The guest bed when family comes to stay
Short answer: When family comes to stay, the guest bed needs to be ready. Fresh bedding, an extra duvet and some spare sleepwear mean your guests sleep well and you are not hunting for things when they arrive at the door.
Get the bed ready in good time
Guest beds often go unused for long periods, and the mattress may have gathered dust and a stale smell. Air the room a couple of days before the visit, and turn or lightly beat the mattress. If it is a sofa bed, pull it out and check that the mechanism works and that no crumbs or small objects are hiding in the gaps. It is far better to discover a problem two days ahead than ten minutes before the doorbell rings.
Fresh bedding from the cupboard
Bedding that has been in a cupboard for a long time can smell a little stale, even if it was clean when it was put away. Wash it again or hang it out to air the day before. A smooth sheet and a fresh duvet cover make it easy for a guest to feel welcome. See bamboo sheets and bamboo envelope sheets, which are soft and easy to fold when they go back into the cupboard.
Duvets and pillows for different needs
Guests have different habits. Some feel the cold easily, others sleep hot. Put out an extra light duvet or a blanket so the guest can choose for themselves. Offer two pillows of different heights if you have room. These are small details, but they make a real difference to whether someone sleeps well in an unfamiliar bed. Think about allergies too, and ask in advance if you are unsure.
Spare sleepwear
Sometimes a guest forgets their sleepwear, or the luggage is delayed. A clean set of sleepwear in a neutral size kept in the cupboard can save the situation. It is also handy if a guest decides to stay an extra night. See bamboo sleepwear for men for soft sleepwear that most people feel comfortable in, whatever their usual habits.
The space around the bed
Make room for a suitcase and somewhere to hang clothes. A few hangers and an empty shelf make it easier for a guest to unpack. Put out a towel and show them where the bathroom and light switches are. A small night light can be a good idea if your guest needs to find their way around an unfamiliar house during the night.
When the guests have left
Strip the bed on the day your guests leave and wash the bedding. Let the mattress air for a few hours before covering it again. Fold the clean bedding and store it somewhere dry, ideally in a cupboard where it will not pick up smells. Then the bed is ready for next time, and you do not have to start from scratch.
Frequently asked questions
How long before a visit should the guest bed be prepared
A couple of days before is ideal. That leaves time to air the room and wash the bedding.
Should bedding from the cupboard be washed again
If it has been stored for a long time and smells stale, yes. Otherwise a good airing may be enough.
What should I do if a guest feels cold at night
Leave out an extra blanket or a light duvet so they can take it without having to ask.
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