So if you find yourself being a guest at someone's home here is a list of things you can do to make it a positive experience so they will happily want you back. :)
As you read these remember you are not paying to stay at a hotel...you are staying free at someone's home! Also remember that you may be on vacation but the people you are staying with might not be.
1. Be honest and give accurate and precise information on the duration of stay. Example: " I/We will be coming from June 20 to June 29, would that be okay?" Also make sure it is not inconvenient for them to pick you up from the the airport/train station/bus station... and let them know how many people/animals will be in total...don't show up with 20 friends or PETS :) unless you asked for clearance prior.
2. If the place you are staying doesn't have a great public transportation system...rent a car! Unless there is an extra car not in use where you are staying. Most people have to work, take care of kids, or just live their life. They don't need to be a chauffeur for you and they might not want their car being used all the time.
3. Be specific about your expectations...Will you be around all the time... or will you be gone most of the day and only sleep and shower there.
4. Always ask if you can help with anything...and TAKE INITIATIVE! If you see dirty dishes it won't kill you to clean them...and not only the ones you use. You can also offer to do laundry, take out the garbage, walk the dogs, watch the baby....see what the needs might be! If you are the owner of the home and someone offers you help, TAKE IT!
5. Don't eat food that is not yours...people have plans for things and when things go missing it is not a good thing... If someone says help yourself to "whatever"... do not take the last of anything! If you do, please replace it!
6. Try to keep your stuff organized and not make more of a mess of someone's home. Unless they have a maid LOL! I am sure no one wants their house all messed up and have to work more because you are a piggie.
7. Just because you want to eat out (or party) every night doesn't mean the people you are staying with do also... they might not be in a financial situation to go out... or just too tired. Also don't expect the people you are staying with to cook for you unless you plan on chipping in with the groceries. You are already staying for free... hotels don't feed you for free and you pay to stay there.
8. Do not bring anything illegal to someones home. That is just a dumb-ass thing to do. Don't ever put someone helping you in jeopardy. This should be common sense but you know...and try not to be intoxicated during your stay, especially if you can not handle yourself.
9. Before you do anything... ASK! Don't assume things are done a certain way.
10. Before you bring anything into the home....ASK! Don't assume that you can bring anything into a home that is not yours...
11. Look to see if there is something the people use frequently and purchase it for them (same brand just in case there is a reason for it)...a few groceries...toiletries... Just a nice gesture!
12. Bring each member of the family a small personal gift, even if you make it yourself... it shows you care!
13. Always leave as if you were never there! CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF! I always try to leave places cleaner than what they were when I got there.
14. Remember someone has to wash the sheets, towels, and anything else you leave behind, so don't be careless.
15. If something is off limits... respect that!
16. Try not to linger around common areas all day... people have there routine and you just lounging in their way is annoying.
17. Don't hog the TV and computer.
18. Dress appropriately...no one needs to see you naked or half dressed around their home.
19. Don't complain about things out of your control... if the bed is uncomfortable don't complain unless you want to buy a new one for them.
20 Don't steal people's stuff or snoop through things...that is just wrong.
21. Respect people's sleep. Don't be loud and obnoxious after people have gone to bed. People have to wake up for work or school. Never wake a sleeping baby!
22. Always lock doors.. don't assume you can leave door unlocked. Not every neighborhood is safe.
23. Don't give advice on how people should live or do things in their home...this is not the time for that. If you really feel something has to change speak with the person you are closer with once you have left.
24. Don't cause conflict... try to be as diplomatic as possible. Bite your tongue!
25. Don't hit on anyone or sleep with anyone your not suppose to!
Specific reasons for visits...
If the person you are staying with just had a baby...
- Feed them and help clean their home... they just need to be with their baby. You do not need to be involved with the baby... that is the mother's job unless she asks you to do something. If they have older kids...take them out and help watch them (make it fun).
If the person you are staying with is sick...
-Feed them,help clean their home, and help them rest...and ask them what you can do to accommodate them in any way. Obviously this can vary depending on the illness/disease.
If the person you are staying with just got married...
- GO TO A HOTEL! :)
If you find that it is too much work to stay with someone... you might be better off at a hotel. You will have maids, room service and a lot more freedom. You get what you pay for!
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