The Ultimate Holiday Guest Prep Checklist for Busy Families in Boston
Original Cartoon by Katrine Burkitt
The holidays are right around the corner — and that means your home is about to become a hub for laughter, leftovers, and (let’s be honest) a lot more shoes by the door.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner, a big family gathering, or overnight guests, a little organizing now can make the season feel lighter, calmer, and way more enjoyable.
Here’s your ultimate guide to preparing your home for holiday guests — from entryway to guest room. Try these tips straight from a professional organizer, so you can focus on the fun parts (like pie and pajamas), not the panic-cleaning the night before.
Start With the Spaces Guests Actually See
Organizing your entire home from top to bottom is best saved for after the company has come and gone. (Unless you’ve hired Sunnyside Organizing to do a ton of it for you!)
Stay focused as you work and keep your eye on the prize. You’ll come across so much stuff that you’ll want to go through (photos, piles of papers, kids' artwork), but it’s essential to set some things aside when you’re working with a deadline like holiday guests.
Before you start emptying every closet or alphabetizing your spice rack (tempting, I know), focus on the areas your guests will use most:
Entryway
Living room
Kitchen + dining area
Guest bathroom
You’ll get the biggest “ahh, everything feels clean and calm” impact by tidying these first.
Quick wins:
Clear surfaces (tables, counters, entryway drop zones)
Tidy up cords, remotes, and random items that live on coffee tables
Add a simple centerpiece or fresh greenery — easy, high-impact calm
Pro tip: Keep a “company basket” on hand — a pretty bin or tote you can use to gather last-minute clutter before guests arrive. It’s like Mary Poppins’ magic when time is of the essence.
Make the Entryway a Warm Welcome
Your entryway sets the tone for your entire home. A clean, cozy entrance instantly makes people feel at home. If you don’t have a coat closet, create a natural spot for coats and shoes so guests aren’t left wondering where to put them as they shuffle in the door. Hooks or a coat rack work well for winter gear, and a small shoe rack or door mat signals a place for shoes if you're a ‘no-shoes’ household.
Quick To-do’s:
Clear away excess shoes, packages, and off-season gear
Light a candle or diffuse something festive for a welcoming scent
If space allows, add a small basket or tray for keys and phones
Remember, keep things simple. Create an entryway that says “come on in” the moment they walk through the door, but don’t stress over it. A tidy, cozy welcome sets the tone for the whole visit — no perfection required.
Prep the Kitchen + Dining Area
The kitchen is the heart of the home — and during the holidays, it’s also ground zero for guests. Even if you’re not a master chef, a tidy, organized kitchen makes cooking, serving, and entertaining feel way less stressful. Think of it as setting the stage for all those laughs, snacks, and inevitable second helpings.
Organize:
Again, time is of the essence, so a quick declutter is essential.
Clear counters of rarely used appliances
Check your pantry and fridge for expired items and make space for party foods
Set aside a “serveware zone” for trays, platters, and utensils you’ll need
Plan Ahead:
Stock up on dish soap, napkins, paper towels, and snacks — the holiday hosting essentials
Think about the little things guests often look for — like where to find drinks, utensils, or condiments — and add cute labels or signs. Even simple handwritten tags can make a big difference and save you from answering, “Where are the water glasses?” fifteen times.
Even a few small touches — like a clear countertop for a buffet setup or a tidy drink station — can make guests feel welcomed and keep you moving smoothly from appetizer to dessert. Remember: a little organization now means less scrambling later, and more time to enjoy the holiday moments that really matter.
Pro Tip: Everyone wants to help, but ‘too many cooks in the kitchen’ is literal when it comes to holiday meals. Use sticky notes to label serving dishes (“mashed potatoes here,” “cranberry sauce here”) for stress-free plating when family and friends offer to help.
Refresh the Guest Bathroom
Even if it’s just a quick visit, guests always notice a clean bathroom.
Bathroom touch-up checklist:
Clear counters of any clutter
Stock fresh hand towels and soap
Add extra toilet paper in an easy-to-find spot
Place a candle or diffuser for a fresh scent
A tidy, well-stocked bathroom instantly makes your guests feel cared for. Leave out a few special touches, like a nice hand lotion, or even a small Poo-Pourri bottle. Anticipating needs puts guests at ease!
To avoid stress in the 11th hour, consider a deep clean a few days ahead of time so you only have to do a quick wipe-down the night before.
Pro tip: Keep a small cleaning kit under the sink for easy touch-ups between gatherings.
Overnight Guests — Guest Room Checklist
Overnight guests deserve a space that feels calm and comfortable, not like a forgotten storage room.
Here’s your guest room prep checklist:
🪞 Guest Room Checklist:
Fresh bedding and pillows
Extra blanket or throw
Clear nightstand and dresser surfaces
Accessible outlets and a bedside lamp
Basket with toiletries and a few snacks
Space in the closet and a few empty hangers, or hooks on the wall if no closet is available
Local touches (magazine, guidebook, or coffee from a local roaster)
Little details — like a water carafe and glass — make the room feel welcoming. And remember: an organized guest room saves you from the “uh-oh, where do I put my suitcase?” moments.
Simplify Before, Enjoy During, and Breathe After
Remember, holiday hosting doesn’t have to mean perfection. It’s about creating space — physically and emotionally — for connection.
So as you prep your home:
Focus on how you want guests to feel, not how Pinterest-perfect it looks
Build in breathing room for yourself (a clutter-free corner, a warm cup of coffee)
When it’s over, take 15 minutes to reset your main spaces — your future self will thank you
The little things — tidy countertops, organized entryways, labeled serving dishes — all add up to a more relaxed, enjoyable experience for everyone. And that’s really the goal: spending time together without stressing over the house.
Wrapping It Up
With a little planning and decluttering, your home can feel peaceful and ready for whatever kind of holiday season you’re hosting.
And if you’d rather skip the stress and have a professional help you get guest-ready, I’d love to help.
Holiday Decluttering and Organizing Services in Boston
Ready to get your home organized before the holidays? Contact Sunnyside Organizing, your local professional organizer in Jamaica Plain, to create a home that feels calm, welcoming, and ready for guests — this season and beyond.
Happy Organizing!
Yours Truly,
Katrine
Guest Room Checklist
Your overnight guests deserve a space that feels calm, comfortable, and welcoming. Here’s everything to think about when prepping the guest room:
Bedding & Comfort
Fresh sheets, pillowcases, and duvet cover
Extra blanket or throw for chilly nights
A variety of pillows, plus an extra (just in case!)
Mattress pad or topper if the bed could use a little cushion
Nightstand & Lighting
Clear nightstand surface (remove clutter)
Bedside lamp for reading or late-night phone charging
Accessible power outlets and/or a charging station
A small clock or alarm (optional, but guests appreciate it!)
Small sign with WIFI password
Storage & Organization
Clear dresser surfaces
Closet space with empty hangers
A small luggage rack or cleared floor space for suitcases
Hooks for coats, robes, or bags
Toiletries & Small Touches
Basket with travel-size toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush
Hand towels and washcloths
Snacks like granola bars, nuts, or chocolates
A small plant, vase of flowers, or cozy decorative touch
Small trash can
Extra Amenities
Local guidebook, magazine, or a favorite book
Slippers or cozy socks (especially for winter visits)
Eye mask or earplugs for light sleepers
Water carafe or bottle
Small coffee pot + supplies
A laundry bag for dirty clothes
Final Touch & Atmosphere
Open the window briefly for fresh air (if weather allows)
Light a subtle candle or use a diffuser
Make the bed neatly and fluff pillows just before arrival
Walk the space and think like a guest: “Would I feel relaxed here? What else might I need?”
💡 Pro Tip: You don’t need every extra item for every guest — tailor based on who’s coming and what they’d appreciate. Even a few thoughtful touches make a big difference and leave a lasting impression.
