Whether you’re hosting your in-laws or are trying to make money using Airbnb, it’s wise to make your house guests as comfortable as possible in your living space. Comfortable house guests are more accommodating, more fun, and more sociable – and they’re more likely to leave good reviews as well. Plus, you’ll get the peace of mind of knowing that you made someone else’s stay more enjoyable.
So how do you do it?
Furniture and Layout
One of the best things you can do is upgrade and rearrange the furniture. This can make your guests feel more welcomed and more physically comfortable when sitting or resting.
1. Take advantage of sofa beds. Innovation Living sofa beds offer several distinct advantages. They function as both a sofa and a bed, as the name suggests, making them a convenient and space-saving piece of furniture. In a guest bedroom of your home, this item will maximize the available space for your guests while simultaneously giving them an option for both sitting and sleeping. Best of all, sofa beds tend to be inexpensive, so you can pick up more than one if you plan on having multiple guests over.
2. Allow plenty of walking space. Before guests arrive, consider moving your furniture to allow for as much walking space as possible. If your guests have to turn sideways to squeeze past a couch or if they have to step over other pieces of furniture, they’re going to feel awkward and uncomfortable. Pin your furniture to the wall to make space if you have to.
3. Declutter as much as you can. Depending on the size of your house and the amount of possessions you have, decluttering could be a massive task – so focus on decluttering as much as you reasonably can. Chances are, there are bags of items in your house that you no longer need; you can donate these or throw them away, depending on their condition. You can also spend time taking your other possessions and storing them properly, keeping them out of the way and out of sight.
4. Have ample seating options. Provide multiple seating options to your guests. Having even a few different chairs and sofas will ensure that everyone who wants a spot can have one; if you’re having multiple guests over at once, this is especially important.
The Environment
Next, work on improving the aesthetics of the overall environment.
5. Deodorize and add a fresh scent. Your house may have an odor attached to it without you even realizing it. Before guests arrive, make sure you clean the house thoroughly and deodorize any problematic areas. Add the finishing touch of a fresh scent to fill the area, using accessories like candles, incense, oil diffusers, or even potpourri.
6. Set the right lighting. Lighting can have a major impact on the mood and feel of an environment, so adjust your lights appropriately for the type of hosting you’re doing. If you’re having a meet and greet or you’re hosting a professional guest, bright, full lighting is ideal. If you’re having a movie night or a casual party, lower lighting may be better.
7. Play some appropriate music. You won’t always get the chance to play music for your guests, but if you do, choose an appropriate playlist. Keep it light and generic if you’re not familiar with your guest’s taste; if you know them well, try to pick some music you know they like.
Amenities and Greetings
Finally, spend some time paying attention to your amenities and how you greet and interact with your guests.
8. Make refreshments easily available. Offer your guests something to eat and/or drink when they arrive, when possible. Point them in the direction of refreshments so they can help themselves in the future, even if you’re just guiding them to the dining room or pointing out the presence of a cooler.
9. Provide directions. Your home may not be as easy to navigate as you imagine. Accordingly, it’s a good idea to provide your guests with a tour and some directions. Tell them where they’re staying (if they’re staying overnight) and point out the bathroom, at a minimum.
10. Make your guests feel at home. Go out of your way to make your guests truly feel at home. Let them know they can relax – and let them know you’re available to help them with whatever they need.
These are just an introductory assortment of strategies you can use to make your guests more comfortable in your home – there are still plenty more to discover. Get to know your guests before they arrive and you’ll be much better able to serve them individually as well.
