More often then I care to admit, I have come to that 15 minute hustle to straighten up the entire house before unexpected company arrives. Then it occurred to me that sometimes you can accomplish more by creating the illusion of clean. I do not agree with the thinking that you should just throw everything into your bedroom and close the door. You never know if you might need to get in there for something. I do, however, think that you can stash some things in inconspicuous locations.

Definitely employ the help of your children. If they can walk on their own, they can contribute. If you must, make it a game – Who ever picks up there designated area first will get to greet the guests first. Whatever it takes to get a little bit of help with the picking up of the scattered items, go for it; this will increase the clean factor 50% right off the bat. This also gives you the chance to attend to the more involving tasks, such as putting the dishes in the dishwasher or giving the toilet bowl a quick brushing. You would be surprised how fast you can create a clean house when you give it an undivided, sprint-paced once over. Now here are some more specific tips on how to create the illusion.

• Start in the rooms your guests will spend most of the time in. Living/family room, kitchen and bathroom.
• Always double check the bathroom for toilet paper, soap, and hand towel. You don’t want them stranded with one sheet of TP or no place to dry their hands.
• Empty all the trash you can find – to the outside garbage. This removes any smells and creates a quick feeling of cleanliness.
• Pick up any toys, clothes or other things that are out of place.
• Pull the covers over the beds – you don’t need to go for hospital corners, just covered beds.
• Put dishes in the dishwasher – a full sink is just not pleasant.
• Spray some air deodorizer, or light a candle immediately after getting the news.
• Always make sure there are several unobstructed places to sit. You don’t want your guest to feel like they have to sit in one place the entire visit.

And, in the end, remember – if things are a bit messy, so what. You have children that actually live in your house. Anyone with children will understand. Make one statement when the guest arrives – “Sorry for the mess, kids seem to go right behind you and take toys out as you put them up.” Then don’t mention it again; if you harp on, they may be more inclined to be uncomfortable with the disposition of your home. This 15 minute clean up dash can also be used in the 15 minutes each day before Dad comes home from work. This plays to the idea that Dad was at work all day and would be slightly happier if he came home to a semi-clean house instead of a level five disaster area. It will also ward off those – “What do you do all day?” questions. If you do it daily, eventually, you will not get so many groans from your children. And as I always say – Tomorrow really is another day and another chance to attempt to clean the house!