Inviting guests over gives you ample time to prepare, but when an unexpected visit looms, you may feel unprepared and overwhelmed with everything you need to do to tidy up. The guide below features a step-by-step strategy you can use to prepare your home for guests in 15 minutes or less. When you need to make your house and guest room smell as good as they look, rely on signature-scented Drift home products for the win. 

How to Prep Your Home for Guests in 15 Minutes or Less

Sometimes, guests can drop in without notice, giving you a short amount of time to make your living space look presentable. With a strategic plan in place, you can transform what could be 15 minutes of panic into a quarter of productive cleaning and preparation, allowing you to enjoy your guests’ company when they arrive. Here are 10 ways to prepare your home for guests in 15 minutes or less. 

1. Start with a Quick Declutter

As you go from room to room, grab and fill a laundry basket with items that don’t belong. Focus on the living room, kitchen, and main hallways, tossing items either in the basket or out of sight in a closet. Straighten the couch cushions, fold throw blankets, close doors to rooms you don’t want your guests to see, and hide any unwashed laundry or dishes in the washer and dishwasher, respectively. 

2. Wipe Down Main Surfaces

Use a microfiber cloth or disinfecting wipe for a quick once-over. Wipe kitchen counters, the dining table, bathroom sinks, and faucets before spot-cleaning visible dust on TV stands or side tables. Quickly clean smudged mirrors or glass surfaces, and, if needed, run a damp cloth over sticky cabinet handles or appliance fronts. 

3. Set the Scene: Fast Fixes That Feel Inviting

Add a sense of freshness by fluffing pillows and shaking out blankets. Open the blinds or curtains to let in natural light, while dimming harsh interior lighting. Set out coasters, a pitcher of ice water, and a small snack bowl to create a welcoming and intentional atmosphere. 

4. Don’t Skip the Bathroom

Wipe the bathroom counters, toilet seat, and handle before swapping the hand towel for a clean one. Ensure there’s plenty of toilet paper and hand soap, and empty the bathroom trash if it’s more than halfway full. Use a rag to wipe away any residue on the mirror for a polished look. 

5. Instant Guest Room Upgrades

If your guests will be staying in their own room, clear a drawer or space in the guest room closet for their clothes. Lay out a folded towel and washcloth for each guest, and set a water glass and a small snack on the nightstand. An extra phone charger can also be a thoughtful touch. 

6. Freshen the Air: Make Your Home Smell Clean

Although most of the cleaning efforts listed above focus on appearances, it’s what you can’t see that provides your greatest asset when preparing a guest room. Refreshing the air in your home requires a high-quality, easy-to-use, and stylish scented home product. Drift offers several of these products for your home, including the following: 

• Home Scent Diffuser: Featuring a sleek white body complete with a magnetic, removable cover, this Home Scent Diffuser incorporates a rotating plug that fits every outlet. It also offers three scent-level customization options and is safe for use around pets and children. 

• Room Spray: Immediately scent your home before guests arrive with Drift’s Room Spray. Alcohol-free, this naturally formulated fragrance is safe for use on fabrics, furniture, carpets, and around pets.

• Scented Candle: Featuring a cotton-core wick and a blend of soy and coconut fragrance oil, this candle offers a 45-hour burn time and emits passive scent for up to 60 days. 

• Reed Diffuser: This oversized Reed Diffuser has a high absorbency rate and fills the room with passive scent for up to two months. It’s the perfect low-maintenance fragrance solution for receiving unexpected guests. 

These luxury home products are available in multiple scents, many of which are complex and deep without overwhelming the senses. For example, amber blends notes of eucalyptus, lavender, vanilla, golden amber, and French lavender for a comforting fragrance, while teak features oakmoss, cedar atlas, teakwood, and amber. Explore each product to learn more about the available scents. 

7. Thoughtfulness: The Finishing Touches

A cozy blanket or pair of slippers can also help guests feel at home. Offer them coffee or tea, and place a small vase with flowers on a table or dresser in their room for a fresh touch. Even a complimentary toothbrush and travel-sized toiletries can help show your dedication to their comfort during their stay.

8. Creating the Illusion of Clean in the Kitchen

A cozy blanket or pair of slippers can also help guests feel at home. Offer them coffee or tea, and place a small vase with flowers on a table or dresser in their room for a fresh touch. Even a complimentary toothbrush and travel-sized toiletries can help show your dedication to their comfort during their stay.

9. Entryway First Impressions: Make It Feel Intentional

Tuck shoes, coats, and umbrellas away in a coat closet. Wipe down the front door, both inside and out, then shake out the welcome mat before sweeping it clean of debris. Place an empty tray near the front door for guests to use for their car keys and any other belongings. 

10. Final Checks

As the last few seconds count down, take a moment to make a final pass through your home before your guests arrive. Ensure the bathrooms are clean and stocked, the house is set to a comfortable temperature, and all visible surfaces are tidy and clutter-free. Consider putting on some calming music in the background before greeting your guests. 

Don’t Overlook the Power of a Signature Fragrance

Welcoming unexpected guests can be both exciting and anxiety-inducing, but with the right signature fragrance, you can rest assured that your guests will compliment you on a home that smells wonderful. Rely on scented home products from Drift to set the mood and mirror your personality. If you’re unsure which scent to choose, take our Home Scent Quiz for expert recommendations or subscribe to our Home Scent of the Month Club for exclusive access to limited-edition scents every month.