Moving out of the dorms and into an apartment is exciting. You have more freedom, especially since you will not have to answer to an RA. However, you may find yourself slacking on getting chores done, especially with a packed student schedule. This will put you in a panic when your parents decide to come to visit your place. If you find yourself in a crunch to get your apartment ready for your parents or family members to visit, there are things you can do quickly to get ready.
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Deep clean the bathroom
While this particular chore is no fun, it is absolutely essential to be sure the bathroom is clean and sanitized. Use bleach and be sure to clean in and around the sink and the toilet. Also, clean the floor so that your parents do not step on anything. If you have a shower curtain for your shower or tub, you can use it to hide any dirt in the shower/tub if your parents will not be staying. However, if your parents are spending the weekend in your place or you do not have a curtain, you will need to be sure the shower/tub is also clean.
Have healthy food in stock
As a busy college student, it is easy to either heat up mac and cheese cups or ramen for meals. However, when your parents come to visit, they want to make sure you are eating healthy foods. You can either learn a simple, healthy dish to prepare for them or have some fruit on display and take them to your favorite nearby restaurant. That way, you will not have to restock your fridge and you can still have at least a one-meal break from your usual diet.
Check on your available seating
When your parents come to visit, they will want to sit and be able to catch up with what has been going on in your life. This will not be possible if there are not enough chairs for everyone to sit in. If you only have a small amount of seating, you can bring in a dining room chair and get a cushion for it. Consider getting a throw blanket to put on the couch for extra flair. You may even want to clean off the coffee table and use it for snacks and beverages. Just do not forget to use coasters!
Tell your roommates
As soon as you know your parents let you know when they are visiting, let your roommate(s) know so they can prepare accordingly. You can do everything in your power to clean your space, but you cannot control your roommate’s space. Ask them to help you clean common areas, and consider having them keep their door shut so they do not have to worry about cleaning their space if they do not want to. Your roommates may also give you and your parents some space for the visit, so if they know in advance, they can make the necessary accommodations.
Add some creative décor
One of the major perks of living in an apartment is having a bit more freedom for how much you are able to decorate. Consider hanging up pictures of you and your roommates or other friends. If you have a friend who is studying art, have them draw or paint you something unique for your apartment. As mentioned above, drape a throw blanket over your couch, especially if the couch is otherwise plain. Use area rugs to spruce up your flooring and have some battery-operated candles on display to help set the mood of your apartment. Even the simplest décor item can impress your parents.
Figure out sleeping arrangements
If your parents are spending the weekend with you, you will need to figure out a place for them to sleep. While it may be tempting to point them in the direction of the nearest hotel, consider figuring out how you can host them in your apartment. If you have a guestroom, be sure you have a bed, towels, and travel-sized toiletries. Be sure you have hangers available and include an extra chair and décor items for an added touch. Before your parents arrive, go through the room and make sure you have everything they will need.
However, if you do not have a guestroom for your parents to stay in, consider renting a couch or futon that can pull out to become a bed so your parents do not need to use an air mattress or a sleeping bag. Even so, at the very least, you should be able to offer them an air mattress. Clean up the communal area where they will be sleeping so they are not tripping over clutter when they get up and down. Keep extra towels, blankets, pillows, toiletries, and other essentials on hand so you are prepared for what they will need.
Having your parents come visit can seem like a lot of work, but making sure you are set with the essentials can help ease the stress and ensure that you are not rushing around at the last minute to prepare.
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