If you have guests arriving, it’s time to spruce things up, dust under the bed, and ensure you have the essential guest room items to offer a most comfortable stay. Here is a list of 10 must-haves, provided by organizational guru Mridu Parikh of Life is Organized. Consider this your final checklist to make any guests feel welcome and right at home in yours!
This gorgeous room designed by Judy Tillman Long (see the complete home here) would make any guest feel at home. Make sure to have our 10 essentials on hand, and you have the perfect recipe for a guest to have a great night’s sleep! Image: Emily Followill
And just like that, the holidays are here again. Somehow between meal planning, finishing up home projects, and getting kids through school, you’ve got to think about that most put-off task — preparing the guest room for your holiday guests.
Although it may be used for storage most of the year, it doesn’t have to require hours to get it ready each time you have visitors. Today, I’ll show you how to get your guest room organized so it’s ready to be used anytime, leaving you with a simple spruce up before your guests arrive.
Here’s a thought to keep in mind when you’re planning out your guest room: think “hotel room.” It might help paint the picture of what this space should include in order to make your guests feel at home and to avoid frequent requests. (It’s a win-win!)
Here are 10 essential guest room items to ensure it’s visitor-ready:
1. Extra towels, blankets, and pillows
Everyone has different needs. Some people like separate face towels and body towels. Some people are always cold. Others are forever warm. Keeping these extras on hand ensures comfort, no matter what the likes or dislikes may be. If you don’t have storage for these items in closets or cabinets, roll them up and place them in baskets on the bed or floor.
2. Wastebasket
Don’t leave your guests wondering where to put those baggage stickers, airline ticket stubs, or potato chip wrappers after their travels. Avoid clutter buildup in your room (and in their pockets) with this simple must-have.
3. Clock
Yes, most people may have a cell phone, but having a clock on hand is gracious and appreciated! Let your guests turn their cell phones off and use the alarm on their bedside table. And they may simply want to know the time throughout the day without grabbing for their phone. Just as watches are very much back in vogue, a working clock should be in every room, as phone fatigue is a very real thing!
Guests will love an option like this bedside alarm clock by Loftie (reg. price $149). With a dimmable display and nightlight, two-phase alarm, Bluetooth capability, and built-in content like white noise and guided meditations, it’s a great extra touch for helping guests feel connected yet relaxed. Image: Loftie
4. Space for clothes
It’s natural to use your guest room as a dumping ground for items you can’t fit elsewhere. But when guests are expected, be sure to carve out enough space so they can comfortably fit their belongings, like room for their bag(s) and space to hang a few outfits. And don’t forget to include a few empty hangers. If you have a dresser, keep at least two drawers empty for the guests in town for a few days.
5. Door hooks (over-the-door or door-mounted ones)
These are the easiest way to make space for jackets, purses, and caps. Hooks are especially helpful if your space is modest and you don’t have room for chairs (which is usually where things end up getting thrown).
6. Iron
This is a must-have that’s often overlooked. Your guests likely have wrinkled clothing after their travels, so it’s nice to have their needs taken care of before they have to ask about them. Add an iron to your arsenal of guest room supplies, as well as an ironing board. If you have a limited area, you can get an over-the-door board or a tabletop ironing board that can rest on the bed, floor, or low dresser.
7. Tissues
I can’t tell you how many times guest rooms aren’t equipped with these, and it’s annoying to pull on strands of toilet paper as a substitute. A box of Kleenex is always appreciated, especially during the winter months and allergy seasons.
8. Basic toiletries
Chances are your guests will bring their own personal toiletry products, but as far as the basics, no one should be expected to bring their own. Be sure to have toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, soap, and lotion either in their room or the bathroom they’ll be using. You can add a personal touch by storing them in a small decorative basket and including a welcome note.
9. Full-length mirror
A dresser mirror can be great when you’re putting on makeup or accessories. But who doesn’t want to see their whole outfit put together before they leave the house? Add a full-length mirror to an empty side of a wall or install one behind the room door or closet door. If you have the space, standing mirrors also make beautiful decorative pieces.
A versatile full-length mirror like this one from Target ($80) is great for storing clothing or extra throw blankets. It can also be hung on the wall to save space. Image: Target
10. Hairdryer
A hairdryer is essential for a lot of people, but not one that everyone packs, as they can take up a lot of room in a carry-on or suitcase. Have one accessible in either an easy-to-find drawer in the room or in the bathroom.
This might seem like a lot to get together, but the good news is that once these items are in place, you’ll spend minimal time (if any) getting your guest room ready the next time you have visitors. The bad news? If you set up these comforts really well, your guests may overstay their welcome!
Happy holidays to you AND your guests!
For more organizational tips, check out all of the free resources at Life is Organized.
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