Whether you’re hosting a big event or having a few friends over for dinner, it’s very likely that the condition of your home is paramount. When prioritizing which areas need to be cleaned before guests arrive, it might be helpful to know which mess stands out the most to guests; the problem is to figure out which of those eyesores stand out the most to your guests.

We reached out to the experts to get their suggestions and narrow down which items and areas should always be refreshed before the doorbell rings.

Little messes aren’t a big deal, right? Professional organizer Meredith Goforth says otherwise. In fact, she says guests will probably notice those little piles of clutter right away that you tend to overlook.

“We’re used to clutter in certain areas of the house, like piles of shoes by the door, piles of mail on the counter, or pet hair that always lingers on the couch,” says Goforth.

She also warns that these are the very messes we need to address first. They are what will stand out the most to guests who enter your home with fresh eyes.

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You might be able to shove piles of clutter into closets before the gathering, but Goforth says there’s one room in the house that needs a deep clean: guests will absolutely notice a dirty bathroom.

“To go above and beyond, I also like to organize bathroom cabinets with anything guests might be looking for—like pain relievers, mouthwash, or feminine hygiene products,” says Goforth.

It’s easy to brush up on a clean interior, but Goforth also reminds us that the exterior and front entry are the first impression of your home—and you can’t forget to keep it neat and fresh.

“Add seasonal decor and a clean rug, and remove any children’s toys or dead plants,” says Goforth. She also suggests sweeping the front step as a nice touch to sum up the first impression.

Imane Fiocchi, of planning company Neon Lace, agrees, noting that there are two main culprits that often affect your entrance: shoes and packages.

“I always have a million shoes at the entrance, so I always arrange them before the guests arrive,” she says. “All unsorted mail should be put out of sight, including boxes and deliveries.”

Whether you have a spacious closet, are organizing your mudroom, or can repurpose a spare room for coats and bags, Goforth says decluttering this space is something guests will definitely notice.

“Be prepared for people to be in and out of the area throughout the night as they come and go,” says Goforth.

Food Prep Messes

When it comes to preparing your kitchen before a party, Goforth says this is one area that is nuanced. While she points out that it’s helpful to start with a freshly cleaned fridge, empty dishwasher and clean trash cans, if you’re serving any food, it’s impractical to expect a sparkling kitchen.

“Some signs of food and beverage preparation can be completely acceptable and can even create a more accessible environment,” says Goforth. “Little ongoing tasks, like slicing lemons for cocktails or arranging hors d’oeuvres, can add a little accessibility.”

But even this does not give you an excuse to make a big mess. Think clean surfaces and clear the mess.

Fiocchi feels the same way, although he has a great tool for creating the impression of an instantly clean and tidy kitchen: put away your home appliances.

“It just feels fresher when my appliances are hidden and the counter is bare,” she says.

Fix: Prioritize spaces that guests will see

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with everything you need to do before a party or gathering, both Goforth and Fiocchi assure us that there are places you can skip.

“The reality is that it’s necessary to prioritize the areas of the home that guests will see,” says Goforth. “We can’t do everything.”

This means that while you’re hitting the problem areas above, you can cross other things off your list like laundry, unmade beds, messy cars, and playrooms.

“If you don’t have overnight guests, the bedroom door can stay closed,” says Goforth.

She notes that the garage probably won’t be a place where your guests will roam, and playrooms are allowed to get pretty messy — especially if it’s a no-kids event. Fiocchi agrees, noting that even pet toys are allowed some leeway. Plus, you can use designated spaces to redirect clutter if you’re really desperate for a quick decluttering.

“No one cares about the garage, so when all else fails, just put all the clutter in it,” she says.