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Here’s How to Get Your Home Ready for Company

Here’s How to Get Your Home Ready for Company

Inviting friends and family over for special occasions, whether holidays or dinner parties, is one of life’s pleasures. While your loved ones are there to see you and not your house, creating a clean, welcoming atmosphere will help you relax and have a good time. Here’s some tips to help you get your home company ready.

Keep a Weekly Cleaning Schedule

Few things are more stressful than a last-minute cleaning frenzy right before guests show up. Even worse is when you have unexpected guests pop in when your home is not to your liking. A weekly cleaning schedule helps ensure your home is ready for guests at a moment’s notice.

Try following this weekly schedule to stay on top of things:

Monday: 

  • Deep clean your bathrooms including showers, toilets, and mirrors or glass 

  • Clean windows throughout the house 

  • Do a few loads of laundry

Tuesday: 

Wednesday: 

  • Change sheets on all beds and freshen up fabrics 

  • Clean your appliances with the appropriate appliance cleaners

Thursday: 

  • Give your bathrooms a good wipe down to keep Monday’s deep clean looking fresh 

  • Wipe down your kitchen cabinetry 

  • Do a few loads of laundry

Friday: 

  • Organize your home office, throw away junk paper, and empty out waste baskets 

  • Vacuum tile floors throughout your home

Saturday/Sunday: 

Clean the Main Bathroom

Clean the Main Bathroom

At some point, one or more of your guests will enter your main bathroom. For this reason, it’s important to keep it looking (and smelling) its best. Give it a quick wipe down using a rag or disinfectant wipe. When deep cleaning, scrub the toilet and clean the tub and shower using a shower cleaner. You may also need a separate tile and grout cleaner to remove accumulated grime on the shower tiles. Finally, wipe down the mirror and tidy up anything that might be out of place such as towels on the floor, and check that your soap dispenser is full.

Clean the Kitchen

Clean the Kitchen

Another area your guests are almost sure to wind up is the kitchen. Not only is this a common area for conversation, but it’s also where meals will be prepared. For this reason, it should be neat and clean when guests arrive. Top priority is doing the dishes and wiping down the counters. If you have time, give your appliances a once-over as well. Taking out the trash is also a must: it will reduce odours and lets you start with an empty can for easier cleanup after a meal.

Add Some Scent

It’s common to become “nose blind” against stale odours that can permeate your home, but your guests will notice them as soon as they enter. Again, empty the kitchen and bathroom trash cans. Deodorize wet or musty areas by wiping them down with an antibacterial cleaning solution or use deodorizing powders and sprays. Keep air freshener handy in the bathroom, and spray a little into any room that might have odours. Scented candles can also add a warm scent to the air.

Snacks, Treats & Other Food

Snacks, Treats & Other Food

Nothing makes drop-in guests feel more welcome than being greeted with coffee and snacks Keep a few pre-made appetizers in the freezer, along with crackers, nuts, dips and spreads. You can also lay out some cookies and candy on your counter or in the living room. If people stay longer than expected, a slow cooker offers a quick, convenient way to prepare dinner while you entertain your guests.

Dinnerware & Serving Trays

Dinnerware & Serving Trays

If you really want to make a great impression, having stylish serving trays, bowls and other dishes is a great first step. Matching dinnerware and cutlery creates a cultured, cohesive appearance, while new bar and stemware ensures all drinks are served in their proper glasses.


Last Minute Prep

Sometimes you only have an hour or two to tidy up before last minute guests arrive. Not to worry! You can focus on a few key areas that will make the biggest impact in the shortest amount of time: 

  • Sweep or vacuum the floors 

  • Swish a toilet brush around the toilet and tidy the bathroom 

  • Use a feather duster on all surfaces 

  • Make the beds 

  • Mop the floors 

  • Wipe down the tub and shower 

  • Throw clutter like papers, clothes or shoes into plastic containers and hide them in a closet 

  • Wipe down mirrors and other surfaces that tend to get smudged

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Winter Guests

Winter means extra care should be taken to ensure the safety of guests. Do your snow clearing in advance, making sure to shovel your driveway, front steps, and any walkways. Throw down some ice melting salts to help keep them clear. Check your roofline for snow drifts and use a roof rake if needed.

Stayovers

Occasionally, guests may stay over night. Whether this is planned ahead of time or last minute, it’s a good idea to keep your guest bedroom and bathroom stocked, clean, and ready to go at a moment’s notice: 

  • Keep clean towels where they’re easy to find 

  • Have extra personal care items stocked up, such as facial tissues, shampoo, conditioner, soap, razors, lotion and dental hygiene products 

  • Keep basic first-aid and pain relief items within reach, such as bandages, pain reliever, and antacids 

  • Maintain a clean guest bed, or have clean sheets and bedding available if you’re using a sofa or pull-out bed/air mattress 

  • If guests will be staying more than one night, ensure they have somewhere to keep their personal items, such as a dresser, basket, or closet

Entertaining company should be a happy experience, not a headache. By taking these easy steps in advance and keeping a few key items on hand, you can ensure your home is ready for guests at a moment’s notice.

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