Magazine Moments ~ Preparing for Guests E49

Send us Fan Mail"Preparing for Guests (Yes, People DO Check Your Medicine Cabinet!)"It's Magazine Moments time! Janis & Julie review articles from TheSpruce.com about prepping your home for guests. From entryways to under-bed dust bunnies, here's how to make guests feel welcome without losing your sanity.Article 1: 7 Forgotten Spots to Declutter Before Guests Arrive1. Declutter Your EntrywayFirst impressions matter!Pretend you're the guest—see with fresh eyesAdd shoe tray, baskets for purses/keysMakes holiday decorating easier too2. Check the Medicine CabinetIt's the bathroom junk drawerYes, guests DO snoop! (Janis confirms this)Remove sensitive items, toss expired medsKeep only essentials when company's over3. Clear Guest Room SurfacesJulie uses her suitcase as a drawer (no hotel drawers for her!)Clear surfaces for books, devices, toiletriesSpace for their stuff = comfort4. Under Beds & Behind DoorsThings get stashed where you think guests won't lookPlot twist: One guest went through financials at sister-in-law's house!Use over-door hangers for vertical storageClear space for luggage (evict dust bunnies!)5. Working Lamps & Phone ChargersGood lighting prevents trips in unfamiliar spacesHave chargers ready (how do people forget these?!)Power strip near bed = pro moveJanis travels with a power strip!6. Tidy Communal CupboardsMake breakfast fixings accessibleJulie's move: Post-it notes on cupboards ("Coffee creamer here!")Welcome basket: granola bar, candy, cup with straw7. Tackle One Drawer/Shelf DailyStart weeks early12 minutes = #DeclutteringDozen (article said 15, but we do 12!)Start with visible clutter: trash, broken toys, junk mailSmall wins = motivationArticle 2: Ultimate Room-by-Room Holiday Checklist (Promised a checklist but had NO printable checklist—classic!)Entryway Prep:Shoe spot, coat closet readyWipe baseboards, clean fingerprintsShovel front walk (if snow applies)Bathroom Essentials:Stock extras: TP, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushesPaper towels in powder room (guests prefer single-use!)Leave towels ON guest bed so they know which are theirsProvide specific spot for wet towels (don't ask Julie's MIL about wood damage!)Small basket for toiletriesHotel soaps/shampoosBathroom Deep Clean:Wash/replace shower curtainScrub grout, wipe baseboardsClean toilet, tub, sink, mirrorsSwept floor = good enough (unless little boys "learning to aim")Guest Room Must-Haves:Nightstand, seating, surfaces for suitcasesClean sheets, extra blanketsAdult snuggle item (Julie adds a Squishmallow!)Make bed in advance—Julie's cousin's Post-it note trick: label pillow with last guest's name, change sheets only if different!Welcome Package:Snacks, Wi-Fi password, waterJanis uses stainless steel growler for cold waterGranddaughters LOVED getting "grown-up" welcome baskets!Final Touches:Dust from ceiling downVacuum/dust mopAir out room—NO heavy scents (causes headaches/nausea)Want smell? Simmer cinnamon on stoveDo walkthrough before guests leave (find forgotten items in basket!)Resources: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abcdeclutterwithjj Facebook: Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!