Organize Your Guestroom

When you find out that you will be having overnight guests, do you go into panic mode thinking about all of the things you will have to do to prepare for company? Well, it doesn't have to be that way.

Organize your guestroom to make your guests feel welcome, but also so that you will be prepared for guests and able to eliminate the panic.

Staying in someone else's home can be an uncomfortable experience for some people. By going the extra mile to keep your guestroom clean, organized and well stocked with thoughtful touches, you can ensure that your guests will feel as comfortable in your home as they do in their own homes.

Organize Your Guestroom
Declutter

In many homes a guestroom is actually a multi-purpose room. It may be used as an office or, worst case scenario, as a storage room, when it is not being used by guests.

However you use your guestroom, it is important to keep it clutter free so you won't have to panic when guests are coming. Here is how to get started:

• Remove anything that belongs in another room in the house. Bring those items to the room where they belong.

• Remove any unwanted, unused or unnecessary items. Move all of these items to Clutter Central.

• Dispose of any trash or recycling.

• Clean out the closet. If it is possible to store the items you have in your guestroom closet anywhere else in the house you should consider moving them. Remember that you are trying to make your guests feel welcome. When they open the closet they should see extra pillows, extra blankets and empty hangers for their use, not a piles of your extra stuff.

Organize Your Guestroom
The Clean Sweep

Once you have removed all of the clutter, it is time to give the room a thorough cleaning:

• Wash the bedding and remake the bed.

• Take window curtains down and throw them in the dryer to remove dust.

• Wash the windows and blinds.

• Vacuum, including using the crevice attachment to get into the corners and along the walls and use the extension attachment to clear dust and cobwebs from the ceiling. If you do not have carpet, wash the floor.

• Dust all surfaces, headboard, footboard, and knick knacks.

• Wash the overhead light fixture and ceiling fan blades.

Organize Your Guestroom
Provide the Comforts of Home

Here are some things you can do for that little extra touch to really help make your guests feel comfortable:

• Make sure there are hangers in the closet for guests to hang up their clothes.

• Purchase a luggage rack to keep inside the closet so your guests will have a place for their suitcase.

• Make sure there are extra pillows and blankets in the closet.

• Keep an extra set of clean sheets in the room just in case.

• Provide clean bath towels daily.

• Place a basket full of shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, soap, and a variety of new, unopened toiletries so that if they have forgotten to bring something it will be at their disposal.

• Place an alarm clock and a box of tissues on the bedside table.

• If you know of any special accommodations your guests could use but might feel uncomfortable asking for, take the time to provide them in advance. For example, if your guests have small children, be sure to remove any breakables from the room and have some toys and books available for them.

Organize Your Guestroom
Simple Maintenance

Now that you have taken the time to organize your guestroom, let's talk about what you can do to keep it that way. Here are some rules to follow:

• Take the time to change the bed linens immediately after guests leave. If you wind up with an impromptu overnight visit, you'll be glad you did.

• Replenish the toiletries basket after each visit.

• Vacuum (or wash the floor) and dust thoroughly at least once each week.