How to get your home guest-ready in under 1 hour – 4 quick ways to conquer the before-guest panic clean

There is nothing quite like the panicked feeling you get in your stomach when you realize guests are on their way and your home is in complete disarray.

Luckily, pro organizers, cleaners, and even hosting experts have all been there before – so they have a pretty good idea of how to get a home guest-ready in under one hour to make any visitor feel like you have everything under control, especially during the hectic holiday period.

Here are their top four speedy hosting tips to prepare for last-minute guests, and how you can fit everything in on a time crunch.

How to get a home guest-ready in under one hour

Preparing for guests in under an hour is a race against time, especially if your home is disorganized or you are getting a home guest-ready for the holiday season. So, on your marks, get set – go.

1. Focus on shared spaces

Unless your guest will be lying on your bed, there is no need to clean and organize your bedroom. Shut the door – out of sight, out of mind, after all.

Audra George, owner and pro-organizer at Pretty Neat: An Organization Solution in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma says, ‘Focus on the main spaces that guests will be in the most and make that your priority.

‘One of the best ways to make your home look nice and put together is clear countertops and tables. Once this is done, quickly wipe down all surfaces – this will make the areas look cleaner and will make a home feel welcoming.

‘Fold blankets and fluff pillows make your space look comfy and, if you have time, add finishing touches like lighting your best candle or putting out drinks and snacks.’

2. Restock the bathroom

Bethany Skorik, etiquette expert and lifestyle coach at The Charming Diplomat says, ‘Attack the bathroom. In case of an emergency visit, this room can be cluttered but it should never be considered ‘dirty’. Cleaning a bathroom is a must.

‘Clean the toilet seat and bowl, wipe the floor around the toilet and sink, and clean the bathroom sink – think about anywhere a guest will touch.

‘Then, remove dirty clothes and towels (putting fresh ones out), empty the trash, and for a quick finishing touch, close the shower curtain or door to hide spots you won’t have time to clean.’

If you have time at the end of your pre-guest blitz, light a candle or turn on your best oil diffuser to make a bathroom smell like a luxury spa ready for guests to use.

3. Use the basket trick for clutter

One trick both organizer Audra George and etiquette expert Bethany Skorik recommend is the basket trick to conceal clutter.

Audra suggests, ‘Try the basket trick. Grab a laundry basket and go around and grab anything that doesn't belong in the main spaces and place them in the basket. This can be placed in another room away from guests and dealt with later.’

Just remember to actually deal with this basket to use storage baskets properly and prevent it from collecting dust.

4. Clear some space in your entryway

First impressions matter. No matter if the guest is your closest friend or a near acquaintance, it pays to have a well-organized entryway with space for guests to hang their things, reminds Mike Fretto, creative director of Neighbour. This allows guests to come in and put things down without having to ask where the best place is and you have to run around to find them a spot.

He suggests, ‘focus[ing] on the entryway. Especially in the winter when guests will come with coats and boots, a clean entryway will create a positive first impression and keep the mess from spilling out into other areas.’

There is more than just your home to consider when preparing for guests. One thing people who love hosting always have in their homes is a relaxed, laid-back attitude. Etiquette coach Bethany Skorik says, ‘Take a few minutes to prepare yourself. This can include brushing your hair and teeth, doing a five-minute makeup routine, or simply changing into a clean outfit.

‘People will remember the feeling they had when visiting you, over the state of your home. Never draw attention to things in your home like broken fixtures, dust, etc. The reality is that most people wouldn’t notice these things on their own!’

If you're mid renovation, here's how to prep your home for festivities.