Today’s homeowners willingly go the extra mile to make their guests feel welcome. They have the right amenities in the bathroom and have installed custom size interior doors.
Making your home safer, easier to navigate, and more convenient for visitors all saves you time, labor, and money in the long run. But that doesn’t mean you should necessarily open your home up to every friend who asks.
As any seasoned homeowner knows, a little preparation goes a long way toward making hosting easier and keeping things clean at your home. Consider these tips when quest access into the world of being a gracious host without compromising your comfort level.
1. Be transparent about your expectations
Before you welcome guests, make sure your guests know what is expected of them. The basics are important, and it’s not uncommon for hosts to forget even to mention them. This can often lead to guests feeling like they overstayed their welcome, did something wrong, or even felt unwelcome.
2. Before you welcome guests, refresh your home
Visitors will often want to help out, whether to be polite or because they want to. But if every surface and surface area is covered in clutter, dust, and customize items, their desire to help out will disappear quickly. You should always have surfaces like the kitchen and dining room tables cleared off before the company arrives. And don’t just clear those surfaces off for a few minutes, either. Make sure all the surfaces in your home are clean, whether or not the company is coming.
3. Set boundaries for where people can and cannot go
If you want your guests to be comfortable, they need to know where they can go in your home. They’ll probably stay in one place if they’re unsure where to go. This can make them feel like they’re bothering you or others in the home. Make it clear where people can go. This includes the bathroom. You don’t have to have a sign posted on the bathroom door, but you should make it clear which bathroom guests can go to if they need to.
4. Install key safety features before guests arrive
When you’re hosting, you want to keep your home as safe as possible. This means installing safety features like a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector and ensuring they’re up to date. You should also ensure a fire extinguisher that’s fully stocked and easily accessible. This will help you keep your guests safe in a fire at your home. You should also ensure your home can get in touch with you in case of an emergency.
5. Keep the living room and restrooms spotless
Let’s face it; nothing like a dirty living room or bathroom ruins a good time. Cleaning these two rooms will help keep your home and your guests happy. The living room is the place your guests will likely spend the most time. It’s also where they’ll probably put their drinks down, kick off their shoes and maybe drop a few crumbs. You don’t want your guests’ messes getting in the way of a good time. Clean the living room regularly, at least once a week. For the bathroom, you want to make sure it’s spotless but also that you’ve got plenty of extra towels and toiletries. If you expect visitors, go through your bathroom with a fine-toothed comb. Get rid of anything you don’t need, and ensure everything left is clean.
6. Add a little something special to your guest bathroom
You don’t need to make a massive huge change to your bathroom to make it more welcoming for guests. You can add a little something special without spending a dime. Make sure there are plenty of toiletries available for guests to use. This doesn’t just mean soap, towels, or anything else that may be helpful. Throw some decorative towels in the cabinet and make a small change that will make a big difference in how your guests feel.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it
Last but certainly not least, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether picking up some toiletries when you notice your guests have run out of shampoo or asking a co-worker for advice about childproofing, there’s nothing wrong with asking for help.
By maintaining the above tips, your guests will appreciate your openness and willingness to help them out and the comfortability of your guest.
