8 Guest Room Must Haves

Before I get started I have to tell you this might seem like a lot to get together at first, but the good news is that once these items are all put together, you’ll be ready to go the next time you host some out of town guests. The bad news? Things might be so comfy that your guests won't want to leave!

1. Basket of toiletry essentials

I think this is the most important part to have set up for any guest visit. Try to think of what you would want to pack for yourself when going away for a weekend, yet could possibly forget to pack for yourself in a hurry. I have this basket ready to go and store it in the bathroom vanity. Then when my guests arrive, I just take the basket out and place it on the dresser in our guest room, and I know they'll feel right at home.

- Hair Dryer - for most people this is a must-have, but also one of the first things to go when the packing gets tough.

- Towels - Most people don't pack their own towels to travel, so have a few freshly washed, fluffy towels ready to go for your visitors.

- Toothbrush & toothpaste - How many times have you forgotten to pack your toothbrush in a hurry and thought, "it's ok, i'll just grab one when I get to where I'm going." Save your guests and pick up and extra one next time you run to the store.

- Shampoo/conditioner - This is an easy one.

- Lotion, soap, cleansers - I like to take a few travel size containers and fill them up with my favorite lotion, aloe and cleansers. If you like them your guests just might feel the same.

- Wash cloths or facial tissues - This is something that your guests probably use every morning and night in the comfort of their own home, but may or may not remember to bring something like this with them on their trip.

- Tissues - Because you just never know when you might need one.

2. A place to store their clothes

If you have a closet that's under utilized place a few nice wooden hangers in there for guests to hang any of their nicer attire for their getaway. If you don't have any space in the closet, or just don't have a closet in that room, a night stand or dresser would work just the same if you could pair it with a hook on the back of the door for a nice hanging option.

3. Chair to sit

If you have the room place a small chair for guests to sit and take their shoes off. This is also a great place to put a few extra pillows or blankets if you don't have the option of closet space.

4. Extra towels, blanket and pillows

I don't know how many pillow snobs there are out there, but I'm very fussy over my pillow options. and I like to sleep with multiple pillows. I try to give my guests the same options. a soft, medium and firm option. Then they can pick their pillow of choice for a perfect night sleep in what will feel like a home away from home.

5. Phone Charger, USB adapter

We're so used to having our phone chargers conveniently located everywhere in our homes that we sometimes forget to pack them up with us. I always carry a spare in my handbag, but not everyone packs like Mary Poppins and myself, so this is a must have for overnight guests.

A multi charger option that supports Android or IOS is also something to consider.

6. Wifi name and password

While we're on the topic of technology, try to leave your wifi name and password somewhere for your guests to login. This will save you and your guests the trouble later on. I have a small frame on the dresser (shown above) with blank spaces for the wifi name and password. After I framed the print I take a dry erase marker and write the name and password on the glass. Then I can update it anytime I need to. My husband is a tech guy so the passwords in our home never stay the same for long. You can purchase this option or any other option at https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheTradewindsMarket

7. Water Bottles

You don't want your guests to get thirsty in the middle of the night and have to bother you to find a glass for some water, so it's best to be proactive about this one and just leave them a few bottles on the nightstand or dresser.

8. Full Length Mirror

Sure the mirror over a night stand or dresser could be ok, but who wouldn't want to want to check their look before they leave the house? A full-length mirror to the inside of a door or closet door is a great option if you have the space. Or if you have the space and no existing mirrors in the room, standing mirrors makes a beautiful decorative piece as well as a feeling of the room being larger than it is.