By Christina DesAuguste

Christina is the founder and CEO of The Organizing Company. She’s been organizing professionally since 2013. Her background includes working with kids and teenagers, as well as in retail.

The holidays are upon us and it’s a great time to freshen up the guest room and guest bathroom. If you clean it, they will come.

Confession: I’m somewhat high maintenance and a serious “germaphobe,” so staying in someone else’s house (or anywhere other than my own home) always challenges my sensibilities. But there are some simple things that can make a guest bathroom much more comfortable and functional for travelers.

1. Declutter. Less is more. There is nothing worse- okay, that’s not true, but it’s still pretty frustrating- when you’re exhausted from a trip and arrive at your friend’s/family’s house and there’s no room for you to set anything on the counter. You either have to rearrange all their stuff, or keep everything in your toiletry bag. Guests travel with toiletries, meds, and hair tools and need counter space to set up shop. Only essentials on the counter if you’re sharing a bathroom with your guests.

   
   
   

2. Offer useable drawer or cabinet space. For guests staying more than a night or two, offer a clean, empty drawer in the vanity or shelf in the medicine cabinet so they can create a little more order and free up some counter space themselves.

   
   
   

3. Extra towels. I’m high maintenance, yes. But I still think that only one of each kind of towel (bath, hand, washcloth) per person can cause your guests to be uncomfortable. What if a towel gets dirty? If that’s the only one they have, it’s a bummer at 2am. So if you’re going for #hostesswiththemostest (aka my nickname in 9th grade) make sure to double up on towels, and/or share the location of extra linens (And while you’re at it: pillows, sheets, blankets). Show, don’t just tell, your guests where extra linens are. Besides inadequate towels, I’ve had many nights shivering and unable to find extra blankets, or mornings searching for clean sheets so I can make the bed before I leave. Help me help you!

   
   
   

4. Provide a fan. Blow drying your hair in a steamy bathroom is futile, but it might not be appropriate for your guest to leave the door open and work in their skibbies. So provide a fan to help your guests clear out steam (bonus mildew preventing side effects) and get ready in comfort.

   
   
   

5. Stock basic toiletries. Shampoo, face wash, body wash, and travel toothpastes are frequent flyers. But stocking everything from toothbrushes to Q-tips is a great way to say, “Welcome. I’m glad you’re here.”

6. Stock basic bathroom essentials. It is super embarrassing to have to search the house for a plunger and then walk back through the house carrying it, hoping no one sees you. Not that I would know... So do your guests and yourself a favor- even for powder rooms- always keep a plunger in the guest bathroom. You may consider a toilet brush as well. Some guests are willing to “leave no trace” but you gotta set them up for success! Also, Kleenex. Even if you only use toilet paper to blow your nose, it’s nice to offer the real stuff to your guests (you can go Kirkland brand!). I also recommend leaving a few feminine products handy, if possible. And, of course, add 2-3 rolls more than what you think your guest(s) might need. Coronavirus household square limits are a thing of the past, thankfully.

7. Cleaning supplies. Virus or not, making sure your guests have access to disinfecting wipes, a broom, and Windex is a great way to help them feel more comfortable and allow them to clean up before they leave. Win-win.

8. Hair dryer. I often think I’ll be okay without it, but then instantly regret it. Plus, it’s one of those things that your guests may be used to the hotel providing, and it’s your chance to come through.

9. Hooks. Make sure your guests have a place to hang their pajamas or clean clothes, as well as towels in the bathroom. Not everyone loves the idea of putting their clothes or towel on the toilet seat while they bathe. Over the door hooks are great, as well as metal hooks on the walls. Aim for 2-4.

10. Poo-Pourri. Especially for powder rooms or during parties. Some people have no qualms about stinking a place up, but the next guest will appreciate anything done to minimize the odor. But, of course, it requires the user to spray it and you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.  

With all these suggestions, you might be wondering how to offer everything yet still abide by Rule #1 to keep counters clear and uncluttered. Fair question. Here are some ideas:

-Use a couple drawers for supplies (and leave one for guests), or load up the medicine cabinet. You might even put a sticky note on the outside letting them know to help themselves!

-Put all toiletries and extras in a basket under the sink (assuming it stays dry and there aren’t a bunch of chemicals under there) or even on the dresser in the guest room.

-Use a shower organizer (hanging or corner tension rod) to fill the shower with all the shower essentials, minimizing how many items need to be stored in/on the vanity.

-Set up an old desk or makeup vanity in the guest room and place toiletries, towels, and all the other goodies there. A basket for small things may still be the easiest route to go.

-Use your vertical space. Hang towels, hair dryers, or even a cute bag/pouch filled with travel size toiletries on hooks to clear counter space.

I’m sure there are many other things that would make a great guest bathroom, but these alone should take you from bare bones to Luxe AirBnb level. And who knows? Maybe your guest will pick up on some tips for when they host you next time!

Happy Organizing!

Christina

October 1, 2021

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