If you want to have a pleasant stay with your friends and family, there are a few things you should never do as a houseguest!
Naturally, everyone wants to be a perfect houseguest, but life happens, and sometimes we commit little (or huge) mistakes that could leave a bad impression—or even put us on the list of “never again” visitors. Some behaviors are terrible faux pas, from ignoring basic house rules to overstaying your welcome.
I remember when I was a kid and I moved with my mother into a one-bedroom apartment. It was tiny but beautiful and perfect for one woman and a half. I thought I liked having people overnight until my aunt and uncle came to visit with their two kids. They were planning on staying with us for a week. I love family time, don’t get me wrong, but sleeping on a small bed with my cousins wasn’t my ideal activity.
Well, that’s in the past now, but ever since then, I became conscious of my behavior as a houseguest, even if I was staying over with family members. So, whether you’re staying for a night or a weekend, there are a few things you should never do as a houseguest! Good manners go a long way, so let’s get this party started:
1. Not asking if you could stay with them
One of the most important things you should NEVER do as a houseguest is not ask if you can be a guest in the first place. Inviting yourself over—even if it’s for a night—is never pleasant. Just because a family member or a friend has extra space and you don’t want to spend money on a hotel doesn’t mean they’re obligated to host you.
Common etiquette says it’s mandatory to always ask in advance, be prepared for a “no,” and don’t take it personally. People have busy lives, and hosting requires effort, from cleaning and cooking to adjusting schedules. Don’t just assume you can stay or make demands about accommodations.
Make sure you always express gratitude, respect the host’s space, and don’t overstay their welcome. If you don’t feel in your element, you can offer to help with household expenses (if you stay over for a couple of days).
2. Not sharing your arrival and departure times
Since you’re about to go to someone’s house, it’s good manners to keep them in touch with your arrival time and update them in case of delays. This is mandatory even if they don’t wait for you at the airport or the train station. You never know how much they adjusted their schedule to accommodate you, so a little respect and gratitude go a long way!
Etiquette book authors say that another thing you should never do as a guest is put the burden on the guest to pick you up. It’s great if they offer, but if it’s not the case, be ready to figure out our way home.
Do the same for departure times. Always be clear about when you’re heading home and ask if it works with their schedule. They might have something going on, and interfering with their plans won’t be pleasant. If you don’t communicate clearly, your host might feel uncomfortable and even ask you when you plan on leaving.
3. Assuming your pets, spouse, or kids are welcome
Another thing you should never do as a houseguest is show up with surprise guests—whether it’s your partner, pet, or kids. Even if they don’t take up much space, it’s important to ask first.
Your host may not have enough room or might need to adjust their plans, so always check before bringing extra company!
4. Not cleaning up after yourself
You don’t have to start dusting or breaking out the spray cleaner when you’re visiting someone, but it’s always nice—and mandatory—to clean up after yourself. Making your bed, doing your dishes after eating, using a coaster, folding up the throws, neatening up your pillows, and straightening up the common areas you’re using is always appreciated.
If you share the bathroom, make sure you keep it clean and put your toiletries away when you’re not using them. As tempting as it can be to take a long hot shower or bubble bath, don’t forget that you’re not at home, so it’s important to respect the guest’s hygienic routine.
5. Not following the house rules
Every home has its own specific set of rules, and since you’re there as a guest, it’s important to follow them. Whether it’s keeping noise levels down, taking off your shoes at the door, or avoiding using the bathroom in a specific time frame when they get ready for the day, respecting the host’s guidelines shows respect and appreciation for their hospitality.
One of the most annoying things you should never do as a houseguest is assume that every home has the same rules. If you’re not sure about something, just ask! It’s always better to communicate openly than accidentally do something that annoys them.
My cousins used to drive me crazy when they drank cocoa milk, spilled it on the counter, and then placed the mug right in the mess. It felt inconsiderate, and I’ll admit—it tested my patience! Small habits like this can make a big difference in how welcome a guest feels over time.
6. Making a mess
Continuing with all these things you should never do as a houseguest, making a mess is by far one of the easiest ways to test your host’s patience. While accidents can happen all the time, being mindful and respectful of your surroundings is mandatory.
Undoubtedly, your guest wants to make you feel at home, but let’s not forget that it’s not. Clean up after yourself, pick up stray things you might’ve left behind, and keep your belongings in your room.
It sounds like a big deal, but it’s more about tucking your items away and not leaving them in everyone else’s way. Don’t expect your host to take care of anything for you, especially when it comes to maintaining a tidy space. Leave things as you find them, and your presence will be very much appreciated!
7. Leaving a mess when you depart
Leaving a mess when you leave can be pretty frustrating for your hosts! After your stay, they really don’t want to spend hours tidying up after you. Whether it’s dirty dishes, crumpled towels, or an unmade bed, it’s thoughtful to leave the space as tidy as possible—especially if you’d like to be invited back in the future.
At the very least, try to do your dishes, take out any trash, and put things back where you found them. If you used the bathroom, a quick wipe-down of the surfaces and emptying the trash would be much appreciated! Keeping your bedroom neat is also a thoughtful touch your host will definitely notice.
A little effort goes a long way in showing your gratitude to your hosts. This will surely help ensure that future visits are welcomed with open arms and that’s something you want, right?
…What are your thoughts on these behaviors you should never do as a houseguest? Leave a comment below and let’s chat! If you want to understand more about etiquette, here’s a book you must read!
Until next time, make sure you also check out this post from The American House: 5 Great Budget-Friendly Hacks to Refresh Your Home in No Time
