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Hosting Overnight Guests: A Stress-Free Guide

Posted by admin on January 30, 2025
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Overnight Guest Guide infographic

 

The holiday season is upon us, which means spending quality time with family and friends — possibly even overnight visits. If you’ve never hosted overnight guests in your home before, you may find yourself stressed about preparing for their arrival. Whether it’s your in-laws coming to visit for a weekend or friends spending a week in town, we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you make guests feel right at home.

Clean the House

  • Wipe down the microwave: Guests may want to heat up food, so make sure any old food stains inside are scrubbed away.
  • Clean the stove burners: Avoid unpleasant smoke smells when guests cook breakfast.
  • Clean your front door: Remove pollen, ice, or dirt to create a welcoming first impression.
  • Touch up common areas: If you have children or pets, tidy living rooms or kitchens daily during the visit.

Stock the Fridge

  • Provide a variety of drinks (water, soda, juice) and display coffee/tea with creamer and sugar.
  • Keep breakfast basics like eggs and bagels, plus snacks such as chips, nuts, and fruit.
  • Ask guests about allergies or dietary restrictions beforehand to accommodate their needs.

Prepare the Bedroom

  • Dust, vacuum, and supply clean linens in the guest room.
  • Offer extra pillows and blankets for customizable comfort.
  • Ensure all lamps have working bulbs and replace old ones if unsure.
  • Place a Wi-Fi password card on the nightstand and fold towels neatly on a chair or bed.
  • Include a list of local attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options for out-of-town visitors.

Prepare the Bathroom

  • Declutter the sink counter to free up space for guest toiletries.
  • Deep-clean the toilet, shower, floor, and rugs before arrival.
  • Provide travel-size toiletries (shampoo, soap, etc.) in a basket and stash extra toothpaste/toothbrushes in a cabinet.
  • Stock plenty of toilet paper and keep a plunger nearby.

Provide Instructions for Electronics

  • List available streaming services or cable channels and explain how to use remotes.
  • Offer to walk guests through tech setups to prevent confusion.

Morning Etiquette

  • Minimize noise from appliances or loud conversations early in the day.
  • Prepare breakfast or coffee/tea options, considering dietary needs.
  • Leave clear instructions for coffee makers if you’re awake earlier than guests.

While hosting overnight guests can feel overwhelming, thorough preparation eases stress and ensures a memorable experience for everyone. Review these tips, create a plan, and focus on enjoying time with your loved ones!

 

Overnight Guest Guide infographic

 

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