Guest-Ready Homes: Preparing Your Space for Visiting Family and Friends

Preparing your home for visits by family and friends is a wonderful way to make multiple generations feel welcome and comfortable.

Here is Engel & Völkers’ step-by-step guide to help you achieve a warm and inviting space for visitors:

Clean and Declutter

• Living areas: Tidy up common areas like the living room, kitchen, and dining room. Clear away any clutter or unnecessary items.

• Vacuum and dust: Make sure surfaces, floors, and furniture are free of dust. Pay attention to corners and spaces that might not be cleaned regularly.

• Bathrooms: Ensure the bathroom is spotless. Scrub the sinks, toilet, and shower, and provide fresh towels.

• Entryway: Make the entryway tidy by organizing shoes and coats, and adding a welcoming touch like a small rug or flowers.

Comfortable Guest Room Setup

• Clean sheets and bedding: Prepare fresh linens, pillowcases, and comfortable blankets. Make the bed inviting with extra pillows if possible.

• Bedside table: Provide a bedside table with a lamp, a glass for water or water bottle, and perhaps a book or magazine.

• Closet space: Clear some closet or drawer space for your guest’s belongings. Add extra hangers if possible.

• Mirrors: A mirror in the room or nearby is a thoughtful touch, so guests can easily get ready.

Bathroom Essentials

• Fresh towels: Lay out fresh bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths.

• Toiletries: Stock the bathroom with essentials such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, and extra toilet paper. Travel-size items work well for guests.

• Waste bin: Make sure there’s a small bin in the bathroom for convenience.

Personal Touches

• Welcome note: A handwritten welcome note is a personal and thoughtful touch.

• Wi-Fi information: Provide your Wi-Fi password, either in the guest room or on a note in a common area.

• Snacks or drinks: A small basket of snacks or a carafe of water in the guest room can make guests feel extra welcome.

Create a Relaxing Atmosphere

• Lighting: Use soft, warm lighting to create a cozy environment. Candles or dimmable lamps can help.

• Fresh flowers or plants: Add some fresh flowers or a small potted plant to brighten up the space.

• Scent: Use air fresheners or essential oils for a subtle, pleasant fragrance in your home.

Kitchen Readiness

• Stock the refrigerator: Have basic food items on hand, especially if you know your guest’s preferences (e.g., milk, fruits, snacks).

• Coffee and tea: Make sure there’s coffee, tea, or any favorite beverages available. Set out cups and mugs, so guests feel comfortable helping themselves.

Entertainment and Connectivity

• TV/streaming options: Show guests how to use the TV or streaming services.

• Books or games: Place a few books, magazines, or board games around for entertainment.

Temperature Control

• Blankets: Provide extra blankets in case your guests feel cold.

• Fans or heaters: Ensure the room temperature is comfortable, with fans or space heaters available if necessary.

Safety and Convenience

• Nightlights: Place nightlights in hallways or bathrooms to help guests navigate in the dark.

• Keys: If they need them, provide a spare house key or instructions on how to lock/unlock doors.

• Emergency contact info: Leave a note with important numbers, including your phone number.

Final Walk-Through

• Take a quick walk-through to check for anything that might need last-minute tidying up or adjustment before your guests arrive.

Follow these steps and your home will be a warm and inviting space for visiting family and friends.