In Israel, it's quite common for many of us to sublet our apartments and homes while we're away. Whether you're renting it out, engaging in a house swap, or simply lending your place to family and friends, transforming your home into a welcoming haven requires thoughtful planning. Just like in my previous blog post on preparing your home before going away, ensuring your space feels like a cozy Airbnb for your guests is essential. Let's explore some essential tips to prepare your home for these temporary occupants and provide them with a delightful and enjoyable stay.
Before diving into the tips, if you haven't already, you may find it helpful to check out my previous blog post on getting your home ready for your departure. You can find it here: https://www.frumminimalism.com/post/getting-ready-to-leave-your-home-a-checklist-for-a-stress-free-departure
Now, let's delve into the steps to create a welcoming space for your guests:
1. Remove Personal Items: Before guests arrive, clear your home of personal items such as family photos, personal documents, personal items on hooks, and sentimental belongings. By depersonalizing your space, you create a neutral environment that allows guests to feel at home during their stay.
2. Store Toiletries: Ensure that there are no personal toiletries left out, besides the basic essentials. Consider replacing used toothbrushes with new ones upon your return. Creating a clutter-free and hygienic bathroom environment contributes to a pleasant experience for your guests.
3. Empty the Fridge: Leave the fridge empty except for a few basic items that your guests can enjoy, such as condiments and non-perishable snacks. A clean and organized fridge sets the stage for a comfortable stay.
4. Provide Appliance Instructions: Type up clear instructions on how to use all the appliances in your home, from the coffee maker to the air conditioning and washing machine. Laminate the instructions or place them in a sheet protector and leave them on top of each appliance. This thoughtful gesture helps your guests navigate your home with ease.
5. Include Shabbos Mode Instructions: If your appliances have a Shabbos mode or other relevant features, ensure to include instructions for these as well.
6. Clearly Label Food Areas, dishes, pots, and pans: Label all kitchen items and areas, such as meat, dairy, or pareve. Use colored electric tape or nail polish to mark items clearly with the appropriate colors. This ensures that guests can easily identify and use items while ensuring your kitchen remains kosher.
7. Prepare Clean Bedding: Ensure that all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and towels, are freshly laundered and neatly arranged for your guests.
8. Clear All Clutter: Ensure that all areas of your home are clutter-free before your guests arrive. Put away any items that are not essential for their stay, like knickknacks, kids' crafts, magnets, and toys you don't want being played with.
9. Deep Clean Every Room: Perform a thorough deep clean of your home, paying attention to every room and corner. Dust surfaces, sweep and mop floors, clean windows, and ensure that all areas are spotless.
9. Secure Valuables: If you have valuable items that you prefer not to leave out, store them securely in a locked cabinet or room. Alternatively, entrust them to a family member or friend for safekeeping during your guests' stay.
10. Create a Welcome Packet: Assemble a welcome packet that includes important information, such as Wi-Fi passwords, emergency contacts, and any specific guidelines or rules for your home. This thoughtful gesture helps your guests feel informed and at ease during their stay.
11. Create Ample Closet Space: Clear out some closet space o for your guests to use during their stay. Provide hangers and shelves, allowing them to organize their belongings conveniently.
12. Empty and Clean Garbage Cans: Empty all garbage cans throughout your home and clean them to prevent any lingering odors.
13. Sparkling Sink and Fresh Odor: Ensure the kitchen sink is completely clear and clean, with no dishes left behind. Wipe down the sink and surrounding areas, leaving it spotless and smelling fresh.
14. Provide Basic Cleaning Supplies: Leave basic cleaning supplies, such as a broom, mop, vacuum cleaner, garbage bags, paper towels, rags, tissues, and cleaning sprays, readily available for your guests to use during their stay. This enables them to maintain the cleanliness of the space if needed.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your home is ready to accommodate guests with comfort and warmth. May your guests enjoy their stay and leave with cherished memories of their time in your home.
-Ellie
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