Cleaning the house before guests arrive is essential; mopping, scrubbing, dusting, and disinfecting are part of the routine. But things get more complicated when it comes to organizing and getting rid of what isn’t needed. What should stay and what should be stored out of sight?
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“I always start cleaning with anything that gives the feeling that the house is ‘in use’ rather than ‘ready for use’,” says Sofia Martinez, CEO of Sparkly Maid Austin.
Instead of simply stuffing everything into a drawer and hoping for the best, see what cleaning professionals remove from their own homes to impress visitors.
Shoes and coats by the door.
The entryway is usually the first place a guest sees when they walk into your home. It sets the tone the moment they arrive, says Sarah McAllister, founder and CEO of GoCleanCo.
“Shoes, coats, backpacks, and bags are all moved into a closet or bedroom,” she explains. “This creates space for their belongings and instantly makes the home feel more spacious.” If she has time, she also gives the baseboards a quick wipe for an even more polished first impression.
Stacks of paperwork and everyday mail
The weekly flyer from your local grocery store can go elsewhere for a while, as can homework, notebooks, and other paper items.
“Even for those who work in cleaning, the kitchen counter can become a dumping ground for receipts, school forms, and unopened envelopes, and that visual clutter makes the space feel busier than it really is,” says Martinez. “I quickly move these items to a tray or folder in my office so the kitchen and living room surfaces look calm and organized instead of like an exposed to-do list.”
Small appliances
You don’t have to be a cleaning professional to know that kitchen countertops attract a lot of clutter. In addition to paperwork, it’s worth temporarily storing small appliances, such as the toaster or blender, to create more open space.
“Clutter-free surfaces make the entire kitchen look cleaner, even if you haven’t cleaned anything,” says McAllister.
Personal hygiene items
All bathroom items you normally leave out for easy access should be removed. Think: toothbrushes, makeup bags, razors, and half-used products near the sink. “Removing these items from the counter immediately gives the bathroom a fresh, spa-like feel, while also providing guests with a bit of privacy and space for their own belongings,” says Martinez.
She recommends moving everything into a container under the sink and then replacing it with a clean hand towel and a simple liquid soap, “so what remains on display looks organized and ready to welcome guests,” she adds.
“Comfort and clutter”
Martinez defines “comfort clutter” as laundry, extra blankets, and scattered hoodies, and suggests putting them away. “Laundry baskets and piles of loungewear can make guests feel like they’ve suddenly walked into the middle of your household chores rather than being welcomed into a prepared space,” she explains.
If she’s short on time, she does a quick tidy by putting clothes into the hamper and folding extra blankets into a basket. “Those few minutes clear the areas guests notice first and make the whole house feel more put together without being artificially perfect,” she says.
Equipment for children and pets
Containers are essential when it comes to organization. This is especially true for children’s games and pet accessories. “Toys, stuffed animals, dog bones, and an avalanche of sports equipment all end up gathered into baskets or bins,” says McAllister. “I’m not aiming for perfection, just eliminating visual clutter so guests don’t have to dodge Lego pieces or noisy toys.”
When McAllister has guests over, she knows they won’t go into the bedrooms or open closets, so she focuses her energy on the living room, kitchen, and bathroom.
She also highlights the benefit of locking a few things away if needed. “There’s absolutely nothing wrong with hiding things temporarily,” she says. “The key is remembering to deal with them later so you don’t discover mysterious piles of stuff a week from now.”
Source: Real Simple. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
