Whether you’re hosting a big event or inviting a few friends over for dinner, it’s likely condition of your home Is above the mind. When prioritizing which areas to clean before guests arrive, it can be helpful to know which messes bother guests the most; The problem is to figure out which of these eye irritants affects your guests the most.
We contacted experts to get their tips and decide which items and areas should always be refreshed before the doorbell rings.
meet the expert
- Meredith Goforth Is a professional organizer and founder of House of Prime organizing company.
- imane fiocchi Founder of event planning company Neon Lace.
Small glitches are no big deal, right? Professional organizer Meredith Goforth says otherwise. In fact, she says it’s likely that guests will immediately notice those little piles of clutter that you overlook.
“We become accustomed to clutter in certain areas of the house, like the pile of shoes by the door, the pile of mail on the counter, or the pet hair that always lands on the couch,” says Goforth.
She also warns that these are the very problems we should be addressing in the first place. They are the ones that will be most attractive to guests who are entering your home with fresh eyes.
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You might be able to clear away piles of clutter on the shelves before the gathering, but Goforth says there’s one room in the house that needs a deep clean: Guests will definitely notice. A dirty bathroom.
“I also like to go the extra mile.” organize the bathroom “The cabinets are stocked with anything a guest might be looking for—like pain relievers, mouthwash, or feminine hygiene products,” says Goforth.
It’s easy to get swept up in the neat and clean interior, but Goforth also reminds us that the exterior and front entrance are the first impression of your home – and you shouldn’t forget to keep it clean and fresh.
“Add seasonal decorations and a clean doormat, and remove children’s toys or dead plants,” says Goforth. She also suggests clearing the front step as a nice touch to put together a first impression.
Imane Fiocchi of Neon Lace Planning Company agrees, noting that there are two major culprits that often plague your entryway: shoes and packages.
“I always have a million shoes in my entryway, so I always make sure to clean them before guests arrive,” she says. “Keep any unclassified mail, including boxes and deliveries, out of sight. Should be put away.”
Even if you have a huge closet, organizing your mudroomOr repurpose a spare room for coats and bags, Goforth says clutter in this space is something guests will definitely notice.
“Prepare to stay in and out of the area overnight while people come and go,” says Goforth.
food preparation mess
When it comes to your preparation kitchen Before a party, Goforth says this is one area to be subtle. Although she says it’s helpful to start with a freshly cleaned fridge, empty dishwasher, and clean trash can, it’s impractical to expect a gleaming kitchen if you’re serving a meal.
“Certain signs of food and drink preparation can be perfectly acceptable, and can also create a more accepting environment,” says Goforth. “Small tasks in progress, like cutting lemons for cocktails or arranging appetizers, can add some accessibility.”
But that also doesn’t give you an excuse to make a huge mess. Think clean surfaces and clear clutter.
Fiocchi feels the same way, although she has a great hack to instantly give the impression of a neat and tidy kitchen: Hide your storage. countertop appliances away.
“For me, it feels more refreshing to keep my appliances hidden and the counter open,” she says.
Solution: Prioritize locations that guests will see
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with everything there is to do before a party or gathering, both Goforth and Fiocchi assure us that there are places you can skip.
“The reality is that it’s essential to prioritize the areas of the home that guests will see,” says Goforth. “We can’t do it all.”
This means that as you approach the problem areas above, you can cross other things like laundry, unmade beds, dirty cars, and playrooms off your list.
“If you don’t have any guests staying overnight, the bedroom doors can remain closed,” says Goforth.
She notes that the garage is unlikely to be a place where your guests will hang out, and play rooms are allowed to be reasonably messy—especially if it’s not a function for the kids. Fiocchi agrees, noting that pet play toys are also given some exemptions. Additionally, if you’re really desperate for a quick clean, you can use a few spots to remove the mess.
“No one really cares about the garage, so when all else fails, just keep all the crap in there,” she says.
