Prep your house for the holiday season with this easy, room by room checklist.
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The Holiday season does not have to be overwhelming, One of the easiest ways to reduce Thanksgiving and Christmas stress is to get your house in order. This can be quick, simple, and easily done in a day or two! Decide what day (or days) you are going to tackle it, take an inventory of supplies, and get started!
This short and simple checklist will get you started on the right path, and also walk you through cleaning each room.
You likely have some items on hand for regular, routine cleaning, but there may be a couple items that you will need to add to your collection.
Supplies you will need:
Rags or Sponges
A good, angled broom and dustpan
Gloves (protect those hands!)
Disinfectant wipes or concentrate
Window solution (I like vinegar and water or Windex wipes have been a huge time saver)
Hardwood Floor Cleaner if you have wood floors (I like Murphy’s Oil Soap for mine: it’s what my grandmother and mother used so that is testimony enough for me!)
Extendable Mop for floors, walls, and windows
Magic Erasers for scuffs, and stubborn wall marks (i.e. crayon)
Compressed Air for cleaning computer and laptop keyboards
Vacuum (We have been using the Dyson big ball for the past 6 years and it truly has held its value, it is also half the price of the cordless options)
When it comes to preparing your home for the holiday season, there are, of course, the basics: adding décor and lights, setting up the staple festive items, and perhaps even moving furniture around to accommodate guests.
But, as it feels every year, the months of November and December always go by so quickly. That’s why it’s best to consider what you can do—and early—to get on top of the holiday season and best prepare your home for your family and guests.
When it comes to getting your home ready for the holidays, it’s best to start preparing early. It is truly amazing how Thanksgiving and Christmas have a way of sneaking up on us. One of the best strategies for a stress free holiday season is to try focusing on gift shopping and organizing your home early on, and then save tasks like tidying the guest room and doing a deep clean for the final days before friends and family arrive.
Kitchen
Tidy and wipe out pantry.
Deep clean oven with oven cleaner and vacuum under and behind.
Wash kitchen cabinet fronts.
Move fridge - vacuum and mop behind it.
Vacuum coils behind the fridge.
Empty, organize and wipe inside of fridge. Polish with Stainless steel cleaner if applicable.
Sweep and mop floor
Polish sink and taps with stainless steel cleaner
As Thanksgiving rolls around each year, the temperatures outside begin to plummet. During the holiday season, a bit of hibernation is more than welcomed, but it does tend to make a messy or cluttered home feel that much smaller.
Sometimes, even just thinking of the upcoming holiday season spurs Moms everywhere into a planning frenzy.
So, before the holidays, be sure to complete a project or two while the season calls for it, and then you can truly step back and enjoy this holiday season. Whether it’s warming our feet by the fire or baking cookies and treats in the kitchen, the holiday season can become a tradition of both relaxation and togetherness.
Living Room
Dust surfaces and décor items. A dusting mitt is a great choice that is quick and easy to dust surfaces.
Wash all throw pillows and blankets
Vacuum all furniture.
Vacuum and mop floors
Bedroom
Wash all bedding.
Wash all bed and throw pillows.
Flip Mattress - if using pillow top, rotate mattress.
Consider changing your MATTRESS COVER if you have had the same one for a couple of years.
Vacuum carpets and/or wash floors.
Bathroom
Clean and disinfect toilet, tub and shower.
Wash bathmats.
Wash mirrors and glass. Use a spray glass cleaner for a streak free finish.
Wash and/or replace shower liners and shower curtains.
Add a fun, festive touch, like a Christmas towel or Holiday soap
Get a printable copy of this easy and quick Holiday Cleaning Checklist sent directly to your inbox.
Inside and Outside of Home
Wash Baseboards, doors, and walls.
Vacuum out vents; have them professionally cleaned and your furnace serviced
Update all your house first aid kits. Toss expired medication while sorting other medication
Dust blinds.
Dust and/or vacuum light fixtures and replace any burnt out lightbulbs
Store all summer items, clothes, and decorations.
Disinfect all computer keyboards: use canned compressed air and then dampened microfiber cloth and wipe the keys down. A wonderful gift idea is a re-chargeable compressed air duster for keyboard cleaning. Not only is this extremely useful, it is also more environmentally friendly than the disposable cans.
Donate any outgrown and unused winter clothes items to Goodwill, The Salvation Army, or other local community organizations.
Change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Check expiration date on fire extinguisher(s).
Sweep front porch and back deck.