I’ve always appreciated a clean and organized home. Ideally, I’d love for my space to resemble a stunning reveal from a home renovation show at all times. However, that’s just not feasible for my family or me.
You see, I have three kids—three imaginative, lively, and not-so-tidy little ones who seem completely oblivious to the mess around them. As a homeschooling family, our house is often a whirlwind of creative activities that tend to leave chaos in their wake. Add to that the constant stream of friends who come over to join in the fun, and you can imagine how quickly things can get out of hand!
Both my partner and I work from home, which is a blessing, yet it also means our living space is heavily utilized. If I aimed to keep everything immaculate, I’d be pulling my hair out. Not to mention, if I waited until the house was spotless before inviting friends over, I’d never entertain anyone. And let me tell you, that’s not an option.
So, what does “company-ready” mean in my world? It’s not about having a pristine coffee table or a spotless dining room. It’s not even about hiding the laundry baskets or clearing the shoes from the entryway. If I held my home to those standards, I’d end up feeling isolated. Yes, I dream of hosting in a perfectly maintained environment, but I refuse to sacrifice my sanity or put my life on hold just for appearances.
I’ve decided that “company-ready” simply means I’m prepared for guests at a moment’s notice, no matter how cluttered my home may be. Of course, I tidy up a bit when I know someone is coming over, but I don’t panic when visitors encounter our mess.
This is the reality of our lives—authentic, unfiltered, and real. If you want to spend time with me or get to know my family, this is who we are. Our home is warm and inviting but also a playground for imaginative kids who forget to clean up after themselves. It’s a space where deadlines can mean dishes are left for hours, and snacks can create little messes here and there.
It’s also a place where other kids feel at home and where fellow parents often breathe a sigh of relief, saying, “Thank goodness it’s not just my house that looks like this sometimes.” We celebrate life’s beautiful imperfections because, let’s face it, striving for a picture-perfect home while raising children is a tall order. I’m not about to expend my energy on that when there are far more pressing matters to focus on.
Perhaps one day my vision of a “company-ready” home will align more closely with those immaculate spaces I see on television. But for now, I’m perfectly content to navigate around piles of Legos and the occasional flip-flop as I roll out the welcome mat.
You’re welcome here—messy home and all. We’re ready for your visit anytime!
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Summary
In this piece, Jessica Taylor reflects on her evolving definition of a “company-ready” home, embracing the reality of life with three energetic kids and the chaos that comes with it. She emphasizes the importance of welcoming friends into her home without the stress of maintaining a perfect appearance, highlighting the beauty of authentic family life.