How to Prep the Perfect Guest Room

Make sure you’re prepared for overnight guests this holiday season by taking some time to declutter your guest room ahead of time and then adding some welcoming touches just before your guests arrive.

A spare bedroom is often a catch-all for stuff in your home that has no specific place to go. Your guests won’t feel relaxed surrounded by clutter, so anything that doesn’t belong in the room should be dealt with once and for all.

If you have trouble editing your belongings, just remember that anything stashed in there that you weren’t already missing, won’t be missed if it’s gone for good. Once you've decluttered the space you can move on to the fun part.

Here are my top 10 tips for creating the perfect guest bedroom:

Closet Space

Start by giving the closet a quick declutter and make sure there are a few empty hangers available so that your guests can unpack their garments. Offer them a steamer if you have one handy so that their garments will be ready to wear when they need them.

Drawer Space

If the dresser is full of your things, clear out at least one or two drawers for your guests.

Blankets

Make sure your guests don't get chilly at night. Provide them with a few extra layers just in case.

Pillows

Provide your guests with extra pillows. Pick a couple different levels of firmness as some people are side sleepers while others are back or stomach sleepers. The wrong pillow can have your guests tossing and turning all night.

A Bench or Luggage Rack

Putting your suitcase on a bench or luggage rack is so much nicer than just putting it on the floor. Your guests will appreciate not having to crouch down to get things out of their suitcase.

Towels

Putting towels out for your guests in the guest room is a nice touch.

If possible, make them a different colour than everyone else's. This will make it easy for your guests to keep track of which towels are theirs. You could also show them where the linen closet is in case they need more supplies.

A Lamp

When you guests are winding down at the end of the day it's nice for them to have a softer lighting option. Providing your guests with a lamp or two is an important contribution to their comfort.

Alarm Clock

A digital alarm clock next to the bed is a great amenity. Not everyone uses their smart phone as an alarm, plus its nice to be able to just glance over and see what time it is instead of fumbling for your phone in the middle of the night.

Tissues

A box of tissues on the nightstand is a nice touch. A simple sneeze shouldn't send a visitor darting to the bathroom. Splurge on the softer brand, the ones with the lotion in them.

Welcome Basket

A special welcome basket is a nice touch for those extra special house guests. A handwritten "Welcome" note with a brief message and the wi-fi password printed inside the card is a thoughtful touch.

Your guests might get "the nibbles" in the evening, just like the rest of us so why not treat them with an assortment of snacks and some bottled water. You can also add some reading material if you think they might enjoy it. A Visitors Guide from your local tourist center is always a welcome addition for your out of town guests.

One last note: I like to wash the bed linens just before my guests arrive so that the bed smells amazing. After a long day of travelling there's nothing better than getting into a comfy bed with freshly laundered sheets.

By extending your authentic hospitality to your overnight guests, you will ensure that they have an enjoyable and memorable visit.

Be careful though, they may never want to leave!

What’s the nicest thing that you’ve experienced as a guest in someone else’s home? We'd love to hear from you.