Company’s Coming: Guest Room Prep That’s Practical, Peaceful, and Clutter-Free

Bright and elegant bedroom featuring gold wall art above a bed with luxurious yellow and brown bedding, complemented by sheer curtains and a stylish lamp.

We all have that room—the one that used to be a guest room, but somehow turned into the treadmill-storage-wrapping-paper-holiday-decor overflow zone.

Whether you’re preparing for summer visitors or gearing up for the holiday guest season, now’s the perfect time to clear it out and create a space that feels welcoming—for them and for you.

Here’s how to make your guest room visitor-ready without the stress.

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1. Start with the Easy Win: The Surface Sweep

Before you do a deep declutter, clear off what’s visible:

• Treadmill console clutter

• Gift wrap rolls and tote bags

• Leftover laundry or piles that “just need to be sorted”

Give yourself permission to put these things in a temporary bin for now—just to clear the room. Then, block time to go through that bin within the week. We’re creating momentum, not overwhelm.

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2. Clear with Comfort in Mind

Once surfaces are clear, ask yourself: What would I want if I were staying here?

Keep only what serves a peaceful, practical experience:

• Fresh linens on the bed

• A small side table or dresser top

• A clutter-free path to walk around the room • A place to hang or set down a bag or suitcase

If your guest needs to shove stuff aside to lay their bag down, it’s time to declutter further.

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3. Create a Guest Essentials Kit

Think hotel basics—without the hotel feel. You don’t need fancy, just thoughtful.

Guest kit ideas:

• A basket with travel-size toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo) • Fresh towels and a washcloth • A bottle of water or some snacks • A card with your wifi info • A spot to drop mail or keys (a tray, dish, or small organizer)

These little touches go a long way in making guests feel seen and welcome.

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4. Think Ahead to the Holiday Rush

If you only get overnight guests around Thanksgiving or Christmas, you still want to prep now while the weather is warm and the schedule is a little more flexible.

Tips for longer-term prep:

• Store one small bin labeled “Guest Room Supplies” for easy resets • Keep an empty drawer or small shelf free year-round • Restock your guest kit every few months so it’s ready when you are • Add a cozy touch: a small lamp, blanket, or favorite candle

Doing this now means no last-minute scrambling when guests text, “We’re on our way!”

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5. Bonus: What If You Don’t Have a Spare Room?

No worries—many families don’t! You can still create a guest-friendly setup by prepping:

• A living room sleep zone with an air mattress or daybed • A basket of essentials stored in the coat closet • A privacy solution like a room divider or curtain • A nearby shelf or tote for their things

It’s not about having the perfect space—it’s about thoughtful use of what you already have.

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Make Room for Connection

Clearing out the guest room isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about creating space for people you care about. And sometimes, it’s about reclaiming a room that deserves better than being buried under bins and laundry.

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Ready to reclaim your guest room?

The Hopeful Simplicity Library has room-specific audio guides, printable prep checklists, and support for clearing out the “just-for-now” clutter in any space—treadmills included.

Let’s turn that spare room into something special—no stress required.