
The phone rings. Someone plans to stop by in the next few
minutes. Before freaking out that everything is a mess,
here are a few things you can do...
1. Absolute Basics - You have 5 minutes to straighten up!
A. Keep a large, empty Rubbermaid box on hand for moments
like these. You can quickly toss all toys and stuffed
animals into it, and then put the lid on--instantly
clutter free, and all together when you need to put
everything back in its proper place later.
B. Get some glass cleaner and wipe down the faucets in
the kitchen and guest bathroom, to give them the illusion
of clean. Your guests will wonder how you ever have the
time to keep these two rooms this sparkly!
C. Close bedroom doors, bathroom doors, etc., blocking
off the view of these rooms. Your guests won't have a
chance to see you haven't even had time to make the bed
today!
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2. Slightly More Ambitious - Your guest will arrive in
an hour!
A. Give your kitchen a quick once over. Wipe down the
table and counter, removing all food stains--so your
guest can actually sit down and have a cup of coffee.
B. Focus only on those areas your guest will be in--
likely the living room, kitchen and guest bathroom. Wipe
down the counters, run a Swiffer mop across the floors to
pick up stray hair and dirt and clean the mirrors.
C. Do a quick dusting. Then, using Murphy's Oil Soap,
clean the woodwork. Everything will smell fresh.
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3. Catalog Worthy (These tasks don't take much time,
but will impress the heck out of your guest.)
A. Dim the lights. The dimmer it is, the less the dust
will be seen. Light a scented candle for ambiance.
B. Roll the baby swing, snack table and anything else on
wheels to another room where your guest won't be, and close
the door. The emptier space will help your guest feel more
at ease.
C. Tidy open bookcases and CD/DVD/VHS cabinets. Align the
books in a straight line towards the front of each of the
shelves.