Having people over is fun—until the moment you realize your home is now a little more “lived-in” than you’d like. 

The post-guest clean-up is absolutely essential for your mental health and for making sure your home and heart are welcoming next time! By following 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).