Guest Room Ready For Guests?

Here are 12 questions to ask yourself when preparing your spare room for visitors.

Is there a bedside table with reading lamp, coaster and alarm clock? These are basic amenities that will show guests you've considered their comfort:
Assume visitors will want to keep a glass of water by the bed, especially in a strange home where they'd be less comfortable getting up in the middle of the night.

1. A lamp is a common courtesy: No one should have to navigate their way from the wall's light switch to the bed.


2. An alarm clock keeps company from relying on their hosts to wake them up, which could be embarrassing to some.


3. Does the room have an accessible and uncluttered outlet?Most guests will have at least a cell phone that they will want to charge each night.


4. Does the bedroom door close all the way and latch properly? You want to give your guests utmost privacy. A cracked door makes conversations more audible, lets in a draft, and invites curious children to peek in on their company.


5. How does the bed fit your guests? High, old-fashioned beds can be difficult for small children and the elderly to get in and out of. Likewise, a low-to-the-floor platform can be hard on those with arthritis or joint issues. If your mattress is overly firm, consider a foam cushion or mattress topper.


6. Do you have enough blankets and pillows? Take inventory of your spare pillows and extra blankets. Don't assume someone can use a couch cushion for their head. If you have the storage space, you might as well err on the side of having too many linens. After you've unpacked them, make sure they're clean and must-free. Consider dry cleaning your blankets and duvets. And if you have down comforters or pillows, make sure your guests aren't allergic.


7. How is the temperature of the room? Make sure the room is warm or cool enough. Because temperature preference is highly personal, you can anticipate your guests' needs by supplying extra blankets, a space heater, or fan.


8. How accessible is the bathroom? You can't change the location of your guest room, so check to see that there is ample lighting, such as a hall lamp or nightlight, to guide the way.


9. Does your guest room feel like a guest room?If your spare room doubles as an office or kids' room, remove anything you'll need during your visitors' stay. And clear it out. Don't make your guest stay in a cluttered environment that makes them feel like they're rooming in your storage closet. Likewise, clear out drawers and closet space and provide ample hangers for their personal belongings.


10. Does your guest have any special considerations?Anticipate particular needs or wants of your guests — does the room need to be child-proofed? Are your guests allergic to pets?
    Have you checked the room for possible hazards?Evaluate your guest room for precarious situations, using a fresh eye. Check that all area rugs are slip-free. Remove anything that might pose a hazard, like stubbing your toe, knocking something over, tripping or slipping.
    

Extra credit: Little touches that can go a long way:

Spritz the bed sheets with a lightly scented linen spray.
Put out a basket of toiletries and fresh towels.
Stock the room with magazines you think your guest will enjoy.
Spruce up the room with a vase of fresh-cut flowers.