of reach, including house plants.