(StatePoint) Expecting houseguests for a family simcha? Don’t wait until the last minute to tidy up. Instead, prepare your home with these helpful tips.
Mudroom Makeover
It’s the first place guests see when they step inside the house. But it’s also where outerwear is strewn about and shoes are kicked off. Declutter with a row of hooks to hang items, and a bench to sit down and pull on shoes.
Donate items you’re no longer wearing, and temporarily store seldom-used garments in a vacuum-sealed bag to make additional space for visitors’ belongings. Or, simply buy an inexpensive coat rack that can be placed near the front door so visitors have a place to hang outerwear.
Gorgeous Guest Bathroom
The powder room and guest bath are perhaps the most heavily trafficked areas of the home. Before visitors arrive, make sure your space is both functional and stylish.
An easy way to make a statement is by updating the bathroom faucet. Choose one with a variety of configurations that will allow a new piece to blend seamlessly with existing décor. It features a high-arc design for easy handwashing, and is kind to the environment, conserving water with a reduced flow rate. Using less water is also good for your wallet, and who wouldn’t want to save a little?
To give overnight guests a truly spa-like experience, install a rainshower showerhead for exceptional water coverage. Did your guests forget shampoo? No room for conditioner in their carry-on? Simply fill a glass container with essentials, such as travel-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner or lotion for visitors to grab and use.
Hotel Hospitality
Thoroughly clean your guest room, especially in areas you might not pay attention to regularly. Dust baseboards, drapes and window blinds, and don’t forget the headboard and footboard.
Freshen up carpeting and rugs by sprinkling baking soda over the area. Wait 15 minutes and then vacuum. You can also make stale smells disappear with potpourri; make your own by placing complementary scents, such as cinnamon sticks or nutmeg, in a bowl.
Or, eliminate the whole cleaning step from your to-do list by hiring a professional cleaning crew.
Ensure guests get VIP treatment with crisp linens, cozy blankets and plush mattress toppers. Make it easy for them to acclimate to the unfamiliar space by adding a night light or Shabbos lamp. It’s an easy way to keep visitors from falling in the middle of night, and provides extra comfort for young ones who may not travel often.
Having a plan will help make the visit stress-free. Focus on these areas ahead of time, so you can enjoy the experience as much as your guests.
