Sleepover party checklist: what to arrange and when

A sleepover needs more planning than a regular party because guests stay overnight, use sleeping spaces and need clear house rules. Start by collecting registrations, permissions, dietary requirements and emergency contacts before buying food or assigning beds. During setup, prepare the rooms, sleeping gear, snacks, drinks and activities separately so the evening runs smoothly. Use this checklist to keep the practical jobs in the right order, from invitations to the next-morning clear-up.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect permissions
Collect dietary requirements
Check emergency contacts
Report allergies
Develop the program
2 people
Set up activities
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
Count beds and sleeping places
Clean rooms
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
2 people
Set up sleeping accommodations
3 people
Hang decorations
2 people
Set out activities
2 people
Set the tables
2 people
Set out snacks
2 people

Event

Receive participants
3 people
Register attendance
Explain the house rules
2 people
Assign sleeping places
2 people
Serve welcome drinks
2 people
Run the game program
3 people
Refill drinks
Serve snacks
2 people
Serve dinner
3 people
Supervise movie night
2 people
Serve a late-night snack
2 people
Guide tooth brushing
2 people
Carry out sleep rounds
2 people
Prepare breakfast
2 people
Serve breakfast
3 people

Aftercare

Clear sleeping places
3 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Collect waste
2 people
Clean rooms
3 people
Put furniture back
2 people
Remove decorations
2 people
Return borrowed items

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 4
Chairsqty 24
Low tablesqty 3
Lounge cushionsqty 24

Sleeping gear

Air mattressesqty 20
Sleeping bagsqty 20
Cushionsqty 20
Blanketsqty 20
Fitted sheetsqty 20

Tableware

Platesqty 24
Bowlsqty 24
Cupsqty 30
Mugsqty 24
Cutlery setsqty 24

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 2
Chef's knifeqty 2
Serving bowlsqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 4
Coolersqty 3

Equipment

Kettleqty 2
Coffee maker
Projector
Movie screen
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 3
Night lightsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 40
Tableclothsqty 4

Activities

Board gamesqty 8
Card gamesqty 4
Craft kitsqty 20
Colored pencilsqty 4
Drawing paperqty 2

Safety

First aid kit
Flashlightsqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Send invitations early enough to collect permissions, allergies, dietary requirements and emergency contacts before you shop. Set a firm reply deadline so you know how many beds, sleeping bags and portions to prepare.
Count sleeping places before assigning anyone a spot. Allow one air mattress, sleeping bag, fitted sheet, cushion and blanket per guest, then keep at least one spare sleeping option if space allows.
Plan the programme in blocks rather than filling every minute. Prepare one welcome activity, one main game or craft, a film option and a quiet wind-down period before lights-out.
Set out snacks, cups and drinks before guests arrive, but keep chilled drinks in coolers and refill them during the evening. Serving snacks in two or three rounds prevents everything being eaten in the first hour.
Explain house rules and sleeping arrangements shortly after arrival, before the game programme starts. Point out bathrooms, night lights, emergency contacts and where guests should go if they cannot sleep.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a sleepover party?: Send invitations about 3 to 4 weeks before the sleepover. Set the registration deadline 7 to 10 days beforehand so you have time to check permissions, allergies, emergency contacts, beds and food.
How many sleeping places do I need for a sleepover?: Prepare one complete sleeping place for every confirmed guest, including an air mattress or bed, fitted sheet, sleeping bag or blanket and cushion. Count the spaces at least 3 days before the event and keep one spare option when possible.
How much food and drink should I plan for a sleepover?: Plan for the arrival snack, dinner or evening food, a later snack and breakfast. For drinks, prepare about 2 to 3 servings per person for the first hour, then keep extra water and drinks available for the rest of the evening.
When should I set up the sleeping area?: Set up the sleeping accommodations and clean the rooms on the day of the sleepover, ideally 2 to 4 hours before arrival. Leave a clear walkway, label assigned places if needed and keep spare blankets and cushions together.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.