How to be a perfect house guest

A few days ago I blogged about tips on how to successfully host guests at a vacation home.  As mentioned,  I am now following up on Part 2 of this theme with how to be a perfect house guest.  Of course no one is perfect on either end and it would be too "Stepford Wife" like if they were but I thought I would write a list of ideas for anyone planning a stay at someone's home.  I found a good article on this subject as a guideline but more specifically here is a list from my viewpoint and experience.

Before Arrival- Define agreed upon dates and a length of stay
- Arrive at a reasonable agreed upon time if possible
- Learn where to park and only park in designated space
- Understand and respect the hosts schedule (they may have appointments or work to do during your stay).

What to bring
Ask out what type of clothing to bring, casual, dress, swimwear. 

If you have a special diet feel free to bring your own food
Bring you own toiletries - sunblock, towels
If you have a special pillow feel free to bring along
If you have a pet ONLY bring if invited by the host.

DO NOT BRING CHOCOLATE or anything dangerous that the pet could access.  (we had one guest hide chocolate in a backpack that my dog ate-had to call poison control at 2am)

Arrived
Tour the house and learn where you should put your things.
- During the tour get a pulse of your hosts.  
- Are they carefree and tell you to make your self at home in the kitchen?  If yes, know your limits but offer to help where needed (I wouldn't raid the icebox when they are asleep). 
-Respect assigned boundaries (ie: if a door is closed DO     NOT ENTER unless invited).  
- Do not touch the house guests personal items unless you have permission.
- Learn the appropriate guidelines if your host has a pet (ie: keep door closed and appropriate foods).  


How to behave
Respect norms of house and the venue-if you are in a private house it is different than if there are neighbors all around so you need to be mindful of noise levels both in and outdoors.
- Understand bedtimes, wake up times etc.
- Ask permission before using anything of the host and respect the word "No" if they set limits.
- Seek activities you can do on your own and feel free to take a day trip.  You can invite your hosts to join you but don't feel slighted if they suggest you go on your own.  Sometimes hosts need their own space.
- Be social and don't ignore your hosts when they indicate interest in chatting (ie: put your phone/laptop down).
- Keep the room where you stay clean-make bed, empty trash.  Your things should be neat and out of site.


End of Visit
Clean up after yourself and put everything back to how it was upon arrival without leaving a trace.  

Sign your hosts guest book and rave about how your stay was.  Chances are if you give a great review and follow all my suggestions you will be invited back next year.  

Wendy is a realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham.  She enjoys working with buyers and sellers on both sides of the Bourne Bridge. Wendy tries to connect her life wisdom with that of homeowners. She enjoys blogging and writing about all things local that keep her balance.  For more info on Wendy check out her website at www.wendybcb.com.