What to Put in a Guest Room: Guest Room Essentials Checklist

You can be the perfect host by getting your guest room essentials prepped ahead of visits. To help, we've put together the ultimate checklist of what's essential for accommodating visitors in style, featuring all the comforts that'll make them feel right at home. Putting this full list in place will have your guests saying, “Wow, they thought of everything!”

Guest Room Essentials

Can you even call it a guest room without these essentials?

Comfortable Bedding

Your guests need a place to feel at home, and that requires creating warmth. Make sure their bed is inviting with soft linens for them to rest on after a long journey. Skip the frills — no one needs distraction when it comes time for some much-needed rest.

Fan

When hot nights interfere with your guests getting a good night’s sleep, it's worth considering adding some extra airflow to the room. Try installing a ceiling fan or putting an inviting tabletop fan on their bedside table for just enough white noise and air circulation that will help them drift off into tranquility.

Extra Blanket

Make your guests feel extra cozy and welcome during their stay with a full-size blanket tucked away for them to use if needed. It'll be sure to make all the difference on those slightly cooler nights, allowing everyone to customize the room's temperature just how they like it.

Extra Pillows

Sleep and comfort are so personal and for some guests, there may be no such thing as too many pillows. Whether one pillow is enough or your guests prefer to sleep with nearly the whole set stacked behind their heads, make sure there are always two extras available just in case. Not sure where to start when styling them? Check out our guide to pillows here.

Fluffy Towels

Make sure your guests feel at home during their stay with an inviting touch. Put out a cozy bundle of bath, hand, and wash towels next to the bed or by the guest bathroom. For extra freshness, run them through the dryer with a fragrant sheet before they arrive. 

Good Lighting

With a few simple additions, your guest room will be truly cozy and inviting for all visitors when you set up the perfect lighting. Make sure that the overhead light switch is working properly to greet guests coming in after dark. Then, set up some bedside table lamps so visitors can curl up with their favorite book before drifting off into dreamland.

Reading Material

Reading is the perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring. Give your guests an extra special touch with personalized books or magazines in their room, tailored to what they love. Providing local favorites can also help them immerse themselves in the unique experience that only you have to offer. If your bookshelves are looking a bit drab, it may be time for an update. Check out these nifty tips to spruce up the décor of any book collector's dream. 

Essential Toiletries for Your Guest Room

The perfect guest room always has some toiletries for guests to use. Part of feeling comfortable is having the opportunity to feel clean, and these toiletries will be perfect for guests who didn’t bring the essentials.

Shampoo and Conditioner

Out-of-town guests won't need to worry about their hair-care needs with this tip. Provide a selection of full-size shampoo and conditioner specifically tailored for different types, as well as convenient two-in-one options. This will help your guests travel light, you’ve got them covered on the beauty front. 

Facial Cleanser and Bath Soap

Welcome your guests to a place of comfort and relaxation from the start by offering facial cleansers on-hand, whether it's makeup remover wipes or a special bottle all their own. Pro tip: you can protect washcloths and towels from heavy makeup by stocking up. In addition, select that perfect soap bar for showering ease, or go one step further with an amazing scum-fighting shower gel. Just be mindful to choose natural dyes & fragrances so sensitive noses stay relaxed too.

Tissues and Extra Toilet Paper

As a host, it’s important to make sure everyone has what they need. Ensure your guests are in the peak of comfort with plenty of toilet paper and boxes of tissues pre-stocked at their fingertips. Let them know where these items can be found when they arrive — this way, everybody is safe from any embarrassing bathroom missions that could come up during their stay.

Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss, and Mouthwash

Make sure your guests feel welcome and pampered by stocking up on some essential toiletries for them. A few inexpensive items from the dollar store can really go a long way in helping visitors avoid any last-minute, early-morning trips.

Closet Must-Haves

Depending on how long you have the opportunity to entertain your guest, they may need some closet space to help them feel more comfortable. No need for them to live out of a suitcase.

Luggage

Make your guests feel welcomed and pampered from the moment they walk in. Consider setting up a luggage rack for them so their suitcases are all ready to open. If you have space, tucking it away in that gorgeous closet is the way to go. Otherwise, make sure to find a spot out of sight, like under the window or behind some furniture. 

Nice Hangers

Inviting guests into your home should be an experience that leaves them feeling pampered and cared for. Make sure to provide enough sturdy hangers so they can easily hang up their clothing and not worry about pesky suitcase creases.

Empty Space

Before your guests arrive, give their closet an extra once-over to make sure there's plenty of room for them to hang up their clothes and get that cozy home-away-from-home feeling you want.

Guest Room Extras

Going the extra mile with these extra-special touches will warm your guest’s heart.

Water Bottles

Squinting in the dark to find a midnight drink is no one's idea of fun. Spend some time today restocking your fridge with cold water bottles, or if you’re feeling extra eco-friendly, add cups next to the bathroom vanity for easy access. Don't forget — make sure those cups get washed daily too.

Basic Medicines

You want your guests to feel their very best during their stay, so make sure you have a few medical essentials on hand. Keep some headache relief nearby just in case they need it, as well as antacids and allergy pills. Ensure they have access to a first-aid kit. That way, everyone can enjoy all the fun with none of the fuss.

Clean Wastebasket With Liners

Welcome your visiting guests with a little extra hospitality by taking the time each day to provide them with a new, tidy wastebasket. It's an easy switch-out that takes just seconds and eliminates any unpleasantries. Make sure you use small liners for convenience, it'll make all the difference in their stay.

Step Stools or Seating

Creating a special space for your littlest guests can make all the difference. Providing a mini step stool in front of the sink and mirror will give them access to brush their teeth on their own while giving mom or dad somewhere to relax during bath time. Take it one step further by adding some adorable hooded towels they’ll absolutely adore when visiting you.

Guest Room Checklist

With this guest room checklist, you can set up the perfect guest room without missing a beat.

Guest Room Basics:

• Comfortable Bedding

• Fan

• Extra Blanket

• Extra Pillows

• Fluffy Towels

• Good Lighting

• Reading Material

Guest Room Toiletries:

• Shampoo and Conditioner

• Facial Cleanser and Bath Soap

• Tissues and Extra Toilet Paper

• Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss, Mouthwash

Guest Room Closet:

• Luggage Rack

• Hangers

• Empty Space

Guest Room Extras:

• Water Bottles

• Medicine

• Wastebasket

• Seating

With a Pulte home, every season is the perfect season to show off your home to guests. And with all these guest room essentials, everyone will be comfortable in their own cozy corner of paradise. Discover stunning floor plans with flexible floorplans perfect for your guest rooms and check out Pulte's new home communities today!

For more design tips, local attraction guides, and homeowner lifestyle articles, check out the Pulte Homes blog for inspiration.