Professional cleaners know that a relaxed host has the best holiday visits. They always ensure that cleaning and guest preparations are completed well in advance to reduce stress. Get these chores done early and enjoy your guests.
Declutter
A little clutter is normal in everyone’s daily life. Cleaning is easier when the house is not cluttered and tidy. A house full of people needs as much space as you can provide. Store any non-essential items before starting serious cleaning.
The kids need to clean their bedrooms. Have them put the toys away and pick up clothing before you mop the floors and dust. They can make a new mess with any visiting friends and cousins starting on the day the company arrives.
Clear away excess items from flat surfaces and party areas like the dining room, living room, family room, and kitchen. Not only does this provide more room, but it also protects delicate items from damage. Everything can be replaced after your guests leave when you do the post-holiday cleanup.
Guest Bedrooms and Bathrooms
If you expect overnight guests, prepare the guest bedroom and bathroom a week or two before the event. Remove items you have stored there and clean out the closet. Change bedding, vacuum, and dust level surfaces. Clean the toilet and sink. Ensure you provide all essentials like extra toilet paper, soap, shampoo, towels, enough pillows and blankets, etc.
Leave windows and doors open–if possible–to get rid of the unused stuffy smells. A little air freshener and/or scented candles used a few days before company arrives freshens the room without the overpowering smell of recently sprayed freshener.
Kitchen
Hosting a party usually means spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Make your work area user-friendly in the days before the big event. Clean and disinfect all the surfaces, and appliances. Mop the floor. Clear as much counter space as possible by removing all non-essential items. Make sure that you have everything you plan to use close by. Give the counters a final wipe-down just before guests arrive.
Entryways
Your entry makes the first impression on your guests. It should be clean and inviting. More than that, it should be roomy and have storage. Remove as much of your family’s clothing, footwear, and possessions as possible to make room for guest’s coats, hats, and boots. Then give the walls, closet, and floor a good cleaning.
Clean off the porch, steps, and sidewalk at the same time–especially if you live in an area where snow and ice build up. Having guests struggle up to a door through a narrow snowy icy path is not welcoming and could be dangerous.
Dining Room
Clean and vacuum or mop the dining room. Dust everything including table, chairs, shelves, and furniture. Sanitize switches and door handles. If you are planning a formal meal, put out table cloths, and napkins, and set the table a day or two before the event.
Master Bedroom
Don’t forget to be good to yourself. Vacuum, dust, change bedding in your bedroom, and clean the ensuite bathroom–if you have one. Make your bedroom a clean inviting sanctuary where you can rest and relax comfortably when the party is over.
Decorations
Regardless of the occasion, put up any decorations after the heavy cleaning is done–about 3 or 4 days before the event. This gets them out of the way, gives you time to store boxes, and make changes if you need to.
This is also a good time to set out and arrange any welcoming items like candies, nuts, fruit bowls, flowers, candles, etc. Anything that makes your guests feel comfortable and wanted.
