Give the guest room a glow-up

‘Tis the season for guests – parents arriving for a visit, grown children flying in from across the country, little ones scurrying about, or friends dropping by to soak up some holiday cheer.

With so much to prepare for the festivities sometimes the last place considered is a very important one, the Guest Room.

The Guest Room is a place for loved ones to decompress after traveling, hide from holiday chaos, or recharge with a cat nap. To make the stay enjoyable, take a few moments now to declutter and thoughtfully organize the space.

Step 1 – Declutter

In many homes the Guest Room often becomes a dumping ground for craft supplies, out-of-season clothing, or unwanted décor. Before the first doorbell rings take some time to remove items that do not belong.

Clear the floor first and make a spot for storing luggage. Free up space in the closet and a drawer so guests can tuck items away safely.

Step 2 – Check for hazards

Small safety updates make a big difference for tired travelers. Ask yourself a few basic questions:

• Is the room free of tripping hazards like loose rugs and cluttered walkways?

• Is the lighting adequate?

• Is a fan needed to cool down an overly warm space?

• Are there leaky windows that could use a weather insulation kit or a thick curtain?

• Does the bathroom have a non-slip mat in the tub/shower?

Step 3 – Add some small gestures

Along with the basics (fresh sheets, pillows, a cozy blanket), include some extra towels, a note with the Wi-Fi password, tissues, and a few bottles of water.

Anticipate your guest’s needs and provide a few necessities they may have forgotten to pack. Items such as a new toothbrush, travel-size toiletries, a sleep mask, phone charger, and more. This will help your guests settle in quickly and not have to run to the local home store.

No guest expects the Guest Room to be perfectly set up for their needs. But a relaxing and cozy space that says “I’m glad you’re here” is always appreciated.