The 20-Minute Tidy Plan For When Someone Is About To Stop By

Hosting guests doesn't automatically call for a full day of deep cleaning before they arrive — but a visit from a friend on short notice also doesn't mean you have to welcome anyone into a messy home, either. Instead, with 20 minutes and a plan, you can comfortably invite visitors into your space without feeling worried or self-conscious that things aren't up to scratch.

If you talk to many pro cleaners, they'll tell you the best thing you can do is to think of your home in terms of zones rather than rooms. Sometimes, all the zones need to be cleaned and cared for, especially when you have kids. But when guests are involved, especially with minimal notice, you can focus instead on the areas you know they'll see and use, and go from there. For example, during a deep clean, you'd likely scrub all of your bathrooms and tackle the grime thoroughly, but for a quick visit, you probably only need to make sure the powder room is clean and presentable. 

The same applies to wherever you'll be hosting or entertaining. If your guests won't be sitting down in your dining room, you can skip that zone in favor of clearing off your kitchen island, where you're far more likely to gather. By determining where you'll spend the most time with your guests, you can more efficiently come up with a to-do list that will make your home feel as presentable as possible.

Your entryway is your home's first impression, so this is a great starting place. Spend about five minutes giving the front step a quick sweep, straightening any mats or wreaths, and clearing up any family shoes or coat clutter that greets your guests once they step inside. Assuming no one is going to go investigate your kids' bedrooms or look in your closets, feel free to shove things out of the way, just to make space for now — you can deal with any residual mess later.

From there, you should dedicate 10 minutes to tackling any lingering clutter in the zones where your guests will be, because it adds visual chaos to your space. Start by first assessing the disorder your guests will see, and trash or find a home for anything that shouldn't be left out. Needless extras on counters and tables will automatically make your home appear messier than it is, but removing clutter from your space isn't just about tidying. It'll also help you feel less overwhelmed and make it easier to focus on your guests.

With your final five minutes, run a quick vacuum over any zones your guests are likely to explore, if needed. Quickly wipe down your kitchen counters and dining area if you'll be sitting to eat, and, as your final step, re-set the sofa and light a candle. One of the most underrated elements is your home's scent, but it does a lot for creating a warm, inviting space.