Last-Minute Company

The phone call begins innocuously: “Hello dear, we’re in the neighborhood and thought we’d come by for a visit!” Looking around the house, your heart sinks at the gulf between everyday comfort and company ready.

What’s the solution for sudden drop-in visitors? A crisis-cleaning plan. This short list of most important chores gets you ready for guests as quickly as possible—and without spinning your wheels. Whether you have 10 minutes or a whole hour, receive your guests into an organized home with this crisis-cleaning checklist:

If you have 10 minutes:

•  Grab a box or bag and remove clutter from the family room or living room. Stow the box in a nearby closet for later retrieval.

•  In the kitchen, do a quick clear of kitchen counters. Pop dirty dishes into the dishwasher or stack them neatly in the sink.

•  Check the dining table. Sweep clutter aside, collect newspapers or mail, and straighten placemats and table decorations.

•  Close doors to bedrooms or bathrooms guests won’t visit.

If you have 30 minutes, add these tasks:

•  Make a quick swipe of the guest bathroom. Swab the sink, toilet seat, and under the toilet rim. Put out a fresh hand towel for guest use.

•  Light a scented candle or give your home a quick spritz with scented room spray.

•  Make space in the coat closet for guests’ coats and belongings.

If you have an hour, also include:

•  Vacuum the family room, kitchen, and entryway.

•  Dust family room furniture.