Quick clean up

It's about that time...when family and friends all come around and instead of enjoying it we get stressed. If you've deep cleaned your house recently you're in good shape (if not, then I suggest you do a really good cleaning soon, at least a week before company is due). All that you have to do now is clear clutter and quick clean and then you'll be ready for guest. I'll give you tips on the quickest clean (around 15 minutes total) for the biggest bang and then a few more for if you have extra time or help.

Whichever area they see first is where you need to start. This is why I usually get my husband to mow and edge a week or so before a holiday or event(since we live in sunny FL!). I suggest you keep an extra storage tote handy in your garage or a closet that you can use to throw clutter in at the last minute to be dealt with later. It's preferable to keep clutter at a minimum on a daily basis though.

Livingroom: the main thing here is to get rid of clutter and straighten.
Extra time or helpers: sweep or run the vacuum and do a quick dust on the tables or in prominent areas.

Bathroom: put cleaner in the toilet and let it sit while you wipe down the faucets and mirror with paper towels and Windex, then flush the toilet (when the faucets are clean everything else looks better, if everything else is clean and not the faucets the bathroom will still look messy). Clean up any major spots or spills in the sink or on counter. Close the shower curtain.
Extra time or helpers: Scrub the toilet instead of just flushing. Empty the trash. Wipe down the sink, counters, floor and toilet with Windex.

Kitchen: Sweep. Clear clutter. Get all dishes out of sight - put dirty ones in the dish washer (or oven if you won't be cooking!), and clean ones put away. Wipe down sink and faucet and table.
Extra time or helpers: Wipe down all counters, refrigerator, stove and garbage can. Take out trash if it's full.

Bedrooms: Make the bed. Clear clutter.

If working quickly, you should be able to pull off the quickest clean within 15 minutes. If you add in the rest and you're working on your own then it will take about 30 to 40 minutes.

Tip: if you want to make things as easy as possible do a deep clean and then set aside 15 minutes every night. Before going to bed pick up clutter and either put it away or in the room it needs to be in. Straighten the family area and kitchen. Wash and put away any dishes that are remaining. If you have kids get them into the same routine (they can start putting away things as soon as they can pull them out). Before they go to bed every night have them go around and put away all their toys. If you do this every night you will be much less stressed every morning.