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It's the most overwhelming time of the year. Hosting seemed like a good idea when it came up in September, but preparing our homes for the influx of family and friends is a lot of extra work.
With all the hustle and bustle, don't forget to focus on your housekeeping strategies this holiday season.
Sidenote: If you're not hosting, you can still help out: Clorox just announced its Gift of Clean, a holiday gift package that includes a complimentary 2-hour in-home cleaning service powered by Angi as well as a bundle of essential Clorox products. Schedule this special gift for your host!
From decluttering tactics to smart cleaning hacks, we're narrowing down the most necessary chores with insights from Brian Petranick, Group President, Neighborly Repair Brands:
1. Get Out the Glass Cleaner
A clean home starts with sparkling glass surfaces. (Believe me, they'll only notice if it's *not* clean).
- Clean smudges and dust on windows, glass doors, and mirrors. Use a high-quality, streak-free glass cleaner so these surfaces look their best.
- Don’t forget to clean both the inside and outside of your windows as well as the screens.
2. Improve Your Kitchen Storage
- Consider installing custom glide-out shelves in your cabinets to maximize storage space. These shelves make it easy to access holiday dinnerware, cookware, and serving dishes without rummaging through cluttered spaces.
- Take the time to organize your pantry too.
- Sort spices, baking supplies, and ingredients (it's a good way to make sure you have everything you need).
3. Upgrade Your Outdoor Lighting
Festive lighting is transformative. Level up your exterior in early November, or consider hiring professionals to install your holiday lights.
If you're not interested in holiday-specific lighting, installing uplights and downlights throughout the landscape is an investment that delivers year-round satisfaction.
4. Clean Your Shower and Kitchen Drains
Cleaning drains is an understated necessity! Overnight houseguests and heavy kitchen prep can put a strain on your plumbing.
- To avoid clogged drains or a garbage disposal mishap during a holiday gathering, schedule a professional drain cleaning.
- On septic? Have the tank emptied if it's been a few years. This helps protect your plumbing system when it's forced to handle the extra load (you know what we mean).
- While you're at it, make sure the bathroom sinks have soap and fresh towels, and clear off the junk from your bathroom counters.
5. Clean Your Dryer Vents
With extra laundry during the holidays, make sure your dryer operates safely and efficiently.
Cleaning the dryer vents reduces drying time and eliminates the risk of a fire caused by lint buildup.
6. Schedule a HVAC Inspection
A cozy home is a must for holiday gatherings. If you haven't already had it inspected this year, put in a request for a tune-up. You'll want your heating system running efficiently throughout the holidays.
If you don't need an inspection, replace the air filter yourself. A fresh filter improves indoor air quality, keeping your guests comfortable, reduces indoor allergens, and improves HVAC efficiency.
7. Clean the Dishwasher
Your dishwasher will work overtime during the holidays. A thorough cleaning—paying attention to the filter, spray arms, and seals—helps it to operate efficiently and prevents unpleasant odors from dampening the holiday spirit.
8. Deep Clean Your Guest Spaces
From your living room to the extra bedrooms, you'll want everyone on the guest list to notice your cleaning efforts:
- Vacuum under furniture and in corners... basically, anywhere dust collects.
- Wipe down baseboards, light switches, and door handles.
- Wash throw blankets and pillow covers that guests might use.
- Clear clutter from side tables.
9. Stock Up on Essentials
Nothing's worse than running out of supplies mid-party.
- Buy extra toilet paper, paper towels, and tissues.
- Stock your bar with ice, mixers, and popular drink options.
- Keep backup hand soap and towels in an easy-to-reach spot.
- Have extra garbage bags ready for the inevitable cleanup.
10. Find Extra Seating
- Borrow folding chairs from neighbors (or rent them if needed).
- Arrange furniture to encourage conversation and traffic flow.
- Add floor cushions or ottomans for casual seating.
- Set up a kids' table if young guests are coming.
11. Create a Coat Station
Coats piled on beds are a hosting rookie mistake. "Dedicate a closet or space in your home where clutter from shoes, bags and coats can be hidden," recommended California Closets designer Chloe O'Keeffe. Whether it's custom or not, think through how you can maximize available space and create dedicated areas for bags and outerwear.
- Clear out a closet near your entrance.
- Set up a portable coat rack if closet space is limited.
- Place a basket or tray nearby for keys and small items.
- Keep extra hangers on hand for guests.
12. Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Replace batteries in all detectors (or... hardwire them). This obviously isn't just a "before you host" tip; do it twice a year, please.
- Test each unit to confirm it's working.
- Make sure you have a working fire extinguisher or a fire blanket in the kitchen.
13. Plan Your Parking Situation
Whoo, boy. Make this #1! Don't let guests circle the block looking for a spot, especially grandma.
- Clear your driveway and garage if possible.
- Ask neighbors if guests can use their driveway.
- Provide clear parking instructions in your invitation.
- Consider arranging a carpool for out-of-town guests.
How can I keep my home smelling fresh during holiday gatherings?
Aside from deep cleaning to eliminate odors, set up air fresheners a week ahead of time goes a long way. We've been using Azuna, a low-concentrate tea tree oil gel made in Buffalo, NY. In our experience, it's good for smaller spaces.
For areas upwards of 1,000 square feet, you'll like the Aera diffuser. Plus, you can control it's schedule via the app. We're using one in our open living room/kitchen/dining area, and the entirety of the space is improved by the scent.
My other wintertime go-to is to simmer a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a few orange and lemon peels for a natural holiday scent. This is a nice option on a Saturday morning when you want to get cozy.
Scented garbage bags also help to keep things fresh, especially if you don't routinely need to empty garbage every day.
What’s the best way to prepare guest rooms for overnight visitors?
- Wash linens, fluff pillows, and vacuum the space.
- Provide fresh towels, toiletries, and extra blankets.
- Put new soaps and shampoo in the shower. For the holidays, take note of special scents. Native always has a great holiday collection with scents like Fresh Mistletoe and Alpine Air. (Don’t steal it back from your sister if it ends up packed in her luggage, it’s not worth the battle.)
- Add small touches like a basket of snacks, a charging station, and some holiday decorations to make the space feel intentionally welcoming.
How can I avoid running out of the main supplies during holiday gatherings?
Take inventory of items like toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, and trash bags, and stock up well ahead of time. Check the pantry for staples like flour, sugar, and spices used in holiday dishes. Having extras prevents last-minute trips to the store.
