The holidays are a time for connection and celebration, but hosting can feel overwhelming if your home isn’t guest-ready. With the right cleaning strategy and team, you can create a welcoming, stress-free environment that lets you focus on what matters most—spending time with loved ones. Follow these cleaning tips to expertly prep your home for the upcoming holidays!
Start with the Basics: Decluttering
Decluttering is an excellent first step. By removing unnecessary items from common areas, you can create more space for guests. Some areas that are often overlooked during decluttering include the entryway and the coat closet. To simplify the decluttering process, try sorting your items into three piles: keep, donate, and store. This strategy will help you stay organized as you work.
Focus on High-Traffic Areas
High-traffic areas are going to be your focus for your cleaning. Pay extra attention to these specific areas:
- Living Room: Vacuum carpets, fluff cushions, and wipe down surfaces.
- Kitchen: Clean countertops, appliances, and sinks; organize the pantry if it’s visible.
- Bathroom: Deep clean toilets, sinks, and mirrors; restock toiletries and add holiday-themed touches like candles or hand towels.
Deep Cleaning for Extra Comfort
Although this can be an optional step, deep cleaning areas in your home can help ensure maximum comfort and complete peace of mind. Consider professionally cleaning your carpets, rugs, and upholstery. You can also clean your windows and dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and baseboards.
Preparing Guest Rooms
This is an essential step if you are having guests stay the night in your home. To ensure your guests feel comfortable sleeping, you should freshen the linens and make the bed with cozy blankets or throws. Vacuuming and dusting are also essential, as guest bedrooms tend to collect dust quickly due to less activity. We also suggest adding thoughtful touches such as fresh flowers, holiday décor, or extra throws and blankets.
Pay Attention to First Impressions
First impressions matter! Your porch and entryway are the first things your guests will notice, creating a lasting impression of your home. To enhance this area, clean your porch by removing cobwebs and consider using a pressure washer if necessary. For your entryway, be sure to sweep, mop, and vacuum. Add a warm touch by incorporating a welcome mat or seasonal décor.
Quick Cleanup Tips for the Day of Arrival
Once your house is spotless, what should you do next? It’s important to remember that a pristine home won’t remain that way for long. To maintain order as guests arrive, keep cleaning supplies easily accessible throughout the day. This allows you to quickly address any messes as they happen, preventing a chaotic cleanup at the end of your hosting. Consider assigning specific cleaning tasks to family members and friends present, as this can make the cleanup process faster and more efficient. If you’re exhausted and overwhelmed by holiday hosting, don’t hesitate to hire a cleaning service for some last-minute assistance.
