A Checklist to Hosting Overnight Guests When You Live in a Tiny Apartment
With the holidays around the corner (seriously, they’re closer than you think), your apartment might see an increased influx of overnight guests, especially if you live in a city known for pulling out all the stops. And for those of us who live in hosting guests can be challenging and expensive. Fortunately, there are some very easy solutions to optimize (and maximize!) your tiny space, plus affordable little luxuries that can make guests feel at home. From easy-to-store sleeping arrangements to super-plush bath towels, this handy checklist will help keep your sanity and budget intact.
Winsome Reese Wooden Luggage Rack with Shelf
Keep your guest’s suitcase off the ground and out of the way with this foldable rack, which has a shelf underneath for stashing everything from toiletries to shoes. Once they leave, tuck it away under the bed or behind your couch. Easy!
Buy: Winsome Reese Wooden Luggage Rack with Shelf, $39.91
Olee Sleep Tri-Folding Memory Foam Topper
If you don’t have a pull-out couch, a memory foam topper is an affordable alternative. This foldable one is stain-resistant and includes a removable cover that can be tossed in the wash once guests are gone. It’s also super-comfortable, according to an Amazon reviewer: “I actually let my guests sleep in my bed and I slept on two of these pads that I put side by side to create a queen! I slept on them for a whole week and now my guests are gone and I’m STILL sleeping on these pads!”
Buy: Olee Sleep Tri-Folding Memory Foam Topper, $69.99 $56.42
Sunham Sonara Cotton Bath Towel
There’s nothing like a set of luxe towels to make your guests feel welcome. These plush cotton ones feel expensive but are surprisingly budget friendly: They typically sell for $40 but are currently on sale for $10, meaning you can grab a bunch and retire that old set that’s faded and worn.
Buy: Sunham Sonara Cotton Bath Towel, $40 $10.38
Design Crew Basics Organic Cotton Sheet Set
This crisp sheet set comes with all the trimmings: flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. Plus, it has a 200 thread count, so you can give your guests that pricey hotel feel without breaking the bank.
Buy: Design Crew Basics Organic Cotton Sheet Set, $49 $36.75
Simple Houseware Over The Door Clothes Hanging Rod
If you don’t have extra closet space, an over-the-door hanging rod is great for holding guests’ garments (and getting the wrinkles out once they take their clothes out of the suitcase). When they leave, move the rod to a different room to keep the area organized.
Buy: Simple Houseware Over The Door Clothes Hanging Rod, $9.97
Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Blanket
We recently wrote about this cozy blanket that’s an Amazon favorite. One side is smooth fleece, the other is plush sherpa, and the whole thing feels like a big, warm hug. What guest wouldn’t love that?
Buy: Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Blanket, $44.99
Kimkoo Cotton Sleep Mask
If you don’t have blackout curtains, a soft cotton sleep mask will let guests peacefully snooze without being rudely awakened at the crack of dawn. Score extra points by letting them keep the mask as a gift to take home.
Buy: Kimkoo Cotton Sleep Mask-Sleeping Mask, $14.44
Serta Sertapedic Super Firm Pillow
Guest pillows don’t have to be expensive, just comfortable. This super firm set from Serta certainly fits the bill, and may make your guests never want to leave. As one reviewer put it: “I haven’t had that good of a night sleep in forever.”
Buy: Serta Sertapedic Super Firm Pillow (2 pack), $10.39
Seagrass Oversized Lidded Square Basket
This gorgeous basket is a stylish solution for storing guest essentials such as bedding, towels, and pillows. But here’s why we really, really love it: Once it’s filled and the lid is on top, you can use it as an end table to stack books or display a tray with plants or knick-knacks.
Buy: Seagrass Oversized Lidded Square Basket, $199 $149.25