Getting Guest-Ready: What to Clean and Organize Before Hosting

Hosting guests—whether it's for a casual dinner, a weekend stay, or a full-blown celebration—can be exciting but stressful. You want your home to feel warm, welcoming, and (let’s be honest) sparkling clean. But when time is tight and your to-do list is growing, it’s easy to overlook the little things that can make a big impact.

At Accent Maid Service, we’ve helped countless homeowners prep their spaces for company, and we know exactly where to focus. Here’s a room-by-room breakdown of what to clean or organize before your guests arrive:

🏠 Entryway: First Impressions Matter

• Declutter shoes, coats, and bags. Make room for your guests’ belongings.

• Wipe down door handles and light switches. High-touch areas should shine.

• Sweep or vacuum the floor. A clean floor sets the tone from the moment they step inside.

• Don’t forget the porch. Sweep the outer entryway and remove often overlooked cobwebs.

🛋️ Living Room: Comfort is Key

• Dust surfaces and fluff pillows. Don’t forget under the couch cushions!

• Vacuum rugs and upholstery. Pet hair and crumbs tend to hide here.

• Organize books, magazines, and remotes. Clear, tidy surfaces are visually calming.

• Coasters in easy reach. Having coasters on wood surfaces will prevent you from worrying about where guests set their beverages.

🍽️ Kitchen: The Heart of the Home

• Clear countertops and wipe down appliances. A clutter-free kitchen feels cleaner instantly.

• Empty the trash and run the dishwasher. You don’t want lingering smells. Dishwasher should  be ready for loading.

• Clean inside the fridge. Especially if guests are staying overnight or bringing dishes.

🚽 Bathroom: Small Space, Big Impact

• Scrub the toilet, sink, and tub. A fresh-smelling bathroom is a must.

• Stock up on toilet paper, hand soap, and fresh towels. Little touches go a long way.

• Empty the trash and remove personal items. Make space for guests’ things if they’re staying over.

🛏️ Guest Room: Make Them Feel at Home

• Change the sheets and fluff pillows. A hotel-like touch makes a difference.

• Dust nightstands, lamps, and ceiling fans. These areas are often forgotten.

• Clear space in the closet or drawers. Give your guests room to unpack.

• Accessible outlets. If outlets are hard to reach, add a power strip or extension cord for charging devices.

🧼 Final Touches: The Little Details Guests Notice

• Light a candle or use a diffuser. A pleasant scent instantly elevates your home.

• Play soft background music. Creates a cozy, inviting ambiance.

• Do a final walk-through. Look at your home through a guest’s eyes.

Need Help? Let Us Take Care of It!

Don’t have time to deep clean before your event? That’s where we come in. At Accent Maid Service, we offer pre-guest cleaning services that cover everything from freshening up your living spaces to deep-cleaning kitchens and bathrooms. You handle the guest list—we’ll handle the mess.

📞 Call us today or book online to make sure your home is guest-ready without the stress!