Are you getting ready to host guests at your apartment? As excited as you are to see them, you’re probably also feeling stressed about everything you need to do to get ready for their arrival. Don’t fret too much—your guests will be there to spend time with you, not to inspect your home from top to bottom. Rather than trying to deep clean your entire apartment before they come to town, focus on some of the smaller tasks we’ve outlined below:

• Tidy up your entryway. This is the first section of your home that your guests will see when they arrive, so you want it to look its best. Pick up any shoes and bags from the ground, straighten your wreath and welcome mat, and wipe down your front door to remove any fingerprints.
• Clean guest rooms and common areas. Prioritize the areas of your home where your guests will be spending the majority of their time, such as the kitchen, living room, bathrooms, and the rooms where they’ll be sleeping (don’t worry so much about your bedroom or home office).
• Clear out some space. If your guests will be staying for more than one night, they’ll likely want to unpack their bags. If possible, empty a couple of dresser drawers and make some room in their closet. You can store the displaced belongings in your bedroom for the time being, if needed.
• Light a candle. If you’re concerned about your guests smelling the remnants of last night’s dinner, you can use a candle to make your apartment smell as nice as it looks.