The Ultimate Guide to Organizing for Houseguests

Hosting friends and family can be a joyful experience, but it can also feel busy and stressful. One of the best ways to reduce pressure is to plan and organize as much as possible in advance. If you’re expecting company, here is my ultimate guide to organizing for houseguests.

Communicate Before Arrival

Many awkward moments can be avoided by discussing a few key details before your guests arrive. Consider a phone call or email ahead of time to confirm:

• The itinerary for the visit (e.g. activities you have planned or anything your guests would especially like to do)
• Travel plans (e.g., arrival and departure times, and whether anyone need transportation to/from an airport or train station?)
• Clothing needs (e.g., formal attire, walking shoes, or weather-specific clothing)
• Dietary preferences (e.g. allergies, intolerances, coffee or tea preferences, gluten-free or vegetarian needs, or special accommodations for children)
• Household needs (e.g., a crib, highchair, or preferred type of pillow)
• Pets (e.g., whether pets are coming and if they need any accommodations such as a crate)

Ready A Sleeping Space

Whether it’s an entire room or just part of one, prepare a comfortable space where guests can store their belongings and sleep. If the space is normally used by someone else, think through how that person’s routine will be adjusted during the visit.

Remember to provide:

• A place to hang clothes (either hooks or space in a closet with a few extra hangers)
• A place to store luggage (a rack, trunk, chair, or corner)
• A bed/air mattress for sleeping, along with all the necessary bedding and an extra blanket
• An extra book or two for light reading
• A box of tissues
• A bottle or two of water
• A clock
• A charging cord
• A printed card with the Wi-Fi name and password
• Clear surface(s) for guests to put their things
• A fan or space heater if the temperature in the space isn’t ideal
• Optional welcoming touches, such as fresh flowers on the bedside table

Ready Bathroom Space

Decide ahead of time which bathroom your guests will use. Remove unnecessary items so guests have room for their belongings. In the bathroom, provide:

• Towels
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Soap
• Body lotion
• Disposable razor
• Hair dryer
• Facial wipes
• Clear counterspace or space in a cabinet or closet for guests to put their things
• Feminine hygiene products (if applicable)

Ready Your Home

In addition to their sleeping space, guests will likely spend time in other shared spaces throughout your home. These may include a family room, the kitchen, a patio or porch, a dining room, or other spaces.

Walk through these areas before the visit and consider how to make them more comfortable and functional for guests. Consider things such as:

• Where will everyone sit when gathered together?
• Do you need to bring in a few extra chairs?
• Do you have enough coasters for everyone’s drinks?
• Is your dining table large enough? Do you need to add a leaf or set up an extra table?
• Is there anything you’d like to move out of sight or out of reach before guests arrive? [*Caution: if you “hide” items before guests come, be sure to plan time in your schedule upon their departure to put everything back.]
• Which spaces may need quick last-minute cleaning (e.g., the toilet if you have a little boy, the bathroom mirror, the kitchen counter, etc.)
• Do you need to do any childproofing?

Think “Extras”

When traveling, it is very easy to accidentally forget something. By having extra items on hand, you can ease stress and embarrassment for your guests.  Assemble a simple guest basket or bin with useful items such as::

• Tylenol/Advil
• Pepto Bismol tablets
• Distilled water (if anyone will be using a CPAP machine)
• Band-Aids
• Extra pillows & blankets
• Night light
• Location specific supplies (e.g., sunscreen if you live near the beach, insect repellent if you live near the woods, a humidifier if you live at altitude, etc.)

If your guests enjoy a favorite snack or beverage, consider keeping it on hand for an extra thoughtful touch.

Prepare Your Family Before the Visit

In addition to communicating with guests, consider having a family meeting to review expectations for the upcoming visit. Make sure family members are clear about:

• Changes in normal sleeping arrangements.
• Changes in normal bathroom arrangements.
• How and when family members are expected to help out during the visit (e.g., who helps with cooking, who helps with driving, etc.)
• Special activities that family members are expected to take part in.
• Remind children about expected behavior during the visit (e.g., be quiet in the mornings if guests are still sleeping, use your manners, stay at the table until excused, etc.)
• The need for everyone to be flexible and cooperative. Changes to the normal family routine are common when hosting guests.

Convey Details Upon Guests’ Arrival

Guests may feel uncomfortable asking questions, so try to provide important information proactively.  Here are some details to clear up at the beginning of the visit:

• Which bathroom and bedroom/sleeping quarters to use.
• Where the towels are, and where guests can hang them to dry.
• When activities are planned and when to be ready to go.
• What time meals will be served and, if helpful, what will be on the menu (some people get anxious about what they will be eating).
• Where to adjust the thermostat (and/or how to open the windows).
• How to make coffee should guests rise before you do.
• Where to sit at mealtime.
• Where to find glasses, mugs, and other kitchen essentials.
• Where to find snacks if they feel hungry.
• Where to park their car.

*     *     *

Hosting overnight guests can be a wonderful experience. A little preparation can help make the visit enjoyable and low stress for everyone. Once your guests arrive, try to let go of the idea of making everything perfect. If you relax and enjoy the visit, your guests are more likely to do the same.

What is your best tip for ensuring a smooth visit?