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We all want our homes to be in tip-top shape when guests come to visit, so much so that it can motivate us to tackle home projects that we’d otherwise put off. Whether you have a week or just a couple of days before your guests arrive, you should prioritize cleaning and organizing the areas that will be most important to your visitors.

1. Entryway

“The entrance your guests will use to enter your home is their first impression of your house,” says Chris Willatt, the owner of Alpine Maids, a residential cleaning company. “A dirty front door area cluttered with dirt, leaves, and spider webs will signal to your guests that the rest of the house is not clean.” Willatt recommends sweeping the front door area, hosing down the pathway leading to the entrance, and cleaning the door and windows.

2. Living room

Guests will likely spend the most time in the living room. “Clear away visible clutter like mail or toys, vacuum or sweep, and fluff the cushions,” says Galia Ivanova, owner of cleaning services company Cleaning Estimate. “A cozy, clean living room makes people feel comfortable immediately.”

3. Kitchen

Everyone always ends up hanging out in the kitchen.

“Give the kitchen a thorough pre-guest cleaning so that food prep and cooking take place in a sanitary environment,” Pamela Wilkie, professional organizer at Joyganize Organization, says. “Clear the table and countertops as much as possible so there’s space for guests to put down drinks, plates, and any treats they might have brought.”

And while you’re cleaning the kitchen, don’t forget to give the inside of your fridge some attention, too. “Guests will almost always need something from the fridge or try to put something away in it,” Wilkie says.

4. Trash cans

Trash cans are an often overlooked item when tidying up, but your guests are almost definitely going to need to throw something away at some point. So, make sure the trash is not only emptied out before guests arrive, but also clean and smelling fresh. “Smelly or dirty bins, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, can leave a bad impression,” Ivanova says.

5. Guest bedroom

Liora Seltzer, a professional organizer and owner of What U Keep, LLC., suggests giving the room somewhat of a trial run ahead of your guests’ visit.

“Use the guest room before guests arrive,” she suggests. “That way, you’ll find out what’s needed, what needs to be replaced, etc.” For an extra considerate touch, Seltzer suggests adding a welcome basket to the room with some of the things people might forget, like extra toiletries, warm socks, blankets, and some snacks.

6. Guest bathroom

Willatt states it quite simply, “No one wants to use a dirty bathroom.” So, be sure to give the guest bathroom (or whatever bathroom the guests will be using) a thorough clean.

“I always make sure the toilet is spotless, the sink is wiped down, and a fresh hand towel is ready,” Ivanova says. “Don’t forget to check that there’s plenty of toilet paper within easy reach.”

“And though plungers are generally not very pretty, do make sure you have one,” Wilkie says. “If you can tuck it near the toilet so it’s visible but not too visible, that could prove to be a lifesaver.”

(Real Simple magazine provides smart, realistic solutions to everyday challenges. Online at www.realsimple.com.)

©2025 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.