5 fail-safe ways to get your home guest ready

Plan ahead so you don’t have a mad scramble on your hands just before your guests arrive. Image: UNSPLASH

Make a plan (and a list)

The easiest way to stay on top of your prep is to write it down. A simple checklist of what needs cleaning, fixing or replacing helps you prioritise your time and budget.

Start by walking through your home with fresh eyes—are there items to declutter, small repairs to book, or areas in need of a deep clean? Note which tasks you can DIY and where it might make sense to call in the pros.

Planning ahead gives you time to book trades or buy what you need, without the pressure of a looming deadline.

A deep clean brings freshens the homes and removes dust, allergens and hidden germs. Image: GETTY

Deep cleaning

Nothing says “welcome” like a clean and fresh home. Depending on how long it’s been between Spring cleans and the size of your space, calling in the help of a professional cleaner could be a cost (and stress) effective way of tackling the cleaning of your home from top to bottom.

Start by decluttering and organising your home. Create open and airy spaces by organising shelves, clearing countertops, and storing unnecessary items. A clutter-free environment not only looks more inviting but also allows your guests to feel relaxed and comfortable.

Don’t forget to show some love to the less obvious spots:

• Ovens and fridges
• Under furniture
• Doors, windows, and frames
• Scrub the grout in tiled areas such as the kitchen and bathroom
• Organise the pantry and guest bathroom cupboards. Create a space for grab and go snacks and tea and coffee supplies.
• Cleaning your air conditioners and fans is a must for the summer months, especially if they’ve gone unused in guest spaces – there is a good chance dust has been building up which will blow over your guests as soon as they are fired up.

Investing in professional carpet and upholstery cleaning is a worthwhile investment. Over time, these surfaces can accumulate dirt and stains, affecting the overall appearance of your space. A deep clean not only refreshes the look of your home but removes odours and allergens.

If you’re planning to host outside, don’t forget to give your outdoor furniture a freshen up. Image: GETTY

Revive your outdoor furniture

While it goes without saying that a freshly mowed lawn and weeded garden beds can instantly neaten the appearance of outdoor entertaining spaces, many overlook the state of their outdoor furniture.

Thoroughly cleaning, sanding, and repainting wooden or metal furniture will breathe new life into your outdoor space, and is the ideal opportunity to refresh the look of the space by choosing a new colour scheme.

Complement your refreshed furniture with new soft furnishings. Outdoor cushions and throws have become surprisingly affordable and can add comfort as well as style. Don’t forget to give your BBQ a scrub before you’re finished.

A few thoughtful additions like fresh flowers help your guest feel welcome. Image: UNSPLASH

Guest bedroom essentials

If you have a guest bedroom, ensure it’s equipped with all the essentials for a comfortable stay. Here’s your checklist for creating the ultimate guest room:

• Invest in high-quality, luxurious bedding to provide your guests with a comfortable and inviting sleep environment. Fresh linens, extra pillows, and cozy blankets contribute to a restful night’s sleep.
• Add personalised touches to make the room feel like a home away from home. Small touches like a vase of fresh flowers, or a framed photo create a warm and personal atmosphere.
• Ensure there is ample storage space for your guests to unpack and settle in. Clear out a portion of the closet, provide empty drawers, and offer hangers for their convenience.
• Optimise lighting with a combination of ambient and task lighting. A bedside lamp and well-placed overhead lighting allow guests to adjust the brightness according to their preferences.
• Equip the room with tech amenities, including accessible power outlets, a charging station, and perhaps a small Bluetooth speaker. These thoughtful additions cater to your guests’ connectivity needs.
• Place an essentials basket in the room stocked with toiletries, such as toothpaste, shampoo, and lotion. This anticipates your guests’ needs and adds a thoughtful touch to their stay.
• Lighting and noise reduction are key to a relaxing night’s sleep. Block out roller blinds are very affordable and can fit in neatly behind existing window coverings.

It’s the little things that make self-care easy for guests. Image: UNSPLASH

Upgrade your guest bathroom

A key element of a guest-ready bathroom is cleanliness, which starts with making sure the grout and tiles are clean and fresh. A quality grout and tile cleaning product is recommended for DIY-ers, or book in a professional clean (as well as making a nicer space for guests.

If your grout is damaged, regrouting is the better option. It has benefits beyond aesthetics too – old and damaged grout can become a breeding ground for mould, mildew, and bacteria, especially in areas with high moisture levels, like bathrooms.

Elevate your bathroom amenities to provide a spa-like experience for your guests. Plush towels, scented candles, and a few luxurious toiletries can create a welcoming and indulgent atmosphere. Consider adding a small basket of essentials, such as toothpaste and shower gel, for added convenience.

Neither last nor least, help your guests keep their space tidy during their stay. Providing a small bin with spare bin bags, extra toilet rolls, towel rails or hooks, a laundry hamper, toilet brush and basic cleaning products will ensure they don’t need to ask.

Guest visits don’t have to come with last-minute chaos. With a few easy updates and a little forward planning, your home can be guest-ready whenever the opportunity arises. From first impressions to final touches, it’s about creating comfort, showing care, and enjoying the time you have together.