I Love the Holiday Season: Tips for Hosting Guests in a Small Apartment

As the holiday season is upon us, there is nothing better than the idea of getting together with our loved ones and spending quality time with them. Warm evenings, snuggling with our partners with a glass of hot beverage, and family gatherings are some of the things we all look forward to. Nothing else unites us as holidays do. However, when you live in a small apartment or studio, accommodating guests could be challenging, especially when it comes to making them feel comfortable during their stay.

If your loved ones are coming to visit you this holiday season, you will need to get savvy with storage and sleeping options. At first, you may think that your tiny apartment won’t be able to accommodate guests, but think again! There are various small ways to make sure your guests feel at home, even if you don’t have much space to share. In this article, we will provide you with practical tips on hosting guests in a small apartment, avoiding the troubles of a small space.

Clean and Reorganize Your Space

Given the limited space, it is essential to maximize and put every inch of it in practical use. Regardless of how your apartment looks and how you live, it is best to clean and reorganize your apartment before the guest’s arrival. Ensure that the bedding is clean and has been washed before their use, along with extra blankets and pillows. Keep them easily accessible if needed.

Pay attention to any miscellaneous repairs that you might have postponed for some time and take care of them before they become a problem. Clean the carpets, unclog drains, and fix small holes and scratches in the walls. This could be a big excuse you’ve been waiting for to do these things, so make the best use of it.

It is also crucial to have ample storage space in your apartment. Keep all unnecessary items in storage bins and cabinets, and organize the essential ones in the bathroom with enough space for your guests’ cosmetics. Don’t forget the fresh towels in the bathroom to make your guests feel welcome. Make sure there’s enough space in your closet for their clothes, shoes, and luggage. You could even acquire a foldable suitcase stand to give them a place to put their stuff in an organized way. Preparing an extra chair or stool could also be useful and comfortable for your guests.

Sleeping and Eating

When you live in a studio apartment, you can’t expect your guests to sleep on the floor or in an armchair. Sharing a bed with your guests is seldom convenient, and this is where air mattresses could come in handy. They are produced in different dimensions, so before you buy one, be sure to measure the area in which you want to put it and select the appropriate model. Depending on your needs, you can choose a mattress for one or two persons. Mattresses are practical because they take up little space and come in a shoe-sized box.

If you live alone or namely with one person, you don’t require an old-fashioned dining room table. However, when you have multiple guests, there is a problem because there are either not enough chairs or the table isn’t large enough. To avoid awkward situations, we recommend buying bed/lap trays. They are more useful than you’d think and you will be able to sit together on the couch on which will surely be a place for everybody to enjoy a meal.

Guests First

To make your guests’ stay convenient, make small concessions for them to show your hospitality. If you have a pet, it might be best to ask your parents or friends to stay with them while you have guests. Not everyone might be comfortable with pets around or be tempted to play with them while you are busy hosting. Also, dogs require daily walks which can be inconvenient because you can’t leave the guests waiting. If you invite your guests to join you in walks, have in mind that not everybody is enthusiastic about the idea of standing next to your loved pet waiting for it to finish its physiological needs.

It is also smart to create a timetable for the bathroom. You will avoid forming lines in front of the bathroom and keep your daily routine in check. This, of course, refers to bathing, showering, brushing teeth, and all those things you do before going to bed. Agree to use the bathroom in the morning or evening, depending on your guest’s wishes. Be sure to follow the habits of your guests no matter how unusual they seem or how hard they might be to cope with. If guests prefer to nap in the afternoon, use that time to complete any tasks that require you to leave the apartment. If guests want to go to bed earlier than you’re used to, watch a movie on the laptop or read a book with a book light.

It’s All About the Small Things

Hosting overnight guests is always challenging, whether you live in a small apartment, studio, or a loft. At first, this may seem daunting, but eventually, you will realize that you are more than capable of transitioning your small home into a guest-friendly environment with just a bit of rearranging and organization.

Ultimately, it all comes down to small things, and it is most important to open up your home, make your guests feel welcome and comfortable, no matter how big or small your place is. Not only will your visitors appreciate your thoughtfulness, but the preparations you made will also reduce your unnecessary stress during their visit. Don’t worry and enjoy that precious time when you get to share your home with others, and you will be more than happy you did.

In conclusion, hosting guests in a small apartment requires some preparation, but it can be fun and exciting when done right. From cleaning and reorganizing your space to making sure there’s enough room for your guests to sleep and dine, it’s about opening your home and showing your guests that you care. By implementing these tips, you’ll create an environment where your guests can have the holiday experience of a lifetime, even in a small apartment.