Summer is finally here! The days are long and golden, and our calendars are filling up with all the good stuff: backyard BBQs, patio hangs, and best of all, visits from out-of-town family and friends we haven’t seen in way too long.
We love the idea of our homes being a welcoming hub for our favourite people. But the reality? Sometimes the pressure to get everything "perfect" can steal the joy right out of the visit.
This summer, let's try something different. Let’s let ease lead the way.
The secret to stress-free hosting isn’t a frantic, multi-hour cleaning session right before the doorbell rings. It’s having simple organizing routines that you maintain with small, manageable daily tasks. When your space is already functioning well, getting it guest-ready is a breeze. These small, steady habits help maintain your space (and sanity!) no matter what the calendar says.
Ready to feel like the host with the most, without all the stress? Summer is all about hospitality without the hassle. Here is your 15-minute plan to a calm and welcoming home.
1. The "Good Enough" Tidy (5 Minutes)
First things first: you don’t need to deep clean the whole house. Focus on the high-traffic areas where you and your guests will spend the most time. This is where leaning on one of our favourite daily habits—the humble five-minute tidy—comes in handy. Set a timer and do a quick visual sweep of your main living space and entryway.
- Clear the counters. Wipe down the kitchen island and entryway table.
- Fluff the pillows on the couch for an instant refresh.
- Return stray items to their homes. Grab that book, the dog's toy, and those stray socks and put them where they belong.
- Toss any obvious trash.
The goal here isn't perfection; it's about creating a sense of calm and flow. Also, be emboldened to delegate to family members and reign in their help with these every-age-manageable tasks ;)
2. Bathroom Basics (5 Minutes)
The guest bathroom is a small space that makes a big impact. A quick reset is all it takes to make it feel fresh and clean for your visitors.
- Wipe it down. Use a cleaning wipe on the counter and faucet, and give the mirror a quick polish.
- Check the essentials. Make sure there's enough toilet paper and soap.
- Swap the towel. Put out a fresh, clean hand towel.
- Tidy up. Close the shower curtain and put any personal items away under the sink or in a cabinet.
3. The Welcoming Basket (5 Minutes)
This is the final and fun touch that says, "I'm so happy you're here!" It takes just a few minutes to assemble but shows a level of care that will make your guests feel truly looked after. You don’t need anything fancy; just shop your own home for these simple items and place them on the bed or dresser in their room.
- A fresh set of bath and hand towels.
- A bottle of water and a small, simple snack like a granola bar.
- The Wi-Fi password, written on a small card.
- A spare phone charger if you have one!
And that's it! In just 15 minutes, your home is ready to welcome your loved ones. Summer hosting should be about making memories, not making yourself crazy. By building small, consistent habits into your daily life, you’re always just a few minutes away from being ready for whatever fun comes your way.
