Having people over is fun—until the moment you realize your home is now a little more “lived-in” than you'd like. These stress-free hosting tips can potentially change all that.
The post-guest clean-up is absolutely essential for your mental health and for making sure your home and heart are welcoming next time! With these stress-free hosting tips laid out in this easy plan, you will:
stop associating hosting with stress and exhaustion,
actually look forward to having guests over instead of worrying about the cleanup,
and recover a clear mind, making it easier to enjoy your space again.
After a long weekend of entertaining, your space might feel cluttered, slightly sticky, or just...off. The good news? A targeted cleanup session can reset your home quickly, making it feel fresh and inviting again without exhausting you.
What you'll get from this guide:
A streamlined, step-by-step list of things to clean that will make your home feel fresh again.
Encouraging motivation to get it done quickly and efficiently.
A way to keep your place guest-ready without burning yourself out.
Your cleaning checklist
Guest bedding: More than just a sheet swap
Strip the sheets and pillowcases, wash in hot water, and fluff pillows.
Check for hidden messes: snack crumbs, hair ties, or stray socks.
Air out the room by opening a window for a few minutes.
Bathroom: Reset to hotel-level clean
Wipe down counters, sink, and faucet handles (think: toothpaste splatter).
Disinfect the toilet and swap out any used hand towels.
Check the shower drain—because someone’s hair is in there, and it's probably not yours.
Restock essentials like soap, toilet paper, and fresh towels.
Trash cans: Sneakily full of guest leftovers
Empty all bathroom and guest bedroom trash cans.
Give bins a quick rinse or spritz of disinfectant if needed.
Kitchen: The host’s battlefield
Wipe down dining chairs and high-touch surfaces.
Check the fridge for half-finished guest snacks and consolidate leftovers.
Run the dishwasher (or empty it if it was loaded before they left).
The living room: The cozy chaos zone
Fluff and shake out couch cushions (yes, that’s where the remote disappeared to).
Fold throw blankets and spot-clean any spills.
Dust off surfaces that saw extra use—coffee tables, side tables, or that one armrest everyone leans on.
Entryway: The silent first impression
Sweep or vacuum up the dirt and shoe debris guests unknowingly left behind.
Wipe down doorknobs and light switches—especially if it was a high-traffic weekend.
BONUS! Tips to make cleanup feel less like a chore
Set a timer for each section—racing yourself makes it fun.
Play your favorite playlist or a podcast to keep things entertaining.
If guests were extra helpful during their stay, consider small gestures to reciprocate (a thank-you text, sharing a great photo from the weekend).
Post-guest reset = stress-free socializing
Hosting should be fun, not stressful. If cleaning up feels overwhelming, you might hesitate to invite guests again. A simple, realistic plan like ours lets you enjoy hosting while keeping your home manageable. Plus, a clean space helps you transition back to your normal routine quickly—because Monday morning waits for no one.
