Six Steps to Guest-Proof Your House for the Holidays

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The holidays are upon us, and as the end of the year creeps ever closer, millions of people will hit the roads, skies, and train tracks to visit friends and family. Having houseguests is stressful for both hosts and the guests themselves , especially if your guests don’t know how to read body language and refuse to leave .

Preparing your house properly for houseguests can remove some of that stress—no matter how much you love your friends and family, they’re not part of your household. They don’t know how you run things, and your property will never be as important to them as it is to you (and there are always eggnog-related mishaps involving tipsy relatives). To ensure that you can relax and enjoy your guests (and to avoid unnecessary beefs), take the time to guest-proof your home before the crowds arrive.

Prepare the entryway

The entryway of your home is obviously the first area visitors see. Whether it’s through the garage or the front entrance, take some steps to ensure your home is protected:

Check that the outdoor lighting is working and sufficient to light the way from parking areas to the front door.

Clear snow and ice from steps, walkways, and porches.

Protect the floors with spare rugs, waterproof mats, and/or boot trays so your guests don’t ruin your floors with rain and snow.

Make sure there are obvious places for folks to hang coats and leave umbrellas, boots, or anything else they might want to discard once they’re inside. You should also clear your own coats out of the way to make room.

Have house shoes or slippers available for anyone who wants them.

If a rule is important to you, make it known

Your home is your castle, and you obviously get to set the rules. If something is important to you (e.g., asking guests to remove their shoes) you should make it very clear so there’s no misunderstanding. Don’t be afraid to place a sign in the entryway with a list of house rules if they’re important to you—better to make these policies clear than to quietly (and then, … Read More