I have a deep appreciation for a clean, organized home. Ideally, my space would consistently resemble a stunning transformation from a popular renovation show. However, maintaining a picture-perfect home is neither feasible for my personality nor for our family’s lifestyle.
You see, I have three children. Three lively, imaginative, and not-so-neat kids who often overlook messes right in front of them. As a homeschooling family, our house is frequently a hub of creative, albeit messy, activities. Add to that the constant stream of friends who come and go, and you can imagine how the dishes pile up and clutter accumulates.
Both my partner and I work from home, which is a blessing, but it also means our space is in use at all times. Trying to keep everything spotless would drive me to madness, and if I waited until everything was tidy before inviting friends over, I’d never host anyone.
Socializing at home is essential to me.
So, my definition of “company-ready” differs from what you might expect. It doesn’t mean the coffee table is clear, the dining area is immaculate, or that there are no dirty dishes in the sink. It doesn’t imply that there aren’t visible laundry baskets or scattered shoes. And it certainly doesn’t mean that the shelves are dust-free or that the cushions are perfectly arranged.
If I believed my home had to be in pristine condition to welcome guests, I would be isolated. While it would be nice to invite people into a flawlessly maintained home, I refuse to exhaust myself trying to achieve that. I won’t pause my life or impose undue stress on myself just because my house is well-loved and lived in.
I’ve simply redefined what “company-ready” means in my life. Now, it signifies being prepared for visitors—because I’m open to friends stopping by at any time, regardless of how the house looks. If I know someone is coming, I tidy up out of courtesy, but I don’t panic if they see the mess.
This is our reality—a genuine, unfiltered snapshot of life. If you want to know me or my family, this is who we are. Our home is inviting and warm, albeit often cluttered by the antics of children who are oblivious to my dreams of a perfectly staged space.
It’s a place where kids immerse themselves in imaginative play and forget to clean up afterward. It’s where deadlines exist, and sometimes the dishes get neglected for hours. It’s a setting where multiple friends might gather for snacks, and not every crumb is picked up immediately.
It’s also a space where children feel at home. Other parents often express relief that their homes aren’t the only ones that look like this sometimes. Together, we embrace life’s glorious imperfections and the beautiful chaos that comes with it.
While having a neat and spotless home is an admirable aspiration (kudos to those who maintain it while raising kids), it’s just not achievable for us right now—at least not without considerable stress and fatigue, which I’d prefer to avoid. There are enough challenges to deal with already.
Maybe one day, my version of “company-ready” will resemble those immaculate homes featured on television. But for now, I’m perfectly fine stepping over a stray shoe or a pile of toys as I roll out the welcome mat.
And truly, you are welcome here. Feel free to visit our wonderfully chaotic home anytime.
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Summary:
In redefining a “company-ready” home, the author embraces the reality of a lived-in space filled with children and creativity. Rejecting the pressure of a spotless environment, they find joy in welcoming friends into their warm, albeit messy, home, celebrating the beautiful chaos of family life.