Snap Countdown for Surprise Visits

Yes, of course, my house always looks like this! 

Everyone should have a 15-minute panic-cleaning process if unexpected company is about to show up. For most friends and family, I let them see the chaos of everyday life. But sometimes... someone you need to impress just a little is about to show up. You KNOW this happens!

Don't just panic... have a plan for that panic! I'm not kidding... plan it out based on what areas of your home get seen by guests and what seems to be your clutter magnet. This is not about cleaning - this is hiding the detritus of life. Channel your panic adrenaline ... expect to run around for the next 15 minutes. Improve your routine each time you use it.

I will share my panic-routine ... time-worn and effective (and customized for my home):

1. Hall & Entry: Keep a little basket stored in the front closet - a plug-in air freshener and my most effective pet-fur brush. I plug in the air freshener near the front door and swipe up any pet fur on seats. Straighten the area throwing everything into the beautiful woven baskets under the bench seat... hidden storage is your friend!
2. Living Room: Pull chairs and furniture into their proper places in the dining room and living rooms. I have a storage ottoman which I leave empty (or virtually empty) I have a 2-minute grab-all-the-living-room-mess and dump it into the ottoman. Fluff the pillows and fold the throw - generally neaten. Fabreeze the couch, chairs, and carpet;
3. Bathroom: Refold the hand towel inside out or put in a clean one. Disinfectant wipe - a quick swipe of the counter, sink, toilet seat (top and under). The nice scented wipe in the garbage also adds a fresh smell and hides anything under it. Light the scented candle in there (a nicety for the guest and easy solution for you);
4. Kitchen: Quickly disinfectant-wipe the counters and fling everything into the dishwasher. Don't sort - fling. If you have clutter on the counters or magnets on the fridge throw it into bags and put them in the ottoman or front closet. Fold the dish towels;
5. Breathe: Put on some lipstick and just get centered.

• Floor Swipe: IF there is time, run the vacuum quickly (this never happens for me because I have to drag long hoses which are invariably upstairs!) or one of those wet-pad mops over the main areas. I love these because they are so fast, easy, and when you put the pad in the garbage it gives the room a smell of 'clean'... when people smell 'clean' they think 'clean'!