The guest room. What does yours look like? Is it guest ready? Odds are your guest room has become a haven for odds and ends that don’t really belong there. Don’t worry, you are not alone. The guest room is the obvious place for items to be temporarily housed. That said, if you are planning on having overnight company, consider doing some tasks now so the room is ready and welcoming.

First, provide a basket of toiletries in case any were forgotten. Include mini versions of toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, mouthwash, face and body lotion, sunscreen, bug spray, contact case, glasses case, eye drops, dental floss, toothbrushes, a hair brush and comb, band aids, razors, makeup remover, cotton balls, q-tips, tampons, pads, and anything else you can think of that a guest might forget. Place all these in a basket and somewhere visible to the guest, like on a chair in their room or on the counter of the guest bathroom, if they’re the only ones using the bathroom. And make sure you check once the guest has left to refresh anything that is needed!

Second, upgrade your bedding. Beyond clean bedding, think about adding luxurious bed linens and comfort items supplied by fine B&Bs: a mattress topper, a choice of pillows, a cozy down comforter, extra blankets, and freshly ironed pillowcases.

Third, make space in the closet. If your guest bedroom closet has become an overflow for items you no longer wear (too small, too big, out of style), consider this the perfect time to clean it out and donate or sell pieces you no longer want. Your guests will thank you for being able to hang up their clothes on arrival, and long after your guests have left, you'll enjoy having a little more storage space of your own.

Fourth, consider adding small cozy touches such as an electric fireplace. A freestanding fireplace is a great way for a guest to add warmth to the room. Plus, when you do not have guests, the fireplace can be easily moved to another room. If you do not have the floor space to accommodate a fireplace, a wall mounted unit is a perfect way to add a little something extra to the guest room.

A little prep work will go a long way in getting your guest room ready for the arrival of those staying with you. Make that room a lovely and inviting space that people will look forward to coming back to.