9 Bad House Guest Behaviors Guaranteed to Keep You From Ever Being Invited Back

A lot of work goes into hosting guests, so be mindful of when you show up. Showing up early might mean they're not quite ready for you if they're rushing around trying to get last-minute stuff done, or they might not even be home! Showing up late, especially if you don't keep your hosts updated about your ETA, can be rude and frustrating for your hosts.

This is a big no-no if you're staying with a couple. They're both welcoming you into their home, so if you're going to bring them a gift, make sure it's something they both like. If you're bringing a bottle of whiskey for one of them, consider bringing a plant or flowers for the other just in case that's not their drink of choice.

This doesn't mean you should help yourself to the most expensive drink in the liquor cabinet, but your host doesn't have to serve you every time you want a glass of water. At the same time, make sure you know what's off limits in the fridge or cupboards before you tuck into that pristine pumpkin pie. Once you've identified the drinks and snacks that aren't being saved for a special occasion, help yourself when you're hungry or thirsty.

Whether you're staying in a separate guest room or on an inflatable mattress in the middle of the living room, making your bed each morning is a sign of respect to your host. Even if you wouldn't normally do it at home, try to get into the habit when you're a guest. It only takes two minutes but will keep your part of the house looking tidy and it'll totally impress your hosts.

Your host wants you to be comfortable and feel at home, but there are still boundaries when you're a house guest. Don't clutter up the common areas with your stuff, and make sure you're following their lead when it comes to things like shoe etiquette or eating on the couch. Make use of drawers or closet space if they're made them available to you and try to avoid leaving your dirty laundry in a pile on the floor.

Unless you have your own guest bathroom, try to be aware of your bathroom routine and adjust it if necessary. If you're used to taking long, hot, relaxing showers every morning, consider cutting them a little shorter. If you know you're going to be in the bathroom for an — ahem — extended period of time, make sure no one else needs it first.

Just because you do your dishes once a day at home, that doesn't mean you should leave your dirty dishes hanging around in your host's home. Wash your breakfast dishes and coffee mug when you're finished with them, and don't leave them hanging around expecting your host to clean them up.

If you're not a great cook, you don't necessarily have to offer to cook a meal during your stay. (Depending on your level of culinary prowess, it might be wise to avoid cooking a meal altogether.) But offering to do dishes or help with meal prep never goes unnoticed. Pull your weight around the house, offer to buy groceries, and do the dishes whenever you can. Your hosts will love you for it!

If your hosts go to bed a little earlier than you're used to, don't stay up for hours with all of the lights on and the TV on full blast. You don't have to go to sleep at the same time — watching TV for another half hour or so is totally acceptable! But if you are staying up a little longer, make sure it impacts your hosts as little as possible. And if you really need to binge-watch Gilmore Girls, head to your bedroom and put some headphones on so you're not keeping anyone up.