I admit, I get caught up with the hustle and bustle of December. Wanting the Holidays to be beautiful and perfect in every way. If you are anything like me, each year you vow to make this holiday season more simple, more organized and less stressful.   If you are hosting out of town guests or a holiday party, I have few holiday season tips.

Your holiday to-do list is probably endless…..am I right?  Finding time to clean and what to clean is probably not as bad as you think. Begin with the simple things.  A tidy home looks cleaner than a cluttered home. So without any cleaning at all, you can make a much better impression on guests if you take some time to grab a laundry basket and pick up all that stuff that belongs elsewhere.   Holiday Cleaning Tip:  Move from left to right around the room (do this when picking up and cleaning).  This helps you to remember everything behind you is now considered a clean, clutter-free zone and everything ahead of you requires attention.

When you are ready to start cleaning, if you can, space it out over a few days and start in the most important, or difficult, room in your home.  Prioritizing your room ensures you get the most meaningful rooms done first — so if you run out of time, you’ll still be ok.

The kitchen is usually the hub of the home so I usually start with the kitchen and spend the most time cleaning that room

  • Clean range or stove top, surfaces, and grates.
  • Clean out the refrigerator, making room for party foods
  • clean and shine kitchen sink
  • Wipe down all large and small appliances.
  • Wipe down kitchen cabinets.
  • Create space in the kitchen for holiday entertaining by filling a box with kitchen items you won’t be using and moving it elsewhere.

PREPARING GUEST BATHROOM FOR VISITORS

  • Most importantly, make sure the entire bathroom is squeaky clean.
  • Place a basket in the bathroom with little amenities your guests may have forgotten to pack, such as cotton swabs, toothpaste, a toothbrush, hairspray, ibuprofen and more. Even the most organized travelers will forget something.  Stock shower with shampoo, conditioner, soap and a razor.
  • Brighten up the bath with fresh flowers, scented soaps and holiday decor.
  • Stock bath towels, washcloths and hand towels.  I like to splurge on a few thick, 100 percent cotton towels (watch for clearance sales) in a color different from our regular towels, so we always have the “good” towels ready for guests.
  • Fill a tub side bin with an assortment of sponges, bath salts, loofahs, bath brushes along with scented soaps and lotions to treat your guests to a spa-like experience.
  • If space allows, provide guests with a basket or bin for stashing used towels and linens.

The holidays only come around once a year, cherish those around you, and give thanks for having loved ones near.

Remember, be flexible in your plans, life happens and unforeseen holiday challenges may arise. With a little planning though, your guests will enjoy your company, holiday home and meal. Keep the memories not the mess.  And for all your Holiday pre and post cleaning remember us Tidy Up Angels for all your holiday cleaning needs. Tidy Up Angels in Overland Park at 913-642-2006