It’s the middle of summer, and you’re lying by the pool, enjoying the sun and reading a book. You hear a knock on the door and, when you answer it, you find that your best friend from college is standing there, with her husband and two kids in tow. What do you do?
If this scenario feels like something out of a nightmare to you, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Most people are completely unprepared for unannounced guests, even if they only stay for a day or two. Many people go out of their way to avoid having guests altogether because they don’t know how to handle them. But don’t worry – there are ways to ensure you’re always prepared for unexpected guests, no matter what time of year it is or how busy you are. Here are some tips:
Have a Sleeper Sofa
Most people don’t have the space for a guest bedroom, but that doesn’t mean you can’t accommodate guests. A sleeper sofa can be a lifesaver – it provides a comfortable place for guests to sleep without taking up too much space in your home. Plus, they’re relatively affordable and easy to find.
If you’re looking for a new sleeper sofa, make sure that the sofa is made from high-quality materials – it will last longer and look better if it’s well-made. If you’re still wondering which sleeper sofa to choose, go for a style that fits with your decor. Be sure to measure the space where the sofa will go before you buy it – you don’t want to end up with something too big or too small.
Sleeper sofas come in all shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs. They can be used as standalone pieces or paired with another piece of furniture, like a loveseat or chair. And many of them convert into beds, which makes them perfect for guests. So if you’re ever faced with an unexpected visitor, don’t panic – grab your sleeper sofa.
Keep a Guest Room
Most people would agree that it’s always nice to have a place for guests to stay when they visit. An extra bedroom is the perfect solution and can make your guests feel welcome and comfortable. But what if you don’t have an extra bedroom? Or what if you do, but it’s currently being used as a home office, storage room, or other function? Don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to make accommodations for your guests without giving up your own space.
One option is to convert another room in your house into a guest room. This could be a spare bedroom or a corner of a larger room that can be set aside for guests. If you have the space, consider adding a futon or air mattress so that your guests have somewhere to sleep. You could also put a temporary bed using sheets and blankets on the floor. Make sure there is enough space for your guests to move around comfortably.
Have a Stash of Food
It’s always a good idea to have a stash of food in case of unexpected guests. You never know when someone might appear at your door, whether it’s family, friends, or even strangers. If you’re not prepared, you’ll have to scramble to find something to feed them. But if you have a stockpile of food, you’ll be able to accommodate them easily.
So what should you put in your stash? It depends on what you like to eat and how much space you have available. Some people prefer to keep various foods on hand, while others prefer to stock up on their favorite items. However, everyone should have some basic things in their stockpile: pasta, rice, canned goods, and bottled water. These items are versatile and can be used for multiple dishes. Plus, they won’t go bad over time, so you can rest assured that they’ll be there when you need them.
Another thing to remember is that you don’t always have to have a full meal ready to go. Sometimes, all you need are some snacks to tide people over until dinner. So if you’re short on time or space, focus on stocking up on non-perishable items like crackers, chips, nuts, and dried fruit. These items will last longer and won’t require any preparation.
Keep Your Pantry Well-Stocked
In addition to having a stash of food, it’s also important to keep your pantry well-stocked. This way, you’ll always have the ingredients on hand to make a meal, whether it’s for unexpected guests or not. Again, what you put in your pantry will depend on your personal preferences. But there are some staples that everyone should have: flour, sugar, salt, pepper, cooking oil, and vinegar. With these items, you can make a variety of dishes.
If you want to be extra prepared, you can keep some frozen meals in your freezer. If you don’t have time to cook from scratch, you can pop something in the oven or microwave. Just be sure to check the expiration date on frozen foods so you know they’ll still be good when you need them.
Have Some Clean Towels and Linens Ready
In addition to food, it’s also important to have some clean towels and linens ready for unexpected guests. This way, they’ll have somewhere to sleep and something to dry off after a shower. If you don’t have an extra bedroom, you can set up a makeshift bed in another room using sheets and blankets. And if you don’t have clean towels, you can always offer your guests some of your own.
Another option is to keep a stash of clean towels and linens in your linen closet. This way, you’ll always have them on hand when you need them. Just be sure to stock up on items like pillowcases, sheets, blankets, and towels. You could also consider investing in a few sets of twin-sized sheets to prepare you for any guest.
There are a few things you can always do to be prepared for unexpected guests. By following these tips, you’ll be able to accommodate anyone who shows up at your door easily. So the next time someone unexpectedly shows up, you’ll be ready for them.