Give a guest somewhere to put a bag

Prepare one useful surface

Free part of a bench, a sturdy chair or a shelf where a bag can rest. Keep it separate from the space needed to remove shoes. You do not need to hide every sign of daily life; the useful change is a place that is immediately available.

Explain the arrangement

Tell your guest where coats and bags can go when they arrive. If they prefer to keep a bag beside them, leave that choice open. Later, avoid covering it with other belongings. A small piece of thoughtfulness works best when it is easy to understand and does not require another conversation.