I have always admired a pristine, well-organized home. If given the chance, I would love for my space to resemble a picture-perfect reveal from a home renovation show. However, the reality of my life—and the vibrant personalities in my family—means that a show-ready home is simply not feasible.
You see, I have three kids: three imaginative, lively, and somewhat messy little ones who often seem oblivious to the chaos around them. As a homeschooling family, our home is frequently filled with various creative projects that can contribute to the clutter. Add in the constant stream of their friends, and you can imagine the state of our home—a whirlwind of activity, dishes, and toys.
Both my partner and I work remotely, which brings its own set of challenges. While we appreciate the flexibility of our lifestyle, our home is in constant use. Trying to maintain a perfect environment would not only drive me crazy, but it would also hinder the warm, welcoming atmosphere I want to create. If I waited for everything to be orderly before inviting friends over, I would find myself alone far too often—something I refuse to accept.
So, I’ve decided that “company-ready” means something entirely different in my household. It doesn’t imply that the living room is spotless, the dining area is free of clutter, or that there are no dishes in the sink. It doesn’t require hiding laundry baskets or making sure shoes are neatly stored away. Dust-free bookshelves or perfectly fluffed pillows are simply not part of the equation.
If I believed that my home had to be immaculate to host guests, I would be sacrificing a rich social life. While I dream of a perfectly maintained space, I am not about to exhaust myself to achieve that. My life is too precious to put on hold over the state of my home.
Instead, I’ve simply shifted my perspective on what it means to be ready for company. Now, it symbolizes an openness to friends stopping by at any time, regardless of how tidy the house may be. I will tidy up to some extent when I know someone is coming, but I’ve learned to embrace the mess as part of our everyday life.
This is our reality—raw, unfiltered, and genuine. If you want to know me or connect with my family, this is who we are. Our home is inviting and filled with the laughter and activity of kids engaged in play, often forgetting to clean up after themselves. It’s a space where I occasionally leave chores undone while I meet work deadlines or where a group of friends can gather for snacks without every crumb being immediately addressed.
It’s also a place where other children feel at home, and where fellow parents often express relief to see they’re not alone in navigating the chaos of parenthood. We celebrate life in all its imperfect, messy glory.
While I admire those who maintain immaculate homes while raising children, I recognize that this isn’t our current chapter. I refuse to expend unnecessary energy worrying about the state of my home when there are more pressing matters at hand. Perhaps one day, my idea of a company-ready home will align more closely with the beautifully curated spaces I see on television. For now, however, I’ll be here, stepping over scattered toys and misplaced shoes to welcome you in with open arms.
And truly, you are welcome. Come visit our wonderfully lived-in home anytime.
For more insights on parenting and family life, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination, and if you’re considering starting a family, you can explore options like the Cryobaby at Home Insemination Kit. You can also find authoritative information on pregnancy at NICHD.
Summary
Redefining what it means to have a ‘company-ready’ home has transformed my approach to hosting friends and family. Embracing the messy reality of our lives allows for genuine connections without the stress of achieving perfection. My home may not be spotless, but it is warm and welcoming—a true reflection of our family’s vibrant life.