2 hours to make a huge difference

[TheDevilWearsPrimark]

I get home at 2pm today, and have a very important visit at 4pm.
I know that the house is a tip, and as it's all one level, and mainly open plan it's got to look presentable.
So what are the most important things to focus on, and how much, and how, can I cut corners to get it looking brilliant?

I personally would clear as much stuff away as possible off surfaces and floors (if the visitor isn't going to be looking into wardrobes / cupboards then chuck them in there.) Start with the hall, and then do the sitting room or wherever the person will be.
In the kitchen ensure draining board is clear (I use my dishwasher to 'hide' things!!)
Ensure loo is clean
A fabby instant 'tidier' is plumping cushions

Thanks, kind of what I was thinking.
I will start from the front door and dust/hoover/ squirel away junk, then do as much as possible in the living room and anywhere visible from there.
Is it so bad to say, hide a dirty laundry bin in the airing cupbord, and grill pans in the oven?

Lose your front door key and suggest meeting in a coffee shop

Kif, I like your thinking!
It's actually a mega important thing, and we only found out about it last night.
We are hoping to let our place out for 6 months from July, and my best friends parents are very interested, but can only make it today to come and look. I'd much prefer them to have it, over going through a letting agency etc.
We got quite a lot done last night, but it's still nothing close to tidy.

Be warned though - if they are thinking of renting it they could very well open cupboards / oven doors etc.
Do you have a car? When we were selling our flat I used to put loads of crap in the car and drive it around the corner

Or you could always use the "typical - it was spotless yesterday and look what the kids have done " excuse

too late for you today, but buy a load of get well soon cards, put them on display, and explain you've been unwell for a month and haven't been able to keep up usual pristine housekeeping.....
reminds me of when my mum came to stay after I had DS1, and having put the vac round asked for a rag to wipe the skirting boards "because you've been so big for a few months, you won't have been able to get down there". Didn't have the heart to tell her it was the first time the skirtings had been cleaned since we moved in 4 years previously. What a slob!

Sorry saw this too late to pass comment hope it all went well though

Carrie

lol lilolil - my kind of thinking!
Hope it went ok DWP...

lilo.
Once my MIL came round and the first thing she said was 'is your hoover broken?'
I'm pleased to report I actually got lots done, set a load of laundry going, hoovered and dusted, shoved all the toys in the cupboard, wiped down the kitchen and bathroom, made the beds, put the mountain of papers in the recycle box, made sure all the blinds and curtains were hanging neatly and fluffed the cushions. If only I had a rocket up my arse like that everyday, I would live in domestuic bliss!
And the good news is they are going to rent our place, so thats a relief!
Thanks everyone.

I find there's nothing like a visitor to get you through the housework in double quick time! Every time I have a good cleaning session (because I can't stand the mess any longer) the children ask who's coming...