Back in June, it seemed like a fantastic idea to volunteer for hosting Thanksgiving dinner, the White Elephant holiday party, and Christmas day celebrations. Now, as the holidays approach, time is slipping away and you find yourself busier than ever. Your home might be in disarray, and the thought of preparing for guests can be overwhelming. Instead of panicking and considering taking two days off work, which you should reserve for self-care and relaxation, I have a practical plan for you.
This plan consists of eleven manageable steps to help you get your home ‘holiday ready.’ Since we both know that you likely don’t have two free days to tackle this, I recommend dedicating just one hour each day for the next two weeks. Each hour can be used to work through the tasks outlined below, and by the end of this period, your home will be transformed and welcoming for the holidays.
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11 Steps to Get Your Home Holiday Ready
I prefer to start with simpler, quicker tasks and gradually move on to the more challenging ones, saving the enjoyable aspects for last. Although the list is organized with this approach in mind, feel free to adjust the order according to your preferences. Ultimately, achieving a clean, cozy, and inviting home for the holidays is what matters most.
1. Quick Declutter
Begin with a swift decluttering session throughout your entire home to put away any random items that may have been left out. Regardless of cleanliness, excess clutter can make your space appear messy. Grab a couple of storage bins and walk through your home, removing any decorative or unnecessary items that can be stored away for the season. Aim to clear off flat surfaces to make room for holiday decorations, as well as for all those delightful snacks and beverages you’ll be serving.
Protect and store extra items in the bins, placing them in the garage or shed where they will be out of the way until it’s time to bring them back out.
2. Spot Clean Your Office
Your office may not see much foot traffic, but it’s still worth giving it a quick clean so you can keep the door slightly ajar. File away any papers lying around, tidy up flat surfaces and bookshelves, dust your computers and monitors, and empty the garbage can and shredder. Don’t forget to spot clean the windows and window coverings and finish up by cleaning the floors.
3. Tidy the Laundry Room and Mud Room
Accidents happen, and someone may need your stain remover, so ensure your laundry room is presentable. Complete any remaining laundry, vacuum the exhaust fan cover, and wipe down the exterior surfaces of your cabinets and appliances. Tidy up the cleaning closet and supplies, empty the garbage can, and clean the floors.
4. Straighten Up the Bedrooms
Unless you’re expecting overnight guests, your bedrooms won’t require extensive attention. They should mainly serve as pass-throughs to the bathroom or extra space for storing jackets and purses. Make sure all clothing and shoes are put away and that closet doors and dresser drawers close fully. They don’t need to be perfectly organized—just tidy enough to close. Clear visual clutter from flat surfaces, even tucking away items that usually remain out in your bedroom. Dust everything, including lighting fixtures and lamps, spot clean windows, glass, and mirrors, and give the floors a good cleaning.
5. Freshen Up the Dining Room
This room will be a hub of activity, so ensure it’s thoroughly cleaned. Dust all lighting fixtures and flat surfaces, wipe down the table, chairs, hutches, and sideboards. Wash any china, glassware, flatware, or serving dishes that have been stored away but will likely be used during the holiday season. Finally, clean the floors to make everything shine.
6. Tidy Up the Living Room
Your living room will also see a lot of use, so be just as thorough here. Dust your entertainment center and television screen, and dust all lampshades and flat surfaces. Wipe down your furniture, clean under removable cushions, and fluff the cushions along with any throw pillows. Tidy up tabletops and drawers, clean remote controls, and wipe down drink coasters and all other furniture surfaces. Spot clean the television, windows, mirrors, and any other glass surfaces before giving the floors a thorough cleaning.
7. Sanitize the Bathrooms
With parties often leading to increased bathroom use, it’s crucial to have them sparkling clean. Start by dusting light fixtures and all flat surfaces, then clean and shine mirrors and glass. Vacuum the exhaust fan cover, scrub sinks, and polish plumbing fixtures. Scrub the shower and bathtub, disinfect the toilet, and remember to clean the walls behind it—an often overlooked area. Check the stock of bathroom tissue and hand soap, adding any necessary items to your shopping list. Setting out disposable hand towels can also be a nice touch. Empty the garbage cans and clean the floors to complete the task.
8. Deep Clean the Kitchen
Aside from bathrooms, the kitchen is typically the most used room during the holiday season, often becoming the focal point for gatherings. This calls for a thorough deep clean to ensure it’s ready for guests. Start by dusting lighting fixtures and cleaning any windows, then dust or wash window coverings. Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get into the details.
Stove, Oven, and Microwave
- Remove food particles and clean your oven, scrubbing the racks and cleaning the door glass.
- Polish the stovetop and knobs, and wipe down the vent hood and clean vent screens.
- Clean the inside of the microwave, then clean and polish the glass and outside surfaces.
Refrigerator
- Dust the top of the refrigerator, discard expired food, and disinfect the inside.
- Empty and wash out the ice maker and water dispenser, changing the water dispenser filter if necessary.
- Vacuum the coils on the backside of the refrigerator for optimal operation.
Dishwasher
- Check and clean the dishwasher filter if needed, then run a sanitize cycle or a cycle with vinegar.
- Clean and polish the exterior surface to ensure it shines.
Pantry
- Tidy up the pantry, discarding expired food while taking stock of holiday ingredients.
- Make note of any items you need to restock, and check your supply of paper products like plastic wrap and foil.
Cabinets and Drawers
- Check drawers and cabinets for accumulated dirt and dust, vacuuming and washing out as necessary.
- Dust the tops of cupboards and wipe down all exterior surfaces.
Floor
- Finally, scrub and polish your floors to make them shine.
9. Final Walkthrough
Grab some disinfecting wipes and sanitize all knobs, door handles, and light switches throughout your home. I find that starting at one end and moving through each room ensures nothing is overlooked. Use this final walkthrough to take one last visual scan of each room, confirming there’s nothing that needs attention.
10. Put Up the Holiday Decorations
With the cleaning complete and your home ready for the holidays, it’s time to dive into the fun part: decorating! Whether it’s just a simple wreath on the front door or a few festive centerpieces, adding holiday decorations can instantly uplift your space.
11. Set the Mood
Smell plays a crucial role in affecting mood and stress levels. A study by Stephen Warrenburg on Oxford Academic highlighted how scents like clementine can make people feel happy and energized, while vanilla bean can promote relaxation. Consider setting out and lighting a few holiday-scented candles. If candles aren’t your thing, simmer a pot of water with vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices on the stove to create a warm, inviting aroma. Baking fresh cookies just before your guests arrive can also add to the festive atmosphere, with ginger molasses sugar cookies being a personal favorite for Christmas!
Finish Getting Your Home Ready for the Holidays
Once you’ve completed these steps, put on some holiday music, take a moment to relax, and enjoy the festive spirit. You’ve decluttered, tidied up, deep cleaned high-traffic areas, decorated, and created a warm atmosphere.
Congratulations! You are all set to welcome guests into your beautifully prepared home. The next time an unexpected guest knocks or the first party guest rings the doorbell, you can confidently greet them, knowing your home is ready. If you’re worried about being the perfect hostess, check out some tips for making your guests feel truly welcome. What are your go-to strategies for getting your home ready for the holidays?
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