Get Your Apartment Ready for Guests With These 9 Tips

Editor’s note: This is a guest post by Linsay Thomas, a blogger for The Budget Diet.

Whether it’s the holidays and you have your in-laws coming, or are hosting a weekend with old friends – presenting a clean place to stay is essential.

Limited space in a cozy apartment can sometimes be a challenge when preparing for overnight guests, but if well prepared you can still ensure the most pleasant and enjoyable experience all around.

Here are nine actionable tips to follow when preparing your apartment for guests.

1. Clean It Out

The biggest single thing you can do when preparing for guests is to clean up the clutter and small messes that may be lying around.

Pick up trash, sweep the floors, vacuum the carpets, clean out the bathrooms, wash all the bedding, dust all the surfaces, and generally clear away the clutter.

Try one of these inexpensive chemical free cleaners to help your apartment look and smell its best for the company.

2. Get Rid Smells

Even if you don’t smell anything amiss in your home, your guests very well might.

Often people become accustomed and dulled to the smells they are exposed to every day. If you have pets, then be particularly conscious of cleaning out sources of odors.

Clean out any litter boxes, take out the trash, deep clean the bathroom, open windows to air out space.

Candles or nice fragrances can be a nice touch once sources of malign odors are properly taken care of.

3. Prepare the Bedroom

Get the bed where your guests will be sleeping ready to go.

Make sure the sheets have been washed, and have extra blankets and pillows ready and available. A nightstand with a lamp, clock, and room for phones and other personal items will be greatly appreciated by your guests.

Leave some closet space open for them too, if possible.

If you plan to host your guest on an air mattress on the floor of a bedroom or living room, make sure the air mattress is in good shape and has no leaks. Sweep or vacuum the floor where the mattress will go.

4. Stock the Bathroom

Make sure your guests have everything they need for bathing or showering.

Keep extra towels on hand. A small basket with toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, lotions, toothbrushes, and toothpaste can be a nice touch.

Don’t forget extra rolls of toilet paper as well!

5. Get The Food Prep Area Clean

If appropriate, make sure to have the right foods available for guests in a clean fridge and kitchen space.

Inquire about your guest’s favorite foods and snacks. Also, ask about any allergies or dietary restrictions they may have.

6. Adjust the Lighting

Every person has different lighting needs. Some require a lot of light; some like their lights dim. A room that is too dark can seem cold, while one that is too bright can be hard on the eyes.

Have multiple lamps available so guests can adjust their lighting as desired. Be sure to replace out any burned-out light bulbs.

7. Communicate With your Guests

Your guests should be the main focus.

Talk with them and ensure their needs are met. How long do they expect to stay? Are they comfortable? Is there anything they want to do while they stay with you? Do they have a schedule they need to stick to?

By understanding their expectations, you will feel more relaxed.

8. Keep Guests Entertained

Your guests will probably be relying on their hosts – you – to keep them entertained during their stay, especially if they are unfamiliar with the area.

Provide them with magazines and brochures about attractions in your area. Let them have free reign of the TV remote. Provide books and magazines for reading.

Give them your Wi-Fi password to access the internet.

9. Don’t Expect Perfection

Not everything is going to go as planned. You may forget to stock up on toilet paper or buy the wrong kind of snacks.

Don’t stress out about it too much. Chances are, your guests will understand.

Just remember to relax and have fun!

Having guests over can be fun but also stressful. By following the tips above, you’ll be able to relax while giving your guests a pleasant experience they won’t soon forget.

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