How an Airbnb host’s request changed how we think about staying tidy

One of the easiest ways to keep your hotel room or rental clean is to take off your shoes as soon as you walk in the door. You’ll track far less of a mess inside, and, if you have a pair of slippers at the ready, you’ll have reason to use them. Of course, this advice works just as well in your own home or when visiting friends or family.

If you’re accustomed to coming and going without removing your shoes, or if you have awkward laces that take time to tie and untie, it might feel like a pain to start, but it will quickly become a helpful habit.

The Airbnb host who rented us our apartment in Paris left a note requesting that we remove our shoes upon entering. We did so not only to honor his wishes, but also to keep the one-room apartment tidier for ourselves. We ended up liking this so much that we’ve stuck with the practice ever since.

(The bonus is that you’ll also have a healthier stay, given the bacteria that shoes tend to carry. If you still need some convincing, this warning oughta do the trick.)

After all, if you have a little one who’s always close to the ground, you’ll probably think hard about keeping the floor as clean as possible since anything and everything goes straight into the mouth—except, somehow these days, green vegetables.