Company is on the way and your house is mess. But there is hope for a clean home. If you have about 15 minutes follow the steps below to get your home clean and organized, at least as far as your guest is concerned,  just in time.

Tools:

Large Trash Bag

Large Basket

Surface Wipes

1. Trash: Go through your house to the rooms that the guest may see. The kitchen, guest bath, living and family rooms and dump all the trash in the trash cans (and laying about elsewhere) in the trash bag

2. Clutter: Get your big basket. Carry it around to those same often seen rooms in your home and dump those mischievous items that don't belong in it as you clean. You'll find their correct homes later.

3. Bedrooms: Make all beds. I  say this because I can't believe how nosey people are and they always  find a way to look into your private bedrooms. I don't like this but it happens so take care of the situation before it arises. If you have a very short amount of time just cover with the comforter.

4. Bathroom: Go to the guest  bathroom and (hopefully you have some emergency wipes that you keep in there on hand) use your wipes. Wipe down the mirror and the chrome with the window cleaner wipes. Wipe the counter tops with the general purpose wipe. Swish and use a flushable wipe to clean the seats of the toilet. Use a wipe to spot check any spots on the floor. Take all used towels and dump them in the laundry area. Hang a nice clean hand towel and spray some nice scented something. Put out a new piece of soap. Take the old one to your personal bathroom.

5. Kitchen: Get all the dirty dishes out of the sink and off the counters.  Wash them if you have time or put them all in the dish washer. Wipe down counters. Put any food sitting out away. Sweep the floor.  Again the trash should be emptied here and spray in the can with air freshener if needed.

6. Dining Room / Living Room: Remove all clutter (get that basket). Fluff pillows. Stack magazines (under the couch). Push in chairs and clean off dining table. Wipe it if it needs it. Got a plant? Slap it in the middle of the dining table.

If you have a few odors open all windows and maybe a back door with a screen. Spray something fresh. Or better yet throw some frozen cookie dough in the oven. Or simmer some vanilla diluted in water on the stove.  The open window will work the best and quickest to rid your home of odors. This actually should be the first thing you do. Need a pet / kid friendly air freshener? I use

If you have time vacuum the living room and dining room if you have carpet. Or sweep these floors.

Whew! Now go comb your hair and spritz on some perfume! Look relaxed. You will daze and amaze your friends. They will wonder how you always have such a clean and organized home! ; )

For more on cleaning and organzing your home visit O Quinn on the web at Homemaking Organized http://www.homemakingorganized.com. And join her monthly mailing list for Organized Homelife http://groups.yahoo.com/group/organized_homelife/ for printable and even more tips on an organized home.