"Preparing for Guests (Yes, People DO Check Your Medicine Cabinet!)"

It's Magazine Moments time! Janis & Julie review articles from TheSpruce.com about prepping your home for guests. From entryways to under-bed dust bunnies, here's how to make guests feel welcome without losing your sanity.

Article 1: 7 Forgotten Spots to Declutter Before Guests Arrive

1. Declutter Your Entryway

• First impressions matter!
• Pretend you're the guest—see with fresh eyes
• Add shoe tray, baskets for purses/keys
• Makes holiday decorating easier too

2. Check the Medicine Cabinet

• It's the bathroom junk drawer
• Yes, guests DO snoop! (Janis confirms this)
• Remove sensitive items, toss expired meds
• Keep only essentials when company's over

3. Clear Guest Room Surfaces

• Julie uses her suitcase as a drawer (no hotel drawers for her!)
• Clear surfaces for books, devices, toiletries
• Space for their stuff = comfort

4. Under Beds & Behind Doors

• Things get stashed where you think guests won't look
• Plot twist: One guest went through financials at sister-in-law's house!
• Use over-door hangers for vertical storage
• Clear space for luggage (evict dust bunnies!)

5. Working Lamps & Phone Chargers

• Good lighting prevents trips in unfamiliar spaces
• Have chargers ready (how do people forget these?!)
• Power strip near bed = pro move
• Janis travels with a power strip!

6. Tidy Communal Cupboards

• Make breakfast fixings accessible
• Julie's move: Post-it notes on cupboards ("Coffee creamer here!")
• Welcome basket: granola bar, candy, cup with straw

7. Tackle One Drawer/Shelf Daily

• Start weeks early
• 12 minutes = #DeclutteringDozen (article said 15, but we do 12!)
• Start with visible clutter: trash, broken toys, junk mail
• Small wins = motivation

Article 2: Ultimate Room-by-Room Holiday Checklist (Promised a checklist but had NO printable checklist—classic!)

Entryway Prep:

• Shoe spot, coat closet ready
• Wipe baseboards, clean fingerprints
• Shovel front walk (if snow applies)

Bathroom Essentials:

• Stock extras: TP, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes
• Paper towels in powder room (guests prefer single-use!)
• Leave towels ON guest bed so they know which are theirs
• Provide specific spot for wet towels (don't ask Julie's MIL about wood damage!)
• Small basket for toiletries
• Hotel soaps/shampoos

Bathroom Deep Clean:

• Wash/replace shower curtain
• Scrub grout, wipe baseboards
• Clean toilet, tub, sink, mirrors
• Swept floor = good enough (unless little boys "learning to aim")

Guest Room Must-Haves:

• Nightstand, seating, surfaces for suitcases
• Clean sheets, extra blankets
• Adult snuggle item (Julie adds a Squishmallow!)
• Make bed in advance—Julie's cousin's Post-it note trick: label pillow with last guest's name, change sheets only if different!

Welcome Package:

• Snacks, Wi-Fi password, water
• Janis uses stainless steel growler for cold water
• Granddaughters LOVED getting "grown-up" welcome baskets!

Final Touches:

• Dust from ceiling down
• Vacuum/dust mop
• Air out room—NO heavy scents (causes headaches/nausea)
• Want smell? Simmer cinnamon on stove
• Do walkthrough before guests leave (find forgotten items in basket!)

Resources:

YouTube: https://www.youtu

Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!