Ten Steps to Hide a Mess Before Company Arrives

Chances are, like most people — you don’t have the time to completely organize and clean every corner of your home right before guests come over. We’ve have ten things to do if you have an hour to get ready for your guests to arrive.

10. Laundry Baskets are Your Friend
Grab a laundry basket (and hand one to everyone else in your family) and tackle the rooms that need tackling. Toys, clothes, it can go in a laundry basket that you can deal with later.

9. Clean the Bathroom

Wipe down the surfaces, wipe down the mirror, give the toilet bowl a quick scrub, put out a nice hand towel, and light a candle. Most importantly, make sure there is a new toilet paper roll.

8. Take out the Trash

Even if the bags aren’t full — tie them up, get them out in the trash and replace with an empty bag. Those trash bags are going to fill up quick — make room.

7. Clean out the Sink

Get the dishes in the dishwasher and wipe down the sink.

6. Cleanup Your Entryway

Line up shoes and backpacks and give the entryway a quick sweep. If you are going to have guests put coats/bags in a bedroom, you’ll want to make your bed as well.

5. Wipe down Kitchen Counters

This also keeps your kitchen safe from things like salmonella.

4. Fluff the Sofa Cushions

While you’re at it, a nice throw blanket on the back of the sofa and straighten your pillows.

3. Light a Candle (or two)

Even if the apple pie isn’t ready, your house can still smell like apple pie!

2. Close ALL the Things

Doors to rooms you won’t be using, cabinet doors, hamper tops, pantry doors.

Pour a Drink

Or…forget, all of the above, don’t worry about, pour a drink for you and your company and have a great holiday!