How to Be a Holiday Superhost (Without the Cleaning Fee)

With the holidays usually comes guests. Whether you’re hosting family or friends for one night or a whole week, you want their stay to be inviting, comfortable, and clean. If you want to give them a real 5-star experience, here are some tips and tricks using your planner:

1. Start a “Guest Prep” Checklist in Your Planner
Before the guests even arrive, create a checklist to prepare. Include linens, towels, toiletries, snacks, guest WiFi info, and sleeping arrangements. Check off items bit by bit each day to avoid last-minute stress or overwhelm.

2. Block Out 15 Minutes a Day for the Week Before
Use your planner to schedule micro-tasks. For example:

  • Mon: Wash bedding

  • Tue: Clear nightstands

  • Wed: Tidy bathroom

  • Thu: Stock snacks

  • Fri: Add cozy touches

3. Create a Mini “Welcome Station”
A basket with water bottles, a candle, tissues, extra phone charger, and a small treat instantly elevates the guest experience.

4. Add a “Guest Notes” Box to Your Planner
If you really want to go above and beyond, you can track preferred drinks or snacks, allergies or other little details to make each visit personalized and each guest feel seen.

6. Plan Out Breakfasts or Meals Ahead of Time
Pre-plan easy morning options in your meal section (pastries, fruit, yogurt, eggs). If you’re coordinating meals, take some time beforehand to plan them out. Schedule grocery deliveries. You can put them in your planner or make a menu to display in the kitchen. Guests love knowing there’s a plan, especially when hungry stomachs are involved!

7. Keep a “Quick Fixes” List on the Weekly Spread
Loose doorknob? Burned-out lightbulb? Track them and get to what you can. Hosting guests is great motivation to get things done!

8. Labels Are A Guest’s Best Friend
Even though light switches, WiFi passwords, etc. might be intuitive to you, having those things labeled can be really helpful to a visitor.

9. Add a “20-Minute Reset” Routine in Your Planner
Create a short list for between-activity refreshes: fluff pillows, wipe counters, swap towels, empty trash. Enlist children or make it a fun, family game or dance party.

While hosting can often feel overwhelming, and there’s no need to burn yourself out, adding a few of these tips and little touches can really make the holidays magical. Happy hosting!

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