"Preparing for Guests (Yes, People DO Check Your Medicine Cabinet!)"
It's Magazine Moments time! Janis & Julie review articles from TheSpruce.com about prepping your home for guests. From entryways to under-bed dust bunnies, here's how to make guests feel welcome without losing your sanity.
Article 1: 7 Forgotten Spots to Declutter Before Guests Arrive
1. Declutter Your Entryway
- First impressions matter!
- Pretend you're the guest—see with fresh eyes
- Add shoe tray, baskets for purses/keys
- Makes holiday decorating easier too
2. Check the Medicine Cabinet
- It's the bathroom junk drawer
- Yes, guests DO snoop! (Janis confirms this)
- Remove sensitive items, toss expired meds
- Keep only essentials when company's over
3. Clear Guest Room Surfaces
- Julie uses her suitcase as a drawer (no hotel drawers for her!)
- Clear surfaces for books, devices, toiletries
- Space for their stuff = comfort
4. Under Beds & Behind Doors
- Things get stashed where you think guests won't look
- Plot twist: One guest went through financials at sister-in-law's house!
- Use over-door hangers for vertical storage
- Clear space for luggage (evict dust bunnies!)
5. Working Lamps & Phone Chargers
- Good lighting prevents trips in unfamiliar spaces
- Have chargers ready (how do people forget these?!)
- Power strip near bed = pro move
- Janis travels with a power strip!
6. Tidy Communal Cupboards
- Make breakfast fixings accessible
- Julie's move: Post-it notes on cupboards ("Coffee creamer here!")
- Welcome basket: granola bar, candy, cup with straw
7. Tackle One Drawer/Shelf Daily
- Start weeks early
- 12 minutes = #DeclutteringDozen (article said 15, but we do 12!)
- Start with visible clutter: trash, broken toys, junk mail
- Small wins = motivation
Article 2: Ultimate Room-by-Room Holiday Checklist (Promised a checklist but had NO printable checklist—classic!)
Entryway Prep:
- Shoe spot, coat closet ready
- Wipe baseboards, clean fingerprints
- Shovel front walk (if snow applies)
Bathroom Essentials:
- Stock extras: TP, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes
- Paper towels in powder room (guests prefer single-use!)
- Leave towels ON guest bed so they know which are theirs
- Provide specific spot for wet towels (don't ask Julie's MIL about wood damage!)
- Small basket for toiletries
- Hotel soaps/shampoos
Bathroom Deep Clean:
- Wash/replace shower curtain
- Scrub grout, wipe baseboards
- Clean toilet, tub, sink, mirrors
- Swept floor = good enough (unless little boys "learning to aim")
Guest Room Must-Haves:
- Nightstand, seating, surfaces for suitcases
- Clean sheets, extra blankets
- Adult snuggle item (Julie adds a Squishmallow!)
- Make bed in advance—Julie's cousin's Post-it note trick: label pillow with last guest's name, change sheets only if different!
Welcome Package:
- Snacks, Wi-Fi password, water
- Janis uses stainless steel growler for cold water
- Granddaughters LOVED getting "grown-up" welcome baskets!
Final Touches:
- Dust from ceiling down
- Vacuum/dust mop
- Air out room—NO heavy scents (causes headaches/nausea)
- Want smell? Simmer cinnamon on stove
- Do walkthrough before guests leave (find forgotten items in basket!)
Resources:
YouTube: https://www.youtu
Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!
