Long-term house guests come in many shapes and sizes. They could be a relative visiting from overseas, an old friend who needs a temporary stay or someone moving out of their residence due to illness or other circumstances. Whatever the reason for extended stays, it’s important to set expectations early on to ensure everyone involved is comfortable and happy and to be prepared with the right bedroom essentials and other necessary supplies. With patience and some foresight, preparing for and hosting long-term house guests can be an enjoyable experience for all parties involved.
Make a Guest Room Checklist
Ensuring your guest room is appropriately equipped is essential to hosting long-term house guests. An excellent way to do this is to create a checklist to ensure all necessary items are present and accounted for. Having the essentials will make all the difference in providing a pleasant experience. Aside from tangible items, it’s also important to consider the room’s ambiance and how accommodating it may be for different guests with different needs. Here’s a quick list for you:
- Bedding – The first thing you’ll need for your guest room is a bed and bedding. You can find various options in-store and online if you don’t have a good-quality set. Ensuring you have clean sheets and blankets on hand will make your guests feel comfortable and welcome.
- Towels – Other essentials for your guest room are towels. Be sure to have at least two bath towels and two hand towels for your guests to use, along with a facecloth. It’s also a good idea to have a spare set of sheets and towels in case your guests need them.
- Toiletries – Besides towels, providing your guests with basic toiletries is also thoughtful. This includes items like soap, shampoo and toothpaste. Your guests may bring their own or have personal preferences, but these low-cost items are easy to provide.
- Storage – Your guests will need somewhere to store their belongings while staying with you. Be sure to provide them with a dresser or chest of drawers where they can put their clothes. You should also provide them with a place to hang their coats and store their shoes.
- Lighting – Good lighting is essential for any guest room. Be sure to have a lamp on the nightstand so your guests can read in bed. You may also want to add a floor lamp or table lamp to the room for additional light if there is nothing overhead. Equipping the lamps and lights with smart bulbs is a great way to help control the color temperature of the lighting, so they can have a crisp daytime light with a warm glow in the evening.
- TV and Entertainment – If you want your guests to feel at home, be sure to provide them with a TV and some entertainment options. This could include a device to connect to their favorite subscription services, like an Amazon Fire Stick or Apple TV, or a cable box with access to some movies on demand. You can also leave out some books and magazines for your guests to read if you know their interests.
Make Necessary Upgrades Before They Arrive
If you find that the room or space your guest or guests will be staying in requires some upgrades, it’s best to take care of those beforehand. For example, if mattresses need replacing or the walls need painting, fixing them before your guests arrive can help make their stay more pleasant and comfortable.
Remember that you don’t have to break the bank here. If the bed you have isn’t the most comfortable, but a new mattress is out of the question, mattress pads offer a great solution to make it more comfortable. These are made of materials like memory foam and natural latex to help make beds firmer, more cushioned and overall more comfortable. This way, you can make smaller, budget-friendly upgrades that can significantly impact your guests’ experience.
Include the Necessities
Having the right necessities in your home can make all the difference when hosting long-term house guests. Depending on the guest or situation, this could mean anything from extra kitchenware to laundry detergent and cleaning supplies. Before they arrive, it’s best to ensure you have enough of these items on-hand and that they are easy for your guests to access. You should also be considerate of any dietary restrictions or allergies, as well as any other special considerations when stocking up on food. Having an assortment of snacks, cold drinks and other quick bites can make for an enjoyable stay and make your guests feel right at home.
Set Expectations and Communicate
It’s essential to take some time to think about your own house rules before hosting guests. You might not realize there are certain ways you like things done, specific routines you maintain or areas of your home that are off-limits. By sitting down with your guest and setting expectations, you can establish boundaries, so there are no surprises or discomfort.
In some cases, it is also beneficial to create a cleaning routine, as well as an agreement or contract that outlines expectations and responsibilities. The important thing is to remember that communication is key. Make sure you are both on the same page by discussing any changes that may occur throughout the stay. Last but not least, remember to be hospitable and flexible to your guest’s needs to build trust and create a pleasant experience for all.
Final Thoughts on Preparing for a Great Long-Term Guest Experience
Hosting a long-term guest can be an enjoyable experience if you prepare in advance. And creating a warm and welcoming environment for your houseguests doesn’t have to be complicated. By equipping the room with the right furnishings and amenities, making necessary upgrades before they arrive, stocking up on essentials such as food items that accommodate any dietary restrictions or allergies, setting clear expectations for both parties involved and communicating throughout their stay, you can ensure that everyone has a pleasant experience. With these tips in mind, your long-term guest stay should be a success. Good luck and happy hosting!
