Whether it's a planned visit or a last-minute gathering, getting your apartment ready for guests can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to hosting.
But don't stress — it doesn't have to be a big ordeal! With a few simple steps, you can create a welcoming environment that will make your guests feel comfortable and relaxed.
Simple steps to preparing your apartment for visitors
Declutter & tidy
The first thing you'll want to tackle is decluttering your space. This is always a good place to start because, depending on how much time you have to prepare, you may not have a chance to get to anything else on the list. Most people won’t notice if the floors are mopped, but they will notice the clutter on your dining room table. Your apartment doesn't need to be spotless, of course, but clearing away unnecessary items makes the space feel much more open and inviting.
Start by focusing on areas where your guests will spend the most time, such as the living room, dining area, kitchen and bathroom. Grab any stray clothes, shoes, books or random items lying around and put them away in their designated spots — or if you're short on time, stash them in a closet or under the bed for the future version of you to deal with. The key here is to remove anything that will make your space feel cramped or chaotic.
As you declutter, take a moment to straighten pillows on the couch, fold any blankets and arrange furniture to create comfortable seating areas. Your guests are more likely to feel at ease if there’s room to sit, move around and relax without disturbing your personal items.
Take out the trash
If you still have time, make a point to take out any trash you may have in the kitchen, office or bathroom. This will get rid of any lingering odors in your space and make your place look a little more tidy.
Clean surfaces & floors
It’s always easier to clean surfaces and floors when there’s no clutter, which is why tidying up first is so essential.
If you want to clean quickly and efficiently, clean from the top down. Start by wiping down tables, shelves and window sills, then bring out the vacuum and suck up all the dirt and dust bunnies that have fallen to the ground. Finish it all off with a quick mop of your floors (if you have tile) and there you have it!
Stock up on essentials
Whether your guests are staying overnight or just for a few hours, it’s important to make sure your guests have easy access to the basics.
Start by checking your bathroom. Make sure there’s enough toilet paper, hand soap and clean towels available. If you're expecting overnight guests, you might also want to set out extra toiletries like shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste just in case they forgot something. If you don’t have any on hand, head to the store and grab some travel-sized bottles to keep for the future.
In the kitchen, ensure you have enough utensils, plates and glasses for everyone. If you're serving food, double-check that you have everything you need, like napkins and any condiments. Stocking up on essentials beforehand will make hosting much smoother, and your guests will appreciate having everything they need within reach. Plus, you won’t have to run out for last-minute items while people are over!
Provide towels & blankets
It’s important to keep your guests cozy and comfortable, especially if they’re staying overnight.
Once your apartment is clean and organized, set out fresh towels and blankets in an obvious spot. If you have a guest room, leave these items on the bed. For smaller apartments or studio spaces, place them on the couch or a chair where guests can easily find them.
Having towels and blankets readily available shows thoughtfulness and makes your guests feel welcomed in your home. This is especially important if you like to keep your apartment’s temperature on the cooler side — a cozy blanket is the best way to remedy a chilly room!
Put snacks & drinks in visible areas
Now comes the fun part — offering snacks and drinks! This is the final piece of preparation you can do to give your apartment an extra touch of welcoming energy.
Even if you’re not hosting a full meal, it’s always nice to have a few snacks and beverages readily available for your guests. It can be as simple as putting out a bowl of chips, some fruit or a few cookies on the coffee table or kitchen counter, or as complex as baking some fresh treats that will fill the air with warm, cozy scents.
Drinks are just as important. Whether your guests prefer water, tea, coffee or something stronger, having a few options readily available is a good idea. Arrange drinks where they’re easy to see, like in the fridge or on a nearby table. If you have a coffee maker, consider brewing a fresh pot before guests arrive and setting out creamer, sugar, mugs and spoons nearby. Creating an accessible snack and drink area shows that you’re thinking about your guests' comfort while also adding a welcoming touch to the overall atmosphere.
If you’re not used to hosting guests, then don’t feel too intimidated by all this! It’s not necessary to do all this every time you have guests over — the type of guest you have over will change how much you need to prepare, and that’s something you’ll figure out as you go along.
Use this as a basic guide to get you started, and add or remove steps as you need to. Before you know it, this will be a regular part of your apartment preparation process!
Good luck!
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Featured photo by Volha Flaxeco on Unsplash
Second photo by Oliver Hayes on Unsplash
Colleen Ford is a South African who now lives on Oahu in Hawai'i. She loves to travel, camp, spearfish and hike. She's also part of a super cool canoe club and is pretty decent at it. Colleen enjoys Star Wars and also not being cold ever.
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