Whether you’re crashing with a friend for convenience invited for a leisure stay at a close family member’s home or headed to your in-laws place for the first overnight visit, it is important to be a gracious guest.
Here are house guest etiquette rules to follow, no matter who you’re staying with or how long you plan to be there.
Be clear about how long you’re staying
Don’t keep your visit open-ended. Make sure you go over the dates of your visit with the host in advance; let them know what time you arrive and what time and day you plan to leave. Don’t be vague or hope to extend your stay once you arrive. Of course, there is a chance they might extend an offer but don’t try to add on to those dates without discussing it and respect that your host may have to discuss your stay with their spouse.
Bring a thoughtful gift
Offering something as a way to show gratitude is a thoughtful and caring gesture. If you’re staying with a family member or a friend, it’s always nice to bring them a little gift. Considerate inexpensive gift includes a nice candle, a bottle of liquor, a basket of fruit or a bouquet of flowers but you can be creative if you know their personality well.
Follow house rules
Always check with your host about their house rules. It’s always smart to ask before you get yourself into an embarrassing situation. Each home is different. What time does everyone usually wake up and go to bed? Also don’t leave a dripping faucet and turn off the lights when you’re finished.
Be extremely helpful
Unhelpful guests are rarely invited back. Things you should offer to do: clear your dishes when you’re done eating; help prep and cook meals; buy some groceries or occupy the kids while their parents take a well deserved break. Does the dog need a walk? Volunteer to take the furry friend for a stroll. Whatever the case, let your host know you’re happy to help out where you can.
Leave things cleaner than you found them
On your last day, leave the place as clean as possible. When you leave, ask if the host would like you to strip the bed and where you can leave your used towels. Do a quick wipe down of the sink in the bathroom for toothpaste or loose hair so they don’t have to clean after you.
And there you have it- all you need to know on how to be a good house guest. Your manners could make all the difference between a pleasant stay and a disastrous one.
