De-clutter
Everyone knows that you give your home a good clean before the holidays, but for me, I like to do something different. De-cluttering. From closets to toy
chests, I love to get rid of all the unwanted stuff we all seem to accumulate.
In a sense, de-cluttering your home is cleaning it, removing the unwanted is as good for giving a sense of renewal as a deep clean. In fact, a room that is
de-cluttered gives a more spacious feel that looks cleaner even if it is not. I get a profound sense of satisfaction from decluttering, definitely something
to do yourself.
Clean it and forget it
Cleaning is still important of course, especially things that don’t always get the attention they need throughout the year. From windows and light fittings to
your outdoor space, a good clean now means you can sit back and relax during the holidays without worry.
For me, the areas to concentrate on are:
- Wash windows
- Wash curtains
- Deep clean the kitchen
- Have carpets professionally cleaned
- Touch-up walls with paint
Prepare your kitchen
The heart of the home, your kitchen is used even more often during the holidays, from baking to cooking those special meals. So, it makes sense to tackle it
early and get everything ready for the holidays. For me, that means clearing out drawers and cupboards, giving every appliance and kitchen gadget I have a thorough
clean, so everything is fresh and ready for the busy holidays.
This year, I’ve gone farther, I bought a kitchen table from Craigslist, and this weekend we are giving it a fresh coat of paint. It will be our centerpiece for
the holiday celebrations, giving the whole kitchen a fresh new look. Getting everything ready beforehand means when the guests start arriving, its all taken care
if. It’s a lot less stressful this way, and it doesn’t take long, so give it a try.
Add a festive touch
Decorating for the holidays is something we all love to do, but don’t leave it to the last minute. Once the holiday season is upon us, there is so much to do that
decorating becomes a chore to fit in among a million other things. Instead, get it done early, before panic sets in. Then you can enjoy it, have fun and take it easy.
I like to get things started just after Thanksgiving Day, and while I often get asked why, when I haven’t got to rush around at the last minute, I always know I made
the right choice.
Stock up on essentials
If you are having guests stay at your home over the holidays, remember to stock up on the essentials. By that, I mean things that everyone needs, like paper towels,
toilet paper, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and toothpaste. Your guests may bring their own, but it never hurts to have everything handy if it is needed.