A Real Mom’s Guide to Cleaning Before Company Arrives

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So, here’s the situation. You made plans for your in-laws to drop by for a little visit, but it completely slipped your mind. Suddenly, you get a call letting you know they’ll be there in just 30 minutes. With a bright smile, you casually say, “Of course! See you soon!” But then you take a look around and think, “Oh no! My house looks like a tornado hit it!” Time to kick it into high gear and clean up! Instead of frantically running around like a headless chicken while trying to wrangle your kids, follow this easy and effective plan to make your home look presentable.

Distract the Kids for a Quick Clean-Up

First things first, you need to keep the kids occupied. Hand them some snacks, turn on their favorite cartoons, or let them dive into some mindless games on the tablet. This way, you can dash around the house, stashing away the evidence of your not-so-stellar housekeeping skills.

Put Out The Good Stuff

You know those quirky decorations you keep hidden away? Now’s the time to showcase them! Grab those odd figurines or that glittery picture frame and place them in plain sight. At the very least, they’ll distract your mother-in-law from the mountain of bills piled on your kitchen counter.

Hide the Clutter

Quickly gather up the clean laundry and stuff it into the dryer. Then, toss the dirty laundry into the washer—but hold off on starting it unless you want a smelly explosion of socks and jerseys.

Stage the Living Room

Just like a savvy real estate agent, stage your living space to look inviting. Instead of trying to clean up the toy explosion, arrange them into a “fun engineering project” your kids are working on. It’s all about perception, right?

Improvise Food Offerings

Now that the laundry is managed and the toys are staged, it’s time to think about snacks for your guests. If you’re out of coffee and haven’t shopped for cheese and crackers, take a quick inventory of what you have in the fridge. A plate of pickles, graham crackers, and a leftover hard-boiled egg can be presented as your current “Pinterest-inspired diet.”

Bathroom Blitz

Rushing to the bathroom? You might find wet towels strewn around thanks to your partner. Grab those and try not to toss them into the dryer with the clean clothes. Light a candle to mask any lingering odors and pull the shower curtain closed to hide the collection of bath toys. If the toilet looks less than stellar, pour some Coke into the bowl, wait a few seconds, and flush. I mean, if it’s on the Internet, it must be true, right?

Get Yourself Ready

With just a few minutes left, swap out your comfy clothes for something a little more presentable. Don’t forget to wear a bra! Toss your hair into a quick bun and swipe on some lip gloss. Oh no, they just pulled into the driveway!

Cheers!

If all else fails, just pour yourself a glass of wine and tell your guests you’re embracing a “shabby chic” lifestyle. The wine might help ease the awkwardness!

Once your visitors leave, take a moment to enjoy your snack while you figure out which laundry is clean and which is dirty. Good luck, friend!

For more insights on preparing for your journey into parenthood, check out our other blog posts here and consider the expert resources available at ASRM. If you’re looking for tools to assist with your home insemination journey, visit Make a Mom.

Summary

This guide provides practical tips for last-minute cleaning when unexpected guests arrive. It covers ways to distract kids, hide clutter, stage your living space, and even prepare quick snacks to impress your visitors. By following these steps, you can make your home appear tidy and welcoming, even with little time to spare.