You've come home exhausted after a long day. The bin is overflowing, the sink is full of dishes, the floor has seen better days and you say to yourself, I'll sort it tomorrow.
You change into your sweats and dive onto the couch. Then your phone rings. It's your sister. Shes coming over. She'll be here in half an hour. Oh and shes bringing a friend. What do you do? Panic.
Relax, heres 21 quick tips to prepare your house for expected guests.
Empty the bin
Your guests wont like the sight of you preparing drinks next to a bin thats about to burst. Take out the rubbish.
Tackle the bathroom
A dirty bathroom is not going to go down well with guests. Make sure its fully stocked with toilet paper and soap. Quickly spray some air freshener around and throw some bleach down the toilet.
Mask smells
You're not going to get a major cleaning operation done, but at least you can make the house smell nice with some scented candles.
Sweep the floor
You don't have the time to mop and polish but a quick sweep will get rid of any visible dust and dirt.
Sort the dishes
That pile up of dishes which shows yesterday mornings breakfast has to go. Give them a quick rinse, load the dishwasher, and let the evidence wash away.
Sort the washing
Now is the time for that pile of clothes that's been living on your floor for the past week to get washed. Stick a load on and get busy sorting the rest of the house.
De-clutter the living room
Chances are you're going to host your guests in the living room which means that place needs to be tidy. Give your coffee table a wipe. Organise any books/magazines that are scattered across the place. Plump the cushions on the sofa and neaten any rugs.
Prepare snacks
Grab some bowls and fill them with a few nibbles such as crisps, popcorn, nuts.
Tidy the hall
Make sure the hall is clean because it's the first thing your guests will see. Bring any coats flung across the bannisters and shoes nesting under the hall table upstairs. Sweep the floor, dust down the stairs and spray some air freshener.
Stick on the kettle
Be prepared if your guests fancy a cuppa. Have the kettle on with coffee and tea on hand and a plate of biscuits for dunking.
Mirror, mirror on the wall
Clean every mirror in the house. Your guests are bound to look in one at some stage and nobody likes their reflection being ruined by splashes of makeup and fingertips.
Stick on a playlist
Have some music playing low in the background.
Make the bed
If there's a chance your guests will take a trip to your bedroom, make sure the place is presentable. Making the bed is a good start.
Essentials in place
We're not talking about pots of flowers which make the place look nice. Have extra napkins and bottles of water ready for your guests.
Be prepared for a longer stay
Depending on your hosting skills, your guests might turn a quick pop in into an overnight stay. Have a fresh bed prepared and make sure the guest bedroom is clean and tidy.
Check outside
Make sure the outside is just as presentable as the inside. Pick up any litter. Get rid of the cobwebs lingering under the window ledge.
Hoover everywhere
Grab the hoover and do a quick once over everywhere. Remember walls, corner, ceilings and floors.
Dust away
Dust, dust, dust, everywhere and anywhere.
Put things in their place
Quickly check that everything is where they're supposed to be. You don't want any surprises popping up.
Dont forget about yourself
With all the speedy cleaning, youre bound to get sweaty. Make sure theres hot water for a quick shower, change your clothes and give your hair a good brush.
Fake a power out
If youre really struggling to move from the couch, tell your guests you forgot to pay the electrical bill and as a result been cut off. They cant see the mess in the dark. *only use if really desperate.