7 Etiquette Mistakes Overnight Guests Should Always Avoid

Being a good houseguest is essential. Not only will it ensure you’re invited back, but both hosting and being away from home can be stressful; proper etiquette is an easy way to minimize tension and let everyone unwind while sharing space.

Want to be a great overnight guest? Skip these common etiquette missteps the next time you're staying in someone else's home.

Ignoring Household Routines

Before you stay or upon arrival, review the typical routines of your host. Do they have hours when they like the home to be quiet? Is there a certain time they need to use the kitchen or shower?

Though they may be eager to accommodate you in any way, be sure to check on their weekday and weekend routines before imposing your own schedule. If the home has a pool or other amenities, check on any rules or schedule. And be aware of dietary restrictions that may prevent certain ingredients or foods from entering the home. 

Overusing Common Spaces

As comfortable as you may be in your host’s home, it’s not a hotel, and their living room isn’t the lobby. Be aware of being a constant extra presence, and take a walk or run a few errands to offer them space if you’ve monopolized time in a common space all day.

Additionally, a host’s kitchen is not necessarily the space to engage in complicated cooking projects, and avoid luxuriating in a deep bathtub for hours (unless expressly discussed beforehand). 

Not Making Plans

Whether you’re visiting your host’s hometown for the first time or are a regular visitor, having an idea of what you want to do while you’re in town is helpful to a host who may not have time to play tour guide every single day. Do some research via travel websites or social media to have a few ideas of what you want to do, and invite your hosts along to see the local sites or try a local delicacy. 

Relying on Hosts for Everything

Your hosts are already putting you up and trying to take care of all your creature comforts—so do your best to contribute. Don’t rely on them to make or plan every meal, for transportation, or directions. If your host has a car and you don’t, offer to drive to alleviate the burden or pick up the tab for parking or gas. Bring a few snacks with you so you’re not scrounging through their cabinets, or try offering to do a provision run so that everyone’s happy.

Related Stories

13 Hosting Errors That May Leave Guests Feeling Unwelcome

5 High-Impact Ways to Prepare Your Home for Guests—No Deep Clean Required

Not Cleaning Up After Yourself

Not knowing where the recycling goes or if dishes should go in the sink or dishwasher is to be expected, but picking up after yourself is common courtesy. Ask where to toss your empty cans, take out a full trash, offer to load or empty the dishwasher, and don’t leave your toothbrush and toiletries out in a shared bathroom. Aim to leave the space better than when you found it. 

Overstaying Your Welcome

Of course, there are plenty of exceptions, but clarify your arrival and departure times in advance, and be aware of any changes. Travel cancellations happen, but be prepared with a backup plan as well. Is there anyone else in town you can stay with? Are alternative accommodations in your budget? And if you do have to overstay, how can you express significant appreciation to your overextended hosts? 

Forgetting to Express Gratitude

Arriving with a small token of appreciation for your host—be it a bottle of nice wine, a bouquet of flowers, or something local to your hometown or recent travels—is a lovely gesture, whether you visit frequently or this is a rare overnight stay. If you know your host is insistent on no gifts, try and show gratitude another way, perhaps by picking up coffee in the morning, cooking everyone a meal, walking a pet, or picking up a tab when you go out. Sending a nice thank-you note or text with a photo from the visit is another nice touch.