04.03.11 The 7th Key for Adding Value to Your Home

7. Be Prepared to Host Overnight Guests

A hospitable value-adding homemaker must be prepared to accommodate overnight guests. Therefore, have a guest room on standby.

Make sure that the basics are in place; for example, a bed with mattress and pillows, bedside carpet or rug, curtains, lights, table, chair and a sofa if space allows; a wardrobe, hangers and a dressing mirror. A mosquito net may be required depending on your environment. Include a clock and phone charger.

Ensure that there is ample storage for the guest’s luggage, a laundry basket, extra pillows and quilts. Check that the bed sheets; towels and quilt cover and cotton bathmat are freshly laundered.

You could include a television screen, wi-fi, and a small refrigerator. If funds allow, provide a kettle, cups, glass, coffee or tea bags and crockery all on a tray. Include mineral water and packeted snacks.

Provide items that a person could forget to pack. The list includes toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, cotton buds, soap and bedside tissues.

Include a bible, magazines, books, a notepad and pen, a fresh flower or potted plant.

This can all be summed up by saying that should we visit your house; we should be able to tell that you ‘put your touch’ on the house. Your presence should be felt, right from the entrance of your home.