Downsizing? Tips for Making Your Guests Feel Comfortable in Your New Home

Have you been thinking about downsizing your life? The kids have grown and moved on, so you might not want to take care of a home that doesn’t seem to fit your new lifestyle. A townhome might be a pleasant change—a home where you have plenty of space without the upkeep. Some people hang onto their large homes because they want to have room for overnight guests. You can still provide a warm welcome and comfortable stay after downsizing your life. Cothran Homes has helped many homeowners move to a townhome with wonderful results. Follow these tips for making your guests feel comfortable in your new home.  

Kick the Clutter for Good

Before you moved to your new home, you probably went through an extensive de-cluttering process, purging years’ worth of stashed memories. Now that you have a lighter lifestyle, avoid the temptation to let the clutter bug return. The absence of clutter relieves stress and also makes it easy to prepare for the arrival of your guests. You don’t have to rush around trying to find a place to tuck away your extraneous items, and your guests will feel comfortable in the tidy spaces.  

Decorate With Guests in Mind

When you’re expecting overnight guests, think like an innkeeper. The first impression starts at the entry. Look at your foyer. What does it say about you? Is it as nicely decorated as the rest of your home or the gathering place for shoes, mail, and other items that haven’t made it past the threshold? Clean it up and apply your decorating style right from the front door.  

Fresh Flowers Bring the Home to Life

Treat yourself to a few bouquets of fresh flowers every week or so. Divide them among a few vases, placing one in your front entryway, another in your kitchen or dining room, and, when guests are expected, a small one in the guest bedroom or bathroom.  

Grab Some Snacks

Rather than constantly offer your guests something to eat or drink, set out a tray of snacks—like a basket of muffins, bagels, or pastries in the morning, and fruit and cheese in the afternoon or evening. Restock your coffee bar, set out a pitcher of iced tea or ice water, or simply fill your fridge with an assortment of individual serving-sized drinks (so they can grab and go rather than search for a cup or glass).  

Make Your Guests Feel at Home

In the guest bathroom, place a basket with an assortment of toiletries, like you’d find in a nice hotel. Include a fresh razor and toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, soap, shampoo, and conditioner, with a “Welcome” note from you.  

Diffuse the Area

Avoid over-powering air fresheners that can trigger an allergic response in some people. Instead, place an essential oil diffuser to add a subtle, refreshing fragrance.  

Make it Home for Everyone

Present a basket of new socks or slippers in the living room so your guests can make themselves right at home.  

Map it Out

For guests who are unfamiliar with your community, provide a map that shows where everything is located, like the community pool, fitness center, walking trails, as well as your favorite shops, restaurants, and attractions in the area.   Moving to a townhome also means you don’t have to spend time cleaning up your yard before your guests arrive. Exterior maintenance and lawn care are included, at least in the Cothran Homes’  townhome communities around the Greenville, South Carolina, area. We also design our townhomes with kitchens that are large enough to accommodate guests who want to linger and a fireplace in the living room that’s a welcome spot to gather. Our communities, like The Townes at Eastside, also feature a resort-style clubhouse and pool.When you downsize your life to the right size of townhome living, you can gain more free time, comfort, and amenities. Your guests will appreciate that you’re happy in your new home, and a happy host is the best “tip” for making your guests feel comfortable in your new home.