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Chilly weather and sparkling crimson decorations signal the arrival of the holiday season. If you host guests at your house, you might feel the added pressure of creating a memorable experience for your loved ones. Our crew at Zerorez® put together this guide on preparing your home for the holidays. Use this checklist to streamline your housekeeping and decorative efforts.
#1 Remove Excess Clutter
First, inventory the clutter in each room. Organize the items you don't need in closets or other storage spaces. Minimizing clutter throughout your home gives you more free space as you get ready for the holidays.
You can also use this opportunity to help needy families. Identify the following unused items:
- Forgotten clothes
- Shoes and other accessories you won't miss
- Toys your kids have outgrown
- Home decor that no longer fits your aesthetic
Donate these items to charities or thrift stores. You'll simplify your holiday preparation while brightening someone else's seasonal experience.
#2 Wipe Down Surfaces
Next, dampen a clean microfiber cloth. Deep cleaning involves wiping down surfaces from top to bottom. Remove dust and grime from the following surfaces:
- Door thresholds
- Window sills
- Fixtures like coffee and dining room tables and nightstands
- Kitchen and bathroom counters
- Cabinetry
- Plumbing fixtures
- Light fixtures
#3 Experiment With Holiday Decorations
Shimmering light strings, fragrant trees, and gleaming ornaments set the tone for the season. You'll want plenty of decorations bedazzling shared spaces like the dining room, living room, and kitchen. Explore the list below for some fantastic decoration ideas:
- Colorful, shimmering garlands on door thresholds and banisters
- Delicate, battery-powered light strings coupled with centerpieces on coffee tables, side tables, and your dining table
- Illuminated ceramic Christmas trees on cabinet corners
- Paper snowflakes hanging from ceilings and other high points
These classic embellishments make holiday guests feel truly festive.
#4 Hit Grocery Stores Before They Get Crowded
Like many holiday hosts, you'd rather avoid chaotic grocery stores before they become impossible to navigate. If you find yourself making last-minute grocery runs, prioritize grabbing the essentials above all else. Plan a comprehensive visit by drafting a grocery list that includes:
- Herbs, spices, and other flavorings
- Any cleaning items you might need
- Appetizers, side dishes, and desserts
- Entrees
- Snack foods
- Beverages
- Any in-between meals you might need
Learning how to prepare your home for the holidays means minimizing stress as much as possible. You'll reduce the holiday hassle by eliminating excessive grocery trips.
#5 Prepare a Gift-Wrapping Station
Wrapping gifts works much like cooking the perfect meal. You need everything within arm's length to prevent chaos. Find a designated space to set up your gift-wrapping station — preferably with a door to avoid prying eyes.
Then, collect the following items you'll need while wrapping gifts:
- The unwrapped gifts
- A pair of scissors
- Plenty of clear tape
- Your chosen wrapping pape
- Gift bags with matching tissue paper
- Bows
- Name tags
Arrange these items on a table or desk with a generous amount of space. Create a list of gifts and recipients to avoid confusion or mismatched name tags. Start wrapping and arranging presents beneath your tree.
#6 Remember the Little Details
Every guest room needs a touch of holiday spirit. You already went all out in the common areas. However, the tiniest details can make all the difference.
- Use leftover tree decorations to enliven guest bathrooms and bedrooms.
- Hang decorative towels on bathroom racks.
- Spread a seasonal throw blanket and a few pillows on the beds.
- Place scented candles or clove-pierced oranges on nightstands.
- Prepare an accessible space for jackets, boots, and other outdoor wear.
Your guests will appreciate these seemingly insignificant details.
#7 Schedule Last-Minute Floor Cleaning Services
Finally, you need clean floors. However, you feel like you've walked hundreds of miles in your house alone! After ticking off the above tasks, you're exhausted from learning how to prepare your home for the holidays.
Leave this daunting chore to Zerorez's professional floor cleaners. Schedule an appointment for services, including:
- Carpet cleaning
- Upholstery cleaning
- Area rug cleaning
- Tile and grout cleaning
- Hardwood floor cleaning
- And more!
After making the appointment, you can kick up your feet and enjoy the fruits of your efforts. Schedule a service online to relax and savor the most wonderful time of year.
