Sleep in Your Guest Room Before Your Guests Do
When was the last time you spent a night in your own guest room?
If the answer is never, do it before the holidays. One night will show you the squeaky fan, the missing outlet and the blinds that let in the street light at 6 a.m.
The guest room is often the least-used room in the house. It collects the treadmill, the gift wrap and the boxes from the last move. Then company comes and it has to work overnight.
Here are the 10 things guests notice most, and how to fix each one.
1. The mattress
Guests won't tell you it's lumpy. They'll just look tired at breakfast. If the mattress is more than 10 years old, a mattress topper is a quick fix.
2. Light at the wrong time
Street lights, a neighbor's floodlight and early sunrise all come through thin blinds. Room-darkening curtains or liners fix it.
3. No place to set things down
Every guest needs a nightstand with a lamp on at least one side of the bed and somewhere to put a suitcase. A folding luggage rack takes up almost no space.
4. An outlet within reach of the bed
Guests charge their phones overnight. If the only outlet is behind the dresser, add a small charging station or a short extension cord on the nightstand.
5. Closet space
Clear at least 12 inches of hanging space and leave a few empty hangers. A guest shouldn't have to move your winter coats.
6. Temperature
Guest rooms over the garage or on a second floor often run hot or cold. Check the vent, change the filter and leave an extra blanket in plain sight.
7. A noisy ceiling fan
Run it on every speed for five minutes. A wobble or a click is easy to tighten now and annoying to hear at 2 a.m.
8. The guest bathroom
Stock it like a hotel: extra toilet paper where guests can find it, a plunger, fresh towels, a night-light and a new bar of soap. Run the shower and check the hot water and drain.
9. Wi-Fi
Write the network name and password on a small card. Guests shouldn't have to ask twice.
10. Clutter that isn't theirs
The exercise bike, the craft bins and the stack of tax files make a guest feel like they're staying in storage. Move what you can for the week.
Why this matters beyond the holidays
Everything on this list is also what buyers notice when they tour a home. A guest room that works overnight photographs better, shows better and reads as a real bedroom not a storage room. If you're thinking about selling in the spring, the work you do now counts twice.
FAQ
What if I don't have a guest room? An office with a quality sleeper sofa or a daybed works. Add a lamp, an outlet near the bed and a spot for a suitcase.
What size bed works best? A queen fits most guest rooms and most couples. In smaller rooms, a full bed leaves room to walk around it.
How do I keep the room ready all year? Keep the closet half-empty, keep fresh sheets in the room and check the bathroom supplies after every visit.
Final takeaway
Spend one night in your guest room. You'll find the problems in a few hours, and most of them cost less than a holiday meal to fix.
Planning to sell after the holidays?
Jeanie can walk your home and tell you which rooms will matter most to buyers in your area. Call (972) 414-0719 or visit the sellers guide.
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