When it’s time for holiday décor, you break out your jingles, garlands, and stockpile of red and green everything. But before you get to the fun part of decking the halls, you need to get the basic preps out of the way. Yes, we mean cleaning. Rigorous, deep cleaning!

You want to present a home that gets your guests to exclaim “WOW!” as soon as they walk through the door.

So, what’s your power plan for getting your home spick and span? Let us help.  

We will go through some areas you must check off your list before the relatives start arriving.

Let Go of the Clutter

The initial step in preparing your home for holiday guests is to get rid of the clutter. You want your guests to feel comfortable and have a place to put their things when they come over. Plus, it'll feel more spacious and bright.

So, go from room to room and start putting things in their place. If you have items that are just taking up space but have no real use, consider donating them or storing them away until after the holidays. It includes clothes you no longer wear, toys your kids have outgrown, and knick-knacks that you don't use.

It might take a few days to completely rid your home of the space-eaters. So, start early.

Pay Attention to Your Flooring:

What flooring do you have in your home? Carpet, hardwood, tile, or laminate? No matter what it is, you can't leave it stained and grimy. Your guests will be walking on it, so you want it clean.

Carpets are the trickiest to clean because they can hold onto dirt, dust, and pet hair. But you can hire professional carpet cleaning services to help you. Aussies found Eco’s cleaners were affordable and did a great job!

If you have hardwood floors, thorough sweeping and mopping will suffice. You can also use a Swiffer to pick up any dust and dirt that's been missed.

Deep Clean All Bedrooms:

You can never be sure how many friends and family decide to stay the night during the holidays. So, you can’t leave your bedrooms in a state of disarray. Instead, you want them to be as clean and inviting as possible – like a hotel room.

So, look for empty bottles rolling around under the bed, vacuum the corners to get hold of any crumbs, and plump up the pillows on the bed. You should also put fresh sheets on all the beds in the house.

If you want to go the extra mile, you can also place a small chocolate on each of the pillows. It’s a small touch that your guests will appreciate.

Clean the Windows and Window Treatments

No one likes looking out a streaky, finger-smudged window. Not to mention, they just make your window dressing look icky. So, take the time to clean your windows – inside and out. You can do this a few days before your guests arrive so that they can enjoy the view.

If you have blinds, drapes, or shutters, give them good dusting and vacuuming. It'll help eliminate the dust bunnies and make them look newer.

And when you’re finally on your decorating spree, swap your solid curtains for checkered or plaid holiday ones. They’ll bring some extra cheer to the room.

Wash Your Walls:

Walls are often overlooked. But they play a significant role in the overall appearance of a room. If they're looking dingy, it'll make the whole space look dirty. Accumulated dirt, crayon markings, and fingerprints can make your walls look icky. So, it's time to break out the ladder and wash them well.

Wiping down your walls is a two-person job. One person should wash the wall while the other follows behind with a dry towel to avoid any streaks. You can use a sponge or cloth and some soapy water to do the job.

We recommend using a non-abrasive cleaner to avoid damaging the paint. And always allow yourself enough time to dry the walls completely before redecorating.

Tidy Up the Kitchen:

Your kitchen will see all sorts of activities during the holiday season. Episodes of cooking, baking, and eating will take place here. So, you must ensure it's ready to take on all the action.

Start by decluttering the countertops and putting away any non-essential items. All you'll need on the countertops are the toaster, coffeemaker, and any other appliances you use regularly.

You should also clear out the fridge and pantry. Get rid of anything that's expired or that you know you won't use. Like this, you'll free up space to store your holiday goodies.

Wash all the dishes, clean the sink, and sweep and mop the floor.

Prepare Your Bathrooms:

Water stains on the sink, soap scum on the showers, and mildew in the toilet – ick! Your bathrooms speak volumes about your housekeeping skills. So, you must maintain them well, especially during the holiday season.

Start by giving your toilets good scrubbing. You can use an organic toilet cleaner or a DIY one made with vinegar and baking soda.

Aim for your showerheads and wash all the soap scum off them. It will improve your water pressure and make your showers more enjoyable.

Once you're through with cleaning the high-traffic areas of your bathroom, add some touch of luxury. Place fresh, fluffy towels on the racks and cast some scented candles.

Make and Freeze Meals in Advance:

Do you plan to spend most of your holiday sautéing in the kitchen? If not, then you should consider making and freezing some meals in advance. You can try your hand at some make-ahead casseroles, soups, and stews. That way, you'll have something to eat without having to cook.

Moreover, you can also bake cookies, pies, and other desserts and freeze them. It will ensure you always have something to satisfy your guests' sweet tooth.

However, before you can stock your freezer with all these goodies, you need to clean it. 

• Remove everything from the freezer, including the ice tray.
• Wash the shelves and drawers with hot, soapy water. 

And don't forget to unplug and defrost the freezer completely.

Final Thoughts:

We know you're excited to jump to the part where you can start decorating your home for the holidays. But trust us, taking the time to prepare your home will be worth it. Your guests will be impressed, and you'll be able to relax and enjoy the holiday season worry-free.

However, to avoid stressful situations, prepare your home for the holidays well in advance. That way, you won't have to rush through everything at the last minute.

partnered post • image by Christa Glover at Pexels