Begin in the Bathroom
Straighten Up
Nothing peps up the washroom quicker than a few thoughtful touches. Straighten your bath towels and replace the hand towels with fresh ones. Toss personal products into drawers or under the sink. Close the shower curtain or the shower doors. Fluff and straighten the bath mat. Make sure there's enough toilet paper. And finally, empty the garbage bin on your way out.
Conquer the Kitchen
After taking care of the bathroom, move on to another guest favorite: the kitchen. Survey the area for clutter that needs to move, and then get creative about where to stash it. Dirty dishes, empty pizza boxes and the like can easily find a temporary home in places like the pantry, a cabinet, the credenza, the dishwasher and even the oven. Just remember to move them back to their proper place once your guests have left!
Clean the Countertops
The cleaning wipes you used for the bathroom are just as helpful in the kitchen—as is a dishrag and a few spritzes of an all-purpose cleaner. Wipe off the sink faucets, do a quick swipe in the sink, then hit the countertops. Clean off the oven top (if there's time), and finish up by emptying the trash.
Streamline Your Stuff
Will visitors lounge in the living room? First, fluff the couch pillows and refold any throw blankets, after which you should concentrate on the surface that collects the most clutter: the coffee table. Don't sweat hiding the magazines, toys and remote controls that congregate there; simply organize them in orderly stacks. In your short timeframe, the items to consider removing are empty drinking glasses (stow them in the kitchen, preferably in the dishwasher) and private papers like bills or contracts. (Prying eyes are less likely to spy them if you place them in a bedroom and close the door.)
Tackle the TV
Your television is one of the largest pieces in your living room—and is often one of the most noticeably dusty. Use a dry cloth to quickly (but thoroughly) wipe down its screen and base. And when guests arrive, make sure it's turned off. Opt instead for low-volume music playing from a computer or mobile device, using an ads-free, no-brainer Internet radio app.
MORE: 10 Must-Clean Home Zones
Light the Way
Make guests feel welcome in a room that naturally glows. On a sunny day, open the blinds or the curtains; if it's nice outside, crack open the windows for fresh air. If your unexpected visitors arrive in the evening, light a scented candle and use table lamps instead of overhead lighting. Not only will a darker, cozier room mask a little messiness, but a lit candle will also help remove any unwanted odors.
