Preparing for holiday guests often means focusing on obvious areas like the kitchen and living room. But professional organizers say that true hospitality lies in the details — the forgotten spots that make or break a visitor’s comfort.
This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making guests feel welcome, and that means addressing the often-ignored corners that can undermine even the most festive atmosphere. Decluttering experts share where to focus your efforts for maximum impact.
First Impressions: The Entryway
Your entryway is the first space guests encounter. Laura Price, founder of The Home Organisation, recommends treating it like a staging area. Walk through your front door as if you were a guest yourself. Is there a clear path? Is clutter spilling onto the floor?
The fix: Add storage solutions like cabinets, benches with hidden compartments, or decorative baskets to corral shoes, coats, and everyday essentials. A tidy entryway signals order and calm.
The Guest Experience: Walk in Their Shoes
Liora Seltzer, founder of What U Keep, LLC, suggests a simple test: spend the night in your guest room. Use the shower, sleep in the bed. This reveals exactly what’s missing, broken, or just plain uncomfortable from a visitor’s perspective.
This is more effective than a superficial once-over because it forces you to experience the space as someone unfamiliar with its quirks.
The Bathroom: Beyond the Towels
Bathroom medicine cabinets are notorious dumping grounds for expired products and forgotten toiletries. Seltzer advises a ruthless purge. Keep only essential items: guest-sized soaps, pain relievers, and maybe a travel toothbrush.
An uncluttered medicine cabinet feels more hygienic and thoughtful. It’s a small detail that speaks volumes.
Guest Room Surfaces: Space to Breathe
Guests value personal space. Clear surfaces in the guest room are crucial. Remove non-essential items and store them elsewhere until after the holidays. Neutrality is key. Guests want a room that feels like a blank canvas for their belongings.
Hidden Zones: Under Beds and Behind Doors
Suzanne Roynon of Interiors Therapy points to under beds and behind doors as frequently overlooked areas. Guests may use these spaces to store luggage or hang damp towels. Prepare for the unexpected. A clear space prevents awkward situations and makes guests feel more at ease.
Shared Spaces: The Communal Cupboard
If guests will have access to communal cupboards (for breakfast items, books, games), ensure they’re organized. Accessibility matters. A cluttered cupboard suggests disorganization and a lack of consideration.
Remove unused items and anything you don’t want guests to stumble upon.
Small Wins: The 15-Minute Rule
Overwhelmed? Break down the task. Price recommends tackling one drawer or shelf per day. Fifteen minutes of focused effort is more effective than hours of halfhearted cleaning.
Start with visible trash (broken toys, junk mail) to create momentum. Once the clutter is reduced, the remaining tasks will feel less daunting.
In conclusion: Preparing for guests isn’t just about making your home look nice; it’s about anticipating their needs and creating a comfortable, welcoming environment. By focusing on these often-forgotten spots, you can elevate the guest experience from satisfactory to exceptional.
