Expert Advice Tip Sheet -- Visiting Houseguests -- OnlineOrganizing.com

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	Visiting Houseguests

	By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

BEFORE THEY ARRIVE

ask if there are any special items (e.g., food, toiletries) they would like
clean and air their room and change the sheets
make some space in drawers and closets for their things
shop for extra food and supplies for your guests
clean out the car if guests will be riding in it
straighten up the rest of the house
tell guests what to pack for your activities and the local weather

MAKING THEM AT HOME

an alarm clock, radio, and phone in their room
notepad and pen or pencil by the bed
water glass and pitcher by the bed
a good reading light, a few books, and some magazines
a hair dryer and iron nearby
fresh flowers, a mini-coffee pot, mints, and other "treats"

SUPPLIES TO HAVE ON HAND

washcloths, bath towels, and hand towels
clean sheets, blankets, and extra pillows
extra soap, shampoo, toothpaste, TP, etc.
a box of tissues
a wastebasket

WHEN THEY ARRIVE

give them the tour of the house and show them the ropes
show them where extra towels, toiletries, etc. are
explain any rules about pets or children and introduce your guests
give them house and car keys -- and the code to the security system
offer local maps, brochures, tour books, etc.
show them how to adjust heater or air conditioner
show them exit routes in the event of a fire and demonstrate smoke alarms
outline mealtime plans, the schedule, and any other important info

Copyright 2000-2009 Ramona Creel -- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box and a link to www.RamonaCreel.com.

Ramona Creel is Professional Organizer, NAPO Golden Circle Member, and the original founder of OnlineOrganizing. A former Social Worker, she has always enjoyed helping people find the resources and solutions they need to improve their lives. Ramona now travels the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of simplicity with everyone she meets. She leads by example -- having worked for more than 10 years as a Professional Organizer, and having radically downsized and simplified her own life as a full-time RVer. Ramona now considers herself a "Renaissance Woman" -- bringing all of her passions together into one satisfying career. As a "Virtual Organizer", she can create a customized organizing plan for your home or office. As a "Simplicity and Accountability Coach ", Ramona provides a proven program for making every area of your life a little bit easier -- perfect for those who want to make the time and space to focus on their true priorities. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a freelance writer and blogger, she shares organizing techniques, travel tips, and social commentary with others. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. You can also follow her on Twitter, check out her Facebook profile, and subscribe to her blog feeds.

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