8 Easy Ways to Be the Best Houseguest Ever

It's thoughtful to keep belongings and bed linens as contained as possible. Even for lucky guests get their own room, it's considerate to keep things tidy so hosts don't see clothing and blankets strewn about their home. Especially if the couch is where a guest is bedding down at night, it's polite to fold sheets and comforters in the morning and tuck everything out of sight until nighttime.

Give hosts a good idea of where you'll be and when. It's especially helpful to give a clear time and date of your arrival and departure, so hosts can make arrangements to let you in or lock up when you go.

But besides hellos and goodbyes, hosts will likely want to spend as much time with you as they can. It's totally OK to make plans with other people when you're a guest, and hosts will appreciate having a clear picture of your agenda so they can plan accordingly. More information is always a good thing.

If you're a guest with a special diet, plan ahead by bringing snacks you can eat. Don't expect a host to provide three square meals a day, all to your liking. If you finish something, offer to replace it (kind hosts will say "No!" but appreciate the offer).

Good hosts will bend over backward to make sure their guests have everything they need to eat or drink. But in the unlikely situation in which a host hasn't provided essentials like coffee or bread, then guests should feel comfortable heading out into the city or town to fend for themselves. We're all adults, after all.

The best thank you notes always end with a note about the future. Wrap up your note by extending an invitation to visit you at your home. It's a lovely gesture to a friend and a good way to continue the circle of hospitality.