The Surprising Productivity Boost of Hosting
Photo by Kelsey Chance on Unsplash.
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PROJECT OF THE WEEK
There’s a certain kind of motivation that only shows up when someone is coming over.
Not panic-cleaning-the-night-before motivation. Not hiding piles in closets motivation.
But that gentle, oh right, this matters kind of motivation.
I didn’t always feel that way.
I grew up in a house where having people over meant hours—and I mean hours—of cleaning beforehand. I was the oldest of nine kids. There weren’t consistent routines. Things would pile up, explode all over, and then suddenly I'd be forced into cleanup mode because company was coming. I remember resenting it. Dreading it. Feeling like the house only mattered when someone else was going to see it.
So as an adult, I made a quiet promise to myself: I wasn’t going to live like that.
My house is what it is. It’s generally picked up, never perfect, and very much lived in. And I’m okay with people coming over as-is. No apology tours. No frantic last-minute scrubbing. Just real life.
And yet…
Even with all of that, I’ve noticed something.
When I know people are coming over, even people I’m completely comfortable with, I feel a little spark of motivation. Not to overhaul the whole house, but to tackle one small thing.
Getting Started
Maybe it’s finally opening that amazon package and finding it a new home. Maybe it’s restocking the seltzer in the fridge. Maybe it’s putting away the items that collected on the top of the entry way bookcase.
Not because I have to. But because it feels good.
I see this all the time with my clients too. Some people genuinely thrive with that extra layer of accountability. Knowing that someone will be in their space gives them a reason, not rooted in shame, but in pride, to check a few things off the list.
And then there’s the bonus: the “your house feels so nice,” the “wow, you got a lot done,” the quiet internal I did that moment.
That kind of positive reinforcement matters.
If you’re someone who struggles to maintain organizational systems, or who has a hard time getting started on home projects, regularly having people over can actually be a really supportive tool.
Not in an all-or-nothing way. Not in a “my house must be perfect” way.
But in a use what works kind of way.
It could be a book club once a month. A standing family dinner once a week. Coffee with a friend every other Friday.
Something simple. Something that doesn’t require a massive reset, but offers just enough motivation to handle the things that have been lingering.
The goal isn’t a spotless house. The goal is momentum.
Sometimes knowing someone is coming over helps you finish the project you’ve been avoiding. Sometimes it helps you reset a space you’ve been meaning to tend to. And sometimes it just reminds you that your home is meant to be lived in and shared.
I’m curious. Do you ever use this technique to check off home projects or get yourself unstuck? Or is this something you might want to experiment with?
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.