Hosting with Harmony: Your Guide to a Clutter-Free Guest Stay

The doorbell rings, suitcases are wheeled in, and laughter fills your home. Welcoming guests is one of life's true joys! But for many of us, the thought of visitors can also trigger a wave of panic: Is my home 'guest-ready'?

I believe that preparing for guests shouldn't be a source of stress, but an exciting part of the anticipation. It’s a fantastic opportunity to not only make your guests feel welcome but also to finally tackle those clutter hotspots you've been avoiding. Think of it as a deadline with a delightful reward: a more organised home and happy guests!

If you want to avoid the last-minute rush, follow this guide to getting your home ready for a clutter-free guest stay, by focussing on intentional decluttering and clear organisation strategies.

The Guest Bedroom Reset

The aim is to create a comfortable, home-from-home experience that your guests can relax in. If you’re lucky enough to have a spare room for this purpose, this space can be prepared well in advance without disrupting the daily functioning of your home. The downside of this extra space is that often it becomes a dumping ground for unfinished projects, old exercise gear, untackled paperwork, seasonal decorations and more! If this is the case, you need to conduct a thorough declutter, clearing anything unnecessary and keeping the room’s primary function in mind.

A piled-up room can be overwhelming. Start with the floor. Can your guests walk round the bed and to any cupboards and drawers they might need without stepping over bags and boxes? Evaluate anything using up floor space (Do you need it? Do you love it?) and either declutter it, by donating, selling or passing on to someone who needs it, or decide now where it will live in your home.

Once you’ve tackled the floor, move on to the surfaces. A useful bedside area needs only a lamp, a box of tissues, and empty space for their personal items, such as a phone, a book, a glass of water. Ensuring any other surface spaces (chest of drawers, desk) are clear with just a few key decorative pieces will increase the sense of calm in the room, while giving your guests a place to put any belongings they need handy. Don’t forget to clear access to a charging outlet for any devices they may bring.

If there's a chest of drawers, ensure at least one drawer is completely empty and clean. If guests will be using a wardrobe or part of a wardrobe, clear some hanging space and provide some empty hangers for their use, or clear a shelf for folded items.

For the finishing touches, ensure bedding is fresh with plump pillows, curtains or blinds offer complete privacy and light blockage, and provide a small basket with extra blankets and towels for their use.

Clear bedside areas to provide space for your guests' personal items.

Streamlining the Shared Bathroom

Shared bathrooms can quickly become magnets for clutter and personal items. Make yours a serene, easily managed space.

Start by making your personal items private where possible. Gather all your daily toiletries: toothbrushes, razors, creams, and store them out of sight in a drawer, caddy, or cupboard. The only items that should remain on the surfaces are guest-friendly essentials: a soap, perhaps a hand lotion, and a clean hand towel.

Take a moment to review the shower area. Give the shower or bath a good clean. If you have multiple half-empty bottles of shampoo and conditioner, consolidate them or discard the empties. Finally, ensure the basics are well-stocked: a good supply of fresh towels and plenty of toilet paper.

Declutter your personal items to make space for guest-friendly essentials.

Common Areas Refresh

These are the spaces where time will be spent together. Don’t stress about a full deep-clean; the goal is to make the space functional and welcoming. Start by focusing on the surfaces. Tidy up coffee tables and sideboards, stack books neatly and remove any unnecessary items. Ensure remote controls are consolidated and visible, and that a Wi-Fi password is easily accessible. Ensure the dining table is clear and ready for place settings.

In the kitchen, put away small appliances you don't use every day to free up surface space. Conduct a quick fridge purge, discarding expired items (check those sauce bottles!) and consolidating containers to make room for your guests’ favourites.

Put away small appliances that are used less frequently to create space on surfaces.

The Finishing Touches and Maintenance

Before your guests arrive, focus on the entry and the path into your home. A tidy hallway sets a welcoming tone. Clear out excess shoes, ensure there’s a designated place for coats, and guarantee the path is obstruction-free.

Once the guests arrive, the job isn't over. Commit to a simple maintenance routine. A quick, five-minute tidy-up before bed each evening can prevent your newly organised spaces from shifting back into clutter hotspots and ensure a calmer start to each day.

Keep your home entrance free from obstacles such as shoes , coats and bags.

Preparing for guests is more than just cleaning; it is about creating an experience. By taking the time to declutter and organise strategically, you're not just making your home look good; you're making it feel good. You’re reducing your own stress, showing your guests how much you value their visit, and setting yourself up for a truly enjoyable time.

Need a little extra help getting your home guest-ready, or want to make this level of organisation your everyday reality? Contact Dream Organised today for a consultation and start creating systems that support a harmonious home, long after your guests have departed.