While on our trip to the east coast my daughter and I had the privilege of being houseguests at both my friend JJ’s house in Virginia and her cousin Zoe’s farm in Lancaster County, PA. Not only did this save my daughter and I a ton of money but it was also a way to spend some quality time with two families I absolutely adore.
I don’t know about you, but when people open their homes to me, I try really hard to leave a small imprint. I want to be the kind of guest that people would love to have back. I want The Girl to be that kind of guest too.
Here are my top 10 tips on being a great houseguest:
- Bring a gift. It doesn’t have to be big or expensive, but it should be a thoughtful token of your gratitude. It’s just a simple way to say, “Hey, thanks for letting me sleep in your sheets.” Think local–something your guest couldn’t easily get ahold of.
- Keep clean. Your guest should hardly know you are there. Keep your stuff confined to the space your host provides. That means, don’t leave shoes, purses, etc. in the front entry way. Slip them off and carry them to your room. Your host should not have to look at your clutter…ever.
- Offer to pitch in. If your host provides a meal, help with dishes, wipe the counters…whatever you can do to be more help than work.
- Don’t complain. This probably seems like a no-brainer, but if you are sleeping on an old pull-out bed, remember, it’s free. No complaints about crappy sleep. You are in their space, and they get to offer whatever they are willing/able and no more. Special diets aren’t your host’s problem. Be gracious and blend in with the culture of the house without complaining. Enough said.
- Be clear about your plans. Let your host know exactly how long you will be staying, what time you will be arriving, etc. Let them know all of the activities you have planned, so they know when you will be out of the house.
- Don’t bring pets, kids, etc. unless you have already cleared it with your host. Along the same lines, don’t invite other friends over to the house you’re staying at, it’s unfair to the host.
- Err on the side of modesty. Don’t trippy trop from the bathroom to your bedroom in just a towel. Get dressed out of your jammies before you make it into one of the common areas of the house, etc. Everyone has different comfort levels, erring on the side of caution will keep you from unintentionally offending.
- Don’t expect your host to entertain you. Have plans that include getting you out of the house frequently. You can always invite your host to tag along, but it gives them a courteous “out” if they need to get some things done or need some personal time/space in their own house.
- Bring ALL of your own stuff. Toothpaste, shampoo, etc. Bring it all. This includes personal snacks. Don’t be raiding your host’s pantry whenever you get the munchies {unless they offer}. That way, you leave a very small mark on the house you are staying.
- Send a thank you note after you leave. I know it seems like over-kill when you have also brought a present, but being overly gracious never hurt anybody.
Those are the big ones as far as I am concerned? Any I missed or that you strictly adhere to? Even better, ever had a bad houseguest? What did they do?
~Mavis
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