Waterproof the tent seams before taking the tent on its first trip. Although the package might say the tent is waterproof, spending the time to seal the seams at home will pay off in the end. Set your tent up at home and run the seam sealant along the seams of your tent.
Lay out a plastic tarp as a ground cloth underneath the floor of the tent as you set it up. This keeps water and dirt from coming through the bottom, as well as insulates the tent floor from sharp sticks and rocks. Ensure that the groundcloth does not go beyond the edges of the tent or water may pool underneath.
Lay out a doormat or even an old towel at the tent entrance. Make sure everyone takes off their shoes at the flap before entering and leaves them outside. The doormat gives them a place to take off their shoes or wipe their feet.
Sweep any gathering dirt or pet hair frequently. Any water tracked into the tent instantly creates a muddy situation that's difficult to clean up.
