TL;DR
Get the guest room ready well before visitors arrive: clean it, clear out the crafts, paperwork and other clutter, then stock what guests need. Kathi’s list covers a bedside table and lamp, a free outlet, a luggage rack, open drawers, clean linens, an amenities basket, a snack basket and a nightlight.
Every year, my clients ask me for help getting their spare/guest room tidied up and organized for the holidays and incoming guests, so I thought I would share these tips!
Tis the season and there’s nothing quite like having out of town guests come to visit. The holidays often give us a chance to catch up, relax, and enjoy some quality time together.
Why get the guest room ready early?
Before your guests arrive, there’s a bit of preparation that goes into making sure their stay is as comfortable as possible.
One of the most important things to do is get the spare / guest room ready. This means making sure it’s clean, organized, and has everything they might need while they’re here.
By getting this done in advance of the holidays, it will be one less task to check off your list, and you can avoid stress knowing that your guest room is ready for your next batch of visitors. And who knows, maybe they’ll even be so impressed that they’ll want to stay an extra day or two! For more on being a great host, see hosting guests from out of town.
How do you clear out a spare room that does double duty?
Here are a few tips on getting the guest room ready for your next batch of visitors:
Start by giving the room a good cleaning. This includes dusting, vacuuming, and maybe even shampooing the carpets if they’re looking particularly dirty.
Often this room serves multiple purposes including crafts, home office, and only once a year for guests! (If yours has turned into a dumping ground, this guest room or storage room case study shows how to win it back.)
Take a look around the room and remove any clutter that might be lying around. This includes things like clothes, books, craft projects, magazines, and anything else that might make the room look cluttered.
What do guests need in a spare room?
Once the room is clean and clutter-free, it’s time to start thinking about what your guests might need during their stay. This could include things like extra pillows, blankets, towels, and toiletries.
If you have any spare furniture or items in storage, now is the time to bring them out. This will help make the guest room feel more welcoming and comfortable.
A bedside table, a lamp and a free outlet
Make sure you have at least one bedside table with a reading lamp for your guests to stow their phone, reading glasses and whatever else they might need to get safely in and out of bed at night.
Free up an electrical outlet, so they can plug in their electronic devices. An extension cord or power strip positioned by the bed is even better in case they come equipped with multiple electronic devices.
A place for luggage and clothes
Set up some type of luggage rack for them to unload their clothes. Some guests even prefer keeping their clothes in their suitcase while they visit, so a place to open and access their luggage off the ground will be helpful. I picked up a hotel luggage rack for my guest room and use it while I pack for trips and keep it stowed in the closet while not in use.
Don’t forget to make space in the closet and leave one or two dresser drawers open for your guests to store their belongings during their stay!
A guest amenities basket
Prepare a guest amenities’ basket to welcome them. This kit should include often forgotten items like a disposable toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, body lotion, shower cap, over-the-counter medication, nail clippers and whatever else you think they might need. This way your guests won’t have to bother you in case they forgot anything at home.
Plenty of clean linens
Make sure there are plenty of clean linens for the guest bed. This includes sheets, blankets, pillows, and anything else they might need for a comfortable night’s sleep. Have a spare freshly washed blanket on hand in their closet in case they need an extra layer in the middle of the night.
What finishing touches make guests feel at home?
Put together another welcome basket with some essentials like water, snacks, local magazines and a few other items they might find useful during their stay.
Take a moment to think about what else they might need and have it readily available. This could include things like an extra blanket, an alarm clock, or even a fan if the room is particularly warm.
Installing a nightlight to help them find their way to the bathroom will also help avoid stubbed toes or potential falls.
By following these simple steps, you can be sure that your guest room is ready for anything. And your guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness and care that went into making their stay as comfortable as possible.
P.S. Adding a vase of fresh flowers and leaving a piece of chocolate on the bedside table will add a very special touch!
Keep reading
- Organizing For Out Of Town Guests on NBC NewsKathi’s TV segment on getting your home ready for visitors.
- Organizing Your Linen Closet and Downsizing Your Sheet CollectionKeep just the sheets and towels you need, guest sets included.
- Clear the Clutter Before the HolidaysGet the whole house in order before holiday guests arrive.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get my spare room ready for guests?
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Start with a good cleaning: dust, vacuum and shampoo the carpets if they need it. Then remove the clutter, such as clothes, books, craft projects and magazines. Once the room is clean and clear, add what guests will need, such as extra pillows, blankets, towels, toiletries and any spare furniture you have in storage.
What should I put in a guest room?
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Kathi suggests at least one bedside table with a reading lamp, a free outlet or power strip by the bed, a luggage rack, space in the closet and one or two empty dresser drawers. Add plenty of clean linens, a spare blanket, an alarm clock, a fan if the room runs warm, and a nightlight.
What goes in a guest amenities basket?
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Include the items guests often forget: a disposable toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, body lotion, a shower cap, over-the-counter medication and nail clippers, plus anything else you think they might need. With a basket ready in the room, guests will not have to ask you if they left something at home.
Do guests need a luggage rack?
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A luggage rack helps because many guests prefer to live out of their suitcase during a visit, and a rack lets them open and reach it off the floor. Kathi bought a hotel luggage rack for her guest room, uses it when she packs for her own trips and stores it in the closet between visits.
How do I make guests feel welcome in a spare room?
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Put together a welcome basket with water, snacks, local magazines and a few useful extras. Leave a spare freshly washed blanket in the closet and install a nightlight so guests can reach the bathroom safely. A vase of fresh flowers and a piece of chocolate on the bedside table add a special touch.
When should I start preparing the guest room for the holidays?
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Prepare it well before the holidays begin. Doing it early takes one more task off your list during a busy season and means the room is ready whenever visitors arrive. It matters most when the spare room also serves as a craft room or home office for the rest of the year.
Originally published on Organized and Energized on November 9, 2022. Moved to addSpace and updated November 7, 2026.
