How to Prep Your Guest Bedroom

Has your guest bedroom been playing backup to your bedroom closet? Is it where you like to stash Christmas presents as you prep for the holiday season? Maybe it functions as your home office nine months out of the year. If any of these things are true, your guest bedroom may have become a catch-all. Start your prep by clearing the clutter. Donate unneeded items, put keepsakes into storage, throw away old newspapers and magazines and return odds and ends to their rightful spot in the home. If you’ve been using the guest bedroom as your own personal space, return empty mugs or anything of the sort to the kitchen.

Once the space is cleared, you’ll have a better sense of what’s at hand. Does the room need a touch-up? Now is the time to consider getting a new nightstand, dresser or accent chair. Does the room have a full length mirror and alarm clock? Those features will be game-changers for guests. When it comes to material selection, it’s best to match your home’s decor style, but warm woods and deep tones will absolutely give the room a cozy feel.

Just because you aren't using your guest bedroom doesn't mean that it won't accumulate dust. Prep for guest visits by giving your guest bedroom a good scrub using your full arsenal of cleaning supplies. Dust every surface, vacuum carpets and sweep hardwood floors. Pull out the surface cleaner and wipe down tabletops. And if you have the time, give your windows a good cleaning, too.

Not only should your guest bedroom be cleared of unnecessary clutter, but it should have storage and spaces guests can use as their own. Assess the closet and make sure there is space and an ample supply of hangers for coat storage and other goods that need hanging. Clear out at least one dresser drawer so your visitor can put away clothing during their stay.
If you are working with limited space and don't have a closet or dresser, make sure to designate a spot for guests' belongings. A well-placed loveseat or pouf can play host to a suitcase.

An essential step to preparing for guests is updating the room’s bedding. Put a new set of sheets on the bed, replace the duvet cover and swap in new pillow cases. Drape a throw blanket, quilt or bedspread on the bed for an added touch – this will add decorative appeal and give your guests options when it comes to temperature control. The more blankets you can outfit the room with, the better.

Make sure you have a good combination of bed pillows, too. The best guest bed will have two medium-to-firm pillows and two soft pillows on it, plus two smaller pillows for propping up while reading.

In addition to the more utility-geared elements of the room, think about creating the right mood. Make sure the room smells nice by adding an air-freshener. Place a decorative candle on the dresser or nightstand. Add a plant, or if the room already has a plant, make sure it’s in top form. If it’s looking a bit droopy, consider swapping it out for a showstopper.
Finally, style the room with accessories that suggest a particular mood or feel that you want the room to convey. Wall accents, small furniture and playful tchotchkes make a space come to life.

Some guests will need to work or at least check email during their visit. If space allows, set up a desk space where your visitor can do computer work. Make sure there's a quality office chair, computer charger, table lamp, notebook and writing utensils on hand.

Finally, include favorite books or magazines in case your guest enjoys reading. A TV is also a welcome addition.

You want your guest to feel perfectly content in the room and also excited about their visit. Achieve this by creating the perfect bedside welcoming collection. On the bedside table, set a water carafe and drinking glasses.

An arrangement of fresh flowers, an extra phone charger, tissues and a pen and notepad are also thoughtful ways to show you're happy to host them. Include a hand-written note that includes the wi-fi password, code to the front door or directions on how to use the TV. These finishing touches transform your guest room into a warm and welcoming retreat.