How to Prepare Your Home for Guests: The Ultimate Cleaning Checklist
Hosting doesn’t have to mean panic cleaning. Follow this compact checklist to focus on the things guests notice most, and leave the deep clean to the pros if you prefer.
One day before
Quick declutter: stash shoes, mail, and toys in baskets.
Vacuum high-traffic areas and fluff pillows.
Wipe down kitchen counters and clear sink.
Clean bathrooms thoroughly: toilet, mirror, sink, and replace hand towels.
Two hours before guests arrive
Do a fast sweep or vacuum of entry, living room, and dining area.
Wipe visible fingerprints off doors, light switches, and remote controls.
Set out clean hand towels and stock the restroom with extra toilet paper and soap.
Put out a small tray with coasters and a bowl for keys/phones.
Final 15 minutes
Open windows briefly to freshen the air (weather permitting).
Light a subtle essential-oil diffuser or place a small bouquet of fresh flowers.
Turn on soft lighting; dim lights hide small imperfections better than harsh overheads.
Bonus tip: Create a “guest-ready” drawer or bin with spare towels, batteries, a small first-aid kit, and a charging cable. Guests appreciate the little conveniences.
If you’d rather be a relaxed host instead of a frantic cleaner, schedule a same-day or next-day service with Organically Clean Utah. We’ll make your home guest-ready while you take care of the fun stuff.
