Before Guests Arrive

Have a spare key prepared.

Invest in an inflatable air mattress, if you don't have a spare bedroom.

Be sure the bed is made, with clean, fresh bed linens.

Gather extra pillows and blankets.

Make room in a closet.

Arrange fresh towels, linens and toiletries are the basic essentials.

Stack the bedside table with magazines and paperbacks.

Put together a list of emergency contacts in case something happens while you're out.

Write down household instructions.

Clean up your house.

Vacuum the carpet or floor thoroughly.

Before your house guests arrive, ask if they have any food allergies.

Think about what guests might want to do when they visit.

Having Guests

Receive them warmly.

Invite them to help themselves to any food or drink you have available.

Keep your house guests in mind when shopping for food and drinks.

Tell them about your meal plans and timetable.

Make sure they understand they are free to walk about the house and grounds at any time.

Ask each guest to think of what you can do to make her stay more pleasing.

Leave magazines, newspapers, and videos in an area that's easily accessible.

Download or Print this Houseguest Prep Checklist

Get a printable version of this checklist in your preferred format: PDF, Word, Excel, or print directly from your browser.

Who it's for

This Houseguest Prep Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.

Avoid forgetting - keep all your Houseguest Prep essentials in one place (external memory)
Save time - start from a proven Houseguest Prep structure instead of a blank page
Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time

How to use this Houseguest Prep Checklist

Save Houseguest Prep Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Houseguest Prep (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.

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