Remove clutter
and clean the places you never notice for a guest.
When Cousin Francine announces a visit less than 24 hours in advance, a quick once-over dusting and change of sheets will do in the guest room. However, if your spouse's difficult sister has planned a visit for two months, you should probably spend an evening or weekend preparing the room to show your appreciation of her advance warning. Incorporate some cues from hoteliers into your checklist to make your guest's visit memorable.
Space
Provide hangers as well as closet space for guests.
Remove clutter; your guest will need space to spread out luggage and belongings. Clear space in the closet to hang at least one garment for each day spent visiting and dust out those top bureau drawers you reserve for guests. Invest in a portable metal clothing hanger for the closet or room door---they come in handy for hanging permanent press on laundry day, too. You probably keep the guest room door closed to keep pets and kids out; but if you don't, check to make sure it closes and latches firmly. Close the door after you've cleaned the room so that it remains perfect for when your guest arrives.
Condition
Windows may be overlooked when cleaning.
Clean all surfaces, including those annoying knobs on the headboard, and put on clean sheets---just spraying sheets that have been there for weeks gives the impression that they've been, well, rehabilitated. Wash or air the top cover so it doesn't throw up a pile of dust if it's been collecting winter coats or traveling cases for a while. Fluff the pillows by airing them out or running them in the dryer before encasing. Clean the window glass so that it is spotless and carefully dust the window treatments with a vacuum from the blinds out to the valences.
Vacuum the entire room. Make sure to run the vacuum under the bed, in the closet, and anywhere else that has been neglected the last three times you did a once-over on the room. Leave an extra blanket folded across the foot of the bed for those who prefer extra covers.
Welcome
Cleaning the guest room should consist not only of dusting and cleaning, but preparing the space for a happily anticipated guest. Air the space if you live in a place where the air is clear and the season is agreeable. Light the space for your guest's arrival; open the drapes if during the day. Draw the drapes and turn on a bedside light if he will arrive in the evening. Add a bud vase or little basket with toiletries and leave a coaster by the bed in case your guest customarily keeps a glass or bottle of water nearby at night. Provide your guest with his own towels, folded neatly on the bed so they can't be missed. Then vacuum the floor one last time, backing out as you leave the room.
