Cleaning for company is a time-worn tradition that can make your home more pleasant than even you remember. With a little planning, you’ll look like you have it all together and make visitors feel genuinely comfortable in your space.

 

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So take the pencil from behind your ear and list a handful of needs your guests will have. Some of them might be:

Elbow Room

A truly effective home makeover will focus less on décor and more on decluttering. But go for more than just a visual lift. Ask yourself if guests will have a place to hang their coat, a space to set down coffee between sips, a corner for stowing suitcases or a shelf for travel bottles in the shower.

An Allergy-free Zone

According to the American Lung Association, almost 75 percent of households in America are home to someone who is dealing with allergies or another respiratory problem that makes breathing less than easy. Chances are, some of your guests are in the same boat, which means the dubious policy “dust if you must” is talking about now of all times. It’s a good reminder to remove pet fur as well.

A User-friendly Kitchen

Family gatherings especially tend to put several cooks in the kitchen. Check that you have enough work stations to accommodate the masher of potatoes, tosser of salad and roller of pie crust — all at once. Gain more space by storing vitamins and unused counter-top appliances behind closed cupboard doors. Keep dishes washed and dried and back in their places, which may mean investing in a few more dish towels. Make your oven, sink and counter tops clean and ready for use.

Starting to like what you see in your mind? See Barry Izsak’s methods for time management and make your to-do list a reality. Then relax and enjoy your friends and family. That’s what it’s all for.