Uninvited Guests
By Jennifer Snyder
Tell me, do you ever cringe at the sound of the doorbell during dinner or during your favorite television show? Sometimes the culprit is someone we know and/or love, others it is someone offering us a box of laundry detergent if they can vacuum a bed in our house and corner us with a three hour sales pitch. The who and why may change but the what is always the same: uninvited guests.
With a little foresight, it is possible to be able to welcome even the most discerning guest with ease. Just focus on the entry, the living or family room, the kitchen and the guest bathroom. Close the doors to all of the bedrooms, unless they are already immaculate. Here's how to do an emergency clean-up:KitchenFirst, take out any litter boxes, wet garbage, or compost pails, if you have them. Some people are incredibly sensitive to aromas, especially if they have no house cats of their own and do not make compost. Do not try to clean any of these items, just remove them. Take out the trash can, empty it, and bring it back.
Next, if there are dishes in plain sight, put them in the dishwasher. Don't run it, just hide the dishes. Clear the counters if they are cluttered, and quickly wipe them down with paper towels, kitchen wipes, or a used kitchen towel. Quickly wipe out the sink too; don't try to scrub, but dry it. Put out fresh towels and potholders if they are presentable.
Check in the fridge and pantry to see what you can offer your visitors, and make sure you have the glasses or cups, plates, and napkins that you will need.
Bathroom In the bathroom that guests are likely to use, wipe down the sink, counter top, and toilet. If the mirror is awful, wipe it down. If it is near perfect, you are likely to do more harm than good by wiping it quickly.
Close the shower curtain, and turn on the fan or open the window. Empty the trash. Put out neatly folded fresh towels and fresh soap if your old cake is a slimy sliver.
Livable Living & Family RoomsCarry a laundry basket through these rooms, and toss anything that is out of place into it. Hide it in your bedroom closet.
Stack any books or magazines neatly, and wipe down the tabletops if you have the time. Vacuum in the traffic patterns only. Go turn off the bathroom fan if necessary.
EntrywaySweep your porch quickly, just in the traffic pattern, and check around your porch light for cobwebs. Strike a relaxed pose, take a deep breath, and greet your guests with a welcoming smile.
A clean and organized home is a happy home!
Have a Neat day!
Jennifer Snyder
Certified Professional OrganizerÒ
www.neatasapin.netFacebook & Pinterest: Neat as a Pin Organizing Experts
Twitter: @neatasapin
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