Whether you’re crashing with a friend for convenience, invited for a leisurely stay at a cousin’s summer home, or headed to your future in-laws’ place for the first overnight visit, house guest etiquette matters. And if you’ve ever hosted family or friends for an extended stay,
you know just how refreshing a well-behaved, respectful, game, and grateful house guest is—and how exhausting a not-so-awesome one can be.
Here are 11 house guest etiquette rules to follow, no matter who you’re staying with or how long you plan to be there. (Trust us, this is how you get invited back.)
Make sure you clear the duration of you stay with your hosts as far in advance as possible—at their invitation, of course. Don’t be vague or hope to extend your stay once you arrive. Of course, there is a chance they might extend an offer,
but don’t make assumptions. If your BFF says they’ll be busy after Labor Day, book your return ticket to leave a full day before so they have some time to themself. The last thing you want to do is take advantage of your host.
