There’s a very particular kind of chaos that hits the moment someone texts, “We’re five minutes away! ”—it’s the kind that turns your perfectly fine home into a sudden battlefield of clutter, crumbs, and panic.

You notice the mugs that have quietly multiplied across the living room, the mysterious pile of shoes by the door, and the faint smell of something you swear wasn’t there an hour ago.

In those frantic few minutes, perfection isn’t the goal; presentation is. Because when guests walk in, you don’t need spotless—you just need to look like you’ve got it together.


1. Go All Out on Clutter

Clutter is the silent enemy of calm, and it’s the very first thing guests see. The messy mail pile, the random keys, the kid toys scattered like confetti—all of it makes your home feel far more chaotic than it really is. If time isn’t on your side, grab a basket, toss everything inside, and stash it behind closed doors for later. Just promise yourself you’ll deal with it afterward, because what disappears in five minutes shouldn’t stay hidden forever.


2. Take Out the Trash (and Anything Else That’s Smelly)

No matter how clean your home looks, one bad odor can undo all your efforts. Empty every bin, replace the liners, and take a few seconds to track down hidden smells—think kitchen scraps, pet beds, or yesterday’s leftovers. A quick spray of fabric refresher or even opening a window can work wonders. Your guests will remember how comfortable your space felt, not what candle you burned.


Also read: The 9 senior-smart habits to make your home the cleanest of the year (and put your safety first)

3. Speed Clean Surfaces (Especially in Your Kitchen)

When people come over, every crumb and fingerprint suddenly feels like it’s under a spotlight. Use a microfiber cloth to dust shelves, wipe down tables, and sweep across kitchen counters. A damp pass over bathroom sinks and faucets adds that instant sense of polish. It’s amazing how just a few smooth swipes can shift your home from “lived in” to “guest ready.”

4. Give Your Bathroom a Quick Refresh

If your guests are staying for more than ten minutes, someone’s going to end up in the bathroom—and that space sets the tone for how “clean” your house really feels. Wipe the mirror and sink, change out the hand towel, and add a fresh roll of toilet paper. If you’ve got an extra moment, light a soft-scented candle or mist the air with something subtle. A bathroom that looks intentional says you prepared—even if you really didn’t have time to.


Also read: “Swedish Death Cleaning” may be the most meaningful way to declutter your life

5. Freshen Up Where You’ll Be Hanging Out

Now that the major messes are gone, give attention to where the night will unfold. Straighten couch cushions, fold throw blankets, and sweep away any visible dirt or pet hair. Dim the lights, light a candle, or add a vase of flowers to draw focus where it matters. A warm, slightly imperfect space is always more inviting than one that feels too polished to relax in.

Read next:

• 13 dangerous cleaning combos to avoid (and what to do instead)
• Are you missing these 4 commonly overlooked spots that need weekly vacuuming?

What’s the first thing you clean when guests surprise you—the counters, the bathroom, or that ever-growing clutter pile by the door? Share your go-to “five-minute fixes” in the comments, and let’s swap survival tricks for those unexpected visits.