So that extra bedroom (or fold-out couch or blow-up mattress)  is going to be put to good use…you”re going to be host to overnight guests. What do you need to do to plan for it?  You’ve got some preparation to do so that everyone will feel comfortable during their stay. You can help make it less stressful on yourself, too. Sure it may be an obligation for you, but it’s a nice gesture to make them feel welcome at “Chez You”.

Got a spare bedroom? Of course you need to make sure there are clean sheets on the bed. Put out  an extra blanket, even if it’s during the summertime. If it’s a room that you seldom use, it’s probably a little bit stuffy in there, so air it out, and dust any surfaces. The closet hopefully isn’t a wreck–try to make some space for hanging clothes, and tidy it up so at least there’s not an avalanche when your overnight guest opens the closet door!

If your overnight guests are roughing it on the fold-away couch or blow up mattress, check that the mattress will inflate. While it’s been tucked away, it might have been ripped or torn, or maybe the pump is lost somewhere in your closet. A good host will point out the bathroom(s) so they’re not lost in the dark in the middle of the night looking for it.

Will your guest will be using a spare bathroom? Chances are it’s not especially clean. Give it a good cleaning from top to bottom. Even though they probably brought their own, make sure there’s toiletries handy–soap, shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste.  Of course you want to have plenty of towels available–not  hidden away in a closet, but right where guests can see them. If your guests will be sharing a bathroom with you, the same things goes for it–make sure it’s clean, you’ve got extra towels, and hope everyone’s schedule works out! As the host, you may have to work around their bathroom chedule.

A lot of people can’t get their day started without a cup of coffee, so unless you’ll be making a run to the  nearest coffeehouse first thing in the morning, have coffee, tea and milk on hand for your overnight guests. If they’ll be staying with you for a few days (!), a good host will find out what kind of breakfast or snacks they prefer and stock up.

it may sound like a lot of work, but your overnight guests will really appreciate it. Be a good host, and hopefully they’ll return the favor when you visit them!