The Ten Minute Makeover: Making Your Home Guest-Ready

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                    This Article Was Written and Compiled by Lizel J

We all know the feeling – that pit-in-the-stomach panic when you suddenly find out a guest is coming over, and you have barely any time to prepare. Your house is in a state you don’t want anyone else to see, but you have no choice but to welcome your unexpected guests. Before you begin the mad rush to clean everything you possibly can before the doorbell rings, here are some things you can do to make your home guest ready in just ten minutes.


Focus
When you only have ten minutes to clean, you need to focus on what’s most important, and you’ll have to let some things go. Focus on only the rooms of your house that your guests will primarily be in. Don’t waste time picking up the clothes in your bedroom. Just close your bedroom door, and return the areas that are most important. In most cases, they’ll be the living room, kitchen, entranceway, guest bathroom, and sometimes the guest bedroom.

Entranceway and Living Room
Take a look at your entranceway, because it’s the first impression your guests will get of your home, and the living room. Quickly pick up any stray shoes, jackets, mail, toys, etc. Put them into the coat closet or where they belong, but don’t spend a long time finding homes for every single item if there’s a lot to do. Pile them together out of sight, and deal with putting them where they belong later.

Bathroom
Assess the guest bathroom for cleanliness. The bathroom is the one place people expect to be clean, and frankly, may be grossed out about if it’s not. Quickly clean the toilet bowl and seat, and wipe off the countertops. Place a fresh hand towel on the towel rack, and close the shower curtain. Remove any trash from the wastebasket, and light a candle for a little extra freshness.

Dishes and Kitchen
Dirty dishes left around the home can really make it look messy. First, start by collecting all the dirty cups and bowls that are in your living room and kitchen. Don’t worry about washing them unless you have extra time. Put them into your dishwasher, or very quickly rinse them and put them all into your sink. Your guests will be much more forgiving of dirty dishes when they’re where they belong. The kitchen is another area that should be cleanly, so put away food items, wipe off the countertops, and quickly sweep up crumbs.

Straightening Up
It’s called “straightening up” because it’s really the best method before guests come over. Do not worry about things like dusting or cleaning the mirrors. These are small details that you’re likely to be the only one who notices. Instead worry about picking up and straightening things that are in disarray.

Guest Bedroom
Unless your guests will want to sleep the minute they walk in the home, don’t worry about the guest bedroom. After they arrive, you can politely excuse yourself and say you’re going to take just a few minutes to get the guest room ready. Change the sheets, make the bed, and clean any glaring messes.
Lizel J wrote this article in partnership with BuckinghamID.com Chicago's best interior designer. Visit Buckinham and begin visualizing your new home.