What to Include in a Guest Bedroom Checklist Before Guests Arrive

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3 Sep, 2025

What to Include in a Guest Bedroom Checklist Before Guests Arrive

Hey there, host extraordinaire! So your best friend’s coming over for the weekend, or maybe a cousin is visiting from out of town—congrats on being the designated welcome wagon. But before they even step through the door, you’re probably wondering: Did I forget anything? Spoiler alert: you probably did.

Let’s fix that with a no-stress, real-talk Guest Bedroom Checklist that’ll make your guests feel like royalty—even if your space is tiny or you’re on a budget.

Start With the Basics: The Bed That Actually Works

First things first—your guest bed needs to be comfy, clean, and ready to go. No one wants to sink into a lumpy mattress or wake up with back pain. Make sure the sheets are fresh (yes, even if you’ve been using them for weeks), the pillows are fluffed, and the blanket isn’t a relic from 2013.

If you're working with a small guest bedroom, try stacking two pillows instead of three—keeps it tidy but still cozy. And hey, if your bed is too soft or too firm, add a memory foam topper. It’s cheap, easy, and makes a world of difference.

For more inspiration, check out these guest bedroom furniture ideas that balance comfort and style.

Throw in the Essentials (That Everyone Forgets)

You know the drill: towels, toothbrush holder, shampoo, soap. But here’s the thing—most people assume their guests will bring everything. Nope. They won’t. Especially not the little things.

So toss in:

  • A clean towel

  • A washcloth

  • A spare toothbrush (just in case)

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash

  • Hair dryer (if your room has one)

And don’t skip the guest bathroom checklist—that’s where the real drama happens. A few extra wipes, a mini trash can, and a hand sanitizer bottle? Gold star.

Help with my sad small guestroom
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Add a Touch of Warmth: Little Details That Mean Everything

It’s not about luxury—it’s about care. A few thoughtful touches go a long way. Place a small basket near the bed with:

  • A notebook and pen

  • A local map or guidebook (even if it’s just a Google Maps printout)

  • A couple of snacks (crackers, dark chocolate, whatever’s in your pantry)

  • A reusable water bottle filled with cold water

Bonus points if you leave a handwritten note: “Welcome! Hope you sleep well.” Nothing says “you’re special” like a personal touch.

Need help designing a cozy setup? Here’s a guide on how to design a cozy guest bedroom that guests will love.

Keep It Organized: No More Clutter Chaos

We’ve all been there—someone opens a drawer and finds a pile of mismatched socks and old receipts. Not cool. Use baskets, bins, or even repurposed shoe boxes to keep things tidy.

For a guest room on a budget, use mason jars for storage or stack books vertically to hold cords and chargers. Label everything with sticky notes if you have to. A little order = big peace of mind.

You can also make the most of tight areas with these space-saving furniture ideas.

Tech Up Your Space (Without Breaking the Bank)

Your guests might want to charge their phone, stream a show, or video call family. Don’t leave them stranded.

Include:

And if you’re feeling fancy, add a tablet pre-loaded with Netflix or YouTube. Just make sure it’s not logged into your account!

Go Pet-Friendly If You Have Furry Friends

Pets are part of the family—but not always part of the guest experience. If your dog or cat tends to wander into the guest room, set up a pet-safe zone nearby with toys, food, and a bed.

Leave a note: “Fido loves you, but he’s not allowed on the bed.” Or better yet, put a baby gate at the door. It’s kinder than leaving a mess behind.

Refresh the Room Like You Mean It

Even if the room looks fine, a quick refresh can make all the difference. Open the windows for air flow, wipe down surfaces, vacuum under the bed, and spray a light scent (like lavender or citrus). Avoid overpowering smells—no pine-scented cleaners that smell like a Christmas tree.

And if you’ve got a luxury guest bedroom vibe going, throw on a diffuser or light a candle. But keep it low-key—nothing too dramatic.

Don’t Forget the Forgotten Items

This is the real killer. People forget the little stuff. Here’s a sneaky list of things that always get missed:

  • Extra blankets (in case they get cold)

  • Reading glasses (if someone wears them)

  • Earplugs or eye mask (for light sleepers)

  • A robe or dressing gown (if you have one)

  • A spare key to the house (if needed)

Want to make your guest room work even harder? Consider these multi-functional guest bedroom ideas.

For affordable extras, here are some handy finds: extra cozy blanket, stylish eye mask.

Final Check: Did You Cover Everything?

Before your guest arrives, run through this mental loop:

  • Is the bed made? ✅

  • Are towels clean? ✅

  • Is there a place to charge devices? ✅

  • Are snacks and drinks available? ✅

  • Is the room free of clutter? ✅

  • Is there a welcome note? ✅

  • Is the bathroom stocked? ✅

If yes—congrats. You’re ready. If not, fix it now. Trust me, your guests will remember how good it felt to walk into a space that cared.

So there you have it—the ultimate guest bedroom checklist that’s simple, effective, and totally doable. Whether you’re hosting overnight guests, running an Airbnb, or just welcoming a friend, this guide keeps things smooth and stress-free.

Now stop stressing and start welcoming. Your guests are gonna love it—and so will you.

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