So you’ve been dating for a while, and you’d like to show her your place.  Great idea, but there’s more to preparing your home than just throwing everything in the dishwasher. Read on for the 10 key points that can make or break her visit.

1. Curb appeal. Initial impressions mean a lot. Still have those Christmas lights up from last year? Swap them out for a clean, new welcome mat. If the mailbox is overflowing with junk mail, go through it now.

2. Clean up! This might sound obvious, but you need to get it done. Start by removing clutter from all surfaces (kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living room). Once these are clear, wipe everything down and only put back essentials like your coffee maker or remote control.  Also, don’t forget to vacuum your floors, wash all your linens (sheets and towels), and make your bed.

3. What’s in your fridge? Yup, she’s going to look. If you only have beer and hot sauce in your fridge, at least wipe down the shelves so they’re nice and clean. Toss out all leftovers and anything past its expiration date. A good rule to live by: if you have to smell it to remember what it is, it’s too old. Extra Credit: Surprise her with a bottle of bubbly for a romantic nightcap!

4. Bathroom necessities. Your bathroom should be spotless. Always (and we mean always) close your toilet, have lots of toilet paper available, refill the hand soap, and place towels next to the sink. Extra Credit: Clean up your medicine cabinet. In case she takes a peek, this is not the place to hide anything you took off the countertop in step 2.

5. The TV. If you have dusty equipment or a maze of wires surrounding your screen, tidy them up. Video games and movies are fun for certain occasions, but don’t really scream romance, so store these in a drawer or basket. Extra Credit: Go through your DVR. Are you really ready to explain to her that you secretly love watching The Real Housewives of Atlanta?

6. What’s on your bookshelf? Books can be an excellent conversation starter, so start that conversation off right. If you have a passion for poetry or an extensive library of Russian literature, this is the perfect way to show her. But be careful: don’t put lofty books there just to impress her. If she asks about the influence of neo-realism on 20th Century Italian film, you’d better have an answer!

7. The dog. Find out beforehand if she is comfortable around pets. A well-mannered dog is the sign of a devoted trainer, so be sure your best friend’s on his best behavior. If she’s afraid of animals or just a bit shy, be respectful of her boundaries and keep your pooch behind closed doors.

8. Take out the trash! Empty out all trash cans in the house and check surfaces for old receipts, empty beer bottles, ashtrays, or anything else that should say sayonara. Extra Credit: Light some candles or pick a handful fresh flowers to clear the air. These subtle details will not go unnoticed!

9. The Ex. There should be absolutely zero evidence of any other woman ever entering your home. Exceptions are your family, your housekeeper, and me, in spirit (see all other steps).

10. Show your personality. Your home is a reflection of you, so keeping it tidy will allow your favorite pieces to shine. If you play a musical instrument, love to surf or have a knack for painting, showcase your interests and talents through your home. Extra Credit: Invite her further into your world by playing her a romantic tune or cooking a sweet treat. Whether you have a passion for wine, sports or astronomy, show her how much you care through an outlet where you thrive.

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