When you’re hosting out-of-town guests, organizing beforehand makes the visit more relaxed and enjoyable. Use these tips to leave a positive impression on your visitors.
Before the Out-of-Town Guests Arrive
Have a family meeting to discuss expectations during the guests’ visit. It is important to remind younger children to respect the guests’ privacy and belongings (yes, even for grandparents). For older family members, let them know ahead of time what additional responsibilities they will have, such as entertaining younger children or helping with extra household chores like meal prep, cleanup, and laundry.
Ask your guests if they have special dietary requirements such as allergies or food intolerances. Generally, guests shouldn’t expect you to change your eating habits during their visit, but you could stock some of their favourite items. Also, you may need to move the peanut butter or fish sauce out of reach (or out of the home) to minimize the risk of an accidental allergic reaction.
Inform your out-of-town guests of any appointments or obligations you have during their stay so they can adjust their schedule accordingly. Likewise, ask if they have any commitments. Also, discuss daily schedules like bedtimes and mealtimes, especially if children are visiting too.
Prepare the Guest Bedroom
If you have a guest bedroom, put clean sheets on the bed, fluff the pillows, vacuum, and dust. Check that the lights, lightbulbs, TV, and remote control work. Create a phone/device charging station on a dresser or nightstand. If needed, add an extension cord so guests don’t have to crawl under a desk or bed to access an outlet.
If your “guest bedroom” is an inflatable bed in the living room or home office, blow up the mattress a few days before and check it for leaks. Keep in mind that it might not deflate until there is weight on it, so consider laying on it for a few minutes to listen for leaking air. Also, vacuum it or wipe it down to freshen it up before you add the bedding. Remember to keep a few extra pillows and blankets in the guest area in case your visitors get cold.
Add a tray of healthy snacks and drinks. Children may wake up hungry in the middle of the night – and adults might too, especially if they’ve travelled from a different time zone.
Clear clutter from the guest bedroom so guests have space for their belongings. If you don’t have a guest closet, consider providing guests with a clothing rack and hangers. They can hang their clothes and have a place to dry their bath towels. A small chest of drawers can be handy, too.
Most people are happy to follow your municipality’s guidelines for waste disposal, so provide your guests with a small garbage bin and recycling containers. Print out a list of which items belong in which bins, too. Adding a few pictures helps kids understand the “garbage rules” and gives them a sense of belonging.
Prepare the Guest Bathroom
If you are lucky enough to have a separate bathroom for guests, add freshly laundered towels and some toiletries. Now is the time to use all the little bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion you’ve been collecting from your hotel stays. Also, include toothpaste, unopened toothbrushes, disposable razors, contact lens solution, sunscreen, menstrual hygiene products, cotton swabs, cotton balls, etc. If children are visiting, add a few age-appropriate bathtub toys, a potty seat, or diaper change items.
If your guests will be sharing your bathroom, give it a good cleaning and decluttering. Corral all your personal care items in one area. For guests, place their towels and toiletries in their sleeping area. Give them a shower tote so they can carry items back and forth easily.
Remember to restock the toilet paper and tell guests where to find extra rolls. Also, tell them where you keep the toilet plunger, as some people are embarrassed to ask.
General Tips to Help Your Out-of-Town Guests
Giving your guests a spare key will allow them to come and go on their schedule. It’s especially helpful if you have other commitments during their stay. Explain how to turn on/off your home alarm system or get through your building security. Depending on your condo/strata rules, you may need to provide their names to the building’s concierge.
Leave a list of important phone numbers in a noticeable area (on the fridge door). Include emergency numbers your guests might not know, such as 9-1-1 (it’s 112 in the EU and 999 in the UK). Also, list emergency contacts such as the building superintendent, family members, medical centres, or anyone you think your guests might need if they couldn’t reach you.
Create a list of essential household instructions that explain how appliances (washer, dryer) and electronics (TV, gaming console) work. Let them know if lights, alarm systems, or robot vacuum cleaners are automated, what the schedules are and how to turn them on/off if needed. Include the Wi-Fi connection information, too!
We used to provide maps and tourist brochures to visiting guests, but today, most people navigate around town with mobile apps. However, it’s nice to print out a map of your neighbourhood and indicate useful locations such as the pharmacy, grocery store, dry cleaner, etc.
If you want to help your out-of-town guests feel welcome during their stay but need help getting your home in order, contact the Out of Chaos team. We can help you declutter and organize so you can relax and enjoy spending time with your visitors.
