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Check for mold -

Mold can grow anywhere, from bathrooms to bedrooms and your guests' eyes will divert to those telltale black spots. Not only will mold spores show you haven't cleaned, but some types can be toxic.

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Check for mold -

If you live in an area with high humidity or your home suffers from high moisture, you may wish to invest in a dehumidifier.

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Vacuum the floors -

Guests will definitely notice if the floors are dirty. You don't need to go to extremes; a once-over with the vacuum will be sufficient.

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Mop the floors -

If you have hard surface flooring, choose damp mopping over wet mopping to eliminate streaks. Ensure your floors are dry before guests arrive so they don't slip!

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Dust visible spots -

You don't need to worry about dusting every nook and cranny, but it's a good idea to dust any obvious areas like coffee tables and lampshades. 

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Lighting -

Lighting can create a welcoming ambiance in your home. You may wish to turn on some table lamps or increase the wattage in some bulbs. A dimly lit home could make moving around the space difficult.

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Empty walls -

Bare walls can make a space feel unwelcoming. You may wish to add some photos or art to your communal areas.

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Temperature -

Making sure your home is not too hot or too cold is key to the comfort of your guests. 

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The entryway -

The entryway to your home is the first space your guests will notice, so you want to make sure it's clean and clutter-free.

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Houseplants -

Houseplants not only have mood-boosting properties, but they also tend to be a conversation starter, which will come in handy if you're having a group of people over.

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Clean the bathroom -

Guests will notice any grime or dirt in your bathroom, so clean the sink, toilet bowl, and shower before they arrive. You should also give the door handles a quick wipe.

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Clean the bathroom -

Glass shower doors can look cloudy after use, so remove hard water stains with equal parts water and vinegar before guests come over.

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The scent -

The scent of your home greets guests as soon as they enter. You may have become accustomed to the smell of your home and not realize if it needs freshening up. You can make your own air freshener or purchase a diffuser. 

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Clean mirrors -

Ensure your mirrors are spotless, particularly the ones in the entrance hall and bathroom.

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Clean your windows -

Before guests enter your home, they will notice if your front door or windows are dirty. It's a good idea to wipe down any external surfaces before people arrive.

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Throw out the trash -

Guests will smell any rotting or smelly food in the trash when they enter your kitchen or home. Throw out the garbage before you have people over, and clean the inside of your trash can with soap and water.

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Give your kitchen a quick clean -

Putting away dishes and wiping down appliances and countertops is enough to make the kitchen look presentable before guests arrive. You may also want to light a candle to eliminate any lingering food smells.

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Declutter -

Tidy away any clutter around your home, such as piles of mail on the coffee table or dishes left on the kitchen counters. 

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Do the laundry and change linens -

Unclean towels and bed linens are off-putting to guests, so make sure towels and sheets are freshly laundered before they arrive.

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Remove pet hair and odors -

If you own cats, dogs, or an indoor rabbit, you will likely have pet hairs all over your home. You should vacuum your couches and sweep over soft furnishings with a pet hair roller. 

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Don't professionally clean your carpets -

You don't need to have your carpets or rugs cleaned professionally before guests arrive. A quick vacuum to pick up dust or debris will be more than enough.

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Don't make sure everything is spotless -

Cleaning common areas is more than enough; don't worry about ensuring everything is spotless. Remember, guests are there for you, not your home. 

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Skip cleaning out closets -

If you have long-term guests staying over, you won't need to do a full closet cleanout; just ensure they have a few hangers for their clothes and a drawer or two.

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Skip completing DIY projects -

Don't worry about finishing home-improvement projects before hosting short-term guests. Painting walls or fixing cracks can wait until you have some free time.

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Don't clean the laundry room -

If you have a laundry room, don't make it a priority to clean or tidy it if you only have guests over for an afternoon or evening. 

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Don't tidy away books and magazines -

Don't worry about tidying away books and magazines, as they can be a good talking point for guests.

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Don't pick up every last toy -

If you have children, you may want to tidy away the majority of the toys, but your guests won't judge you for having the odd toy lying around.

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Don't clean inside appliances -

Most guests will be visiting for a short period of time, so don't spend your time cleaning inside appliances like dishwashers, microwaves, and ovens.

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Skip organizing the refrigerator -

It's unlikely guests will look inside your refrigerator, so there's no need to organize it before people come over. You may, however, want to wipe away any old spills and throw out expired food.

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Skip cleaning your bedroom -

Unless you'll be giving a room tour or hosting guests overnight, you don't need to make sure your bedroom is spotless.

Sources: (Reader's Digest) (HuffPost)

See also: How to make spring cleaning easier

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