Is your guest room ready for guests, or is it filled with unwrapped Christmas gifts, bags of clothing ready to donate to charity, and the cat’s litter box? If you’re like most people, it’s safe to say that the room is a mess.

Greeting guests at the front door and realizing that you have to move the debris in the guest room to access the bed is not a good start to what should be a happy holiday experience.

If you want to make your holiday guests feel like royalty, rent a safe, secure self storage unit from My Storage Plus. Store the overflow at one of the many convenient My Storage Plus locations, and then follow the tips in this article. Your visitors will be so relaxed that they may want to stay through the New Year (uh oh!).

Keep Your Guests Happy

Make your visitors welcome with a clean house and plenty of food options.

Tidy the House
This is a no-brainer and your motivation to get rid of the clutter. Now is the time to lease a self storage unit if you don’t already have one. It’s a place for whatever is crowding the guest room. Everyone (even you) will be happier in a tidy house. For more information read The Ugly Truth About Clutter

Plan the Meals
Be sure to think about planning for extra meals so you’re not spending all of your time in the kitchen. Introduce your visitors to local cuisine and unique dining experiences.

Stock up on Snacks and Drinks
Stock the fridge, pantry, and bar with drinks and snacks that you know your guests will enjoy. Don’t forget the littles; have plenty of juice boxes, fruit, and crackers.

Make Bedrooms and Bathrooms Guest Friendly

Those extra touches will have your guests raving about your hospitality.

Provide Empty Drawers and Ample Closet Space

Provide a dresser with plenty of empty drawers and a luggage rack for suitcases. And don’t forget to make space in the closet and add extra hangers.

Buy New Linens

It goes without saying that you’ll outfit the bed with clean sheets, blankets, and cozy comforters, preferably new. Be sure to have extras so that everyone is comfortable.

Buy fluffy new towels for the guest bathroom, and have plenty of extras in a cute basket. Provide an extra basket or hamper for dirty towels so that you can throw them in the wash every day. Don’t forget a decorative container of extra toiletries in case one of your guests is forgetful: soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.

Remember Extra Touches

Add a pretty tray with bottled water, snacks, and fruit. Fresh flowers or a few live plants are always nice touches. For a festive look, add a small tree and holiday decorations. Arrange a variety of books on the night table, and don’t forget nightlights in both bedroom and bathroom.

Don’t Forget Technology

Leave a notecard with your Wi-Fi password and TV remote instructions in a convenient spot.

Plan for Entertainment

Keep everyone busy, but don’t forget the down time.

Enjoy Holiday Events

Holiday events are abundant at this time of year. Schedule shopping trips at local Christmas markets, and meals at unique pop-up restaurants. Light displays, and visits to Santa are always a hit. You don’t have to pack every day with endless adventures, but it helps to have some backup plans. You can always just hang out and watch holiday movies.

Love the Littles

If there are children in the mix, remember to accommodate their needs. Baby proof where necessary. Put all of those valuables in your self storage unit with the extra furniture from the guest room. No one wants to spend an entire visit scolding their children for touching a crystal vase or an expensive lamp.

Kids of all ages love technology, and they will be sure to bring it with them. But don’t forget the board games and simple crafts for timeless entertainment. You’ll be surprised at how much the younger children love them!

Conclusion

Bring on the company, but don’t waste a lot of time worrying about the “perfect experience.” A warm and cozy space and special people are the perfect experience. Use the time to have fun and make memories! Take tons of pictures and share special moments. Happy Holidays!