With the holiday season in full swing, many of us find ourselves surrounded by loved ones, attending events, and enjoying the hustle and bustle of a full house! However, if you’re the host during this joyful time, preparing yourself and your home for guests can quickly become a daunting task. But fret not! We’re here to help you out with some valuable tips and tricks on how to get your house ready for holiday guests.
Guest Rooms
First thing’s first- it’s time to tackle those guest rooms! Since this is where your guests will be sleeping, it’s best to make these rooms feel warm and welcoming.
We want your guests to feel comfortable, so that means clearing out any extra items from the guest rooms – especially if you tend to use them as extra storage space. Move any extra items like workout equipment, plastic bins, and any off-season items to spaces like the garage, hall closets, or even car trunks if necessary.
Next, focus on creating an inviting environment by washing the bedding, fluffing pillows, and adding fresh blankets. You can even add extra touches like a reading lamp, phone chargers, and a rack for luggage.
Family and Living Rooms
Next, it’s time to prep the family and living room spaces! Start by decluttering and removing any extra items like toys, books, or knick-knacks to make as much space as possible.
Once you’ve decluttered the areas, you can focus on cleaning: vacuum all carpets and rugs, dust off all surfaces like ceiling fans, lamps, coffee and end tables, shelves, mantels, picture frames, etc., and clean windows both inside and out.
Now that everything is decluttered and clean, you can start creating a warm, festive atmosphere! Decorate the family and living rooms with festive touches like holiday-themed decor, candles, pillows, and cozy throw blankets! If you’re able, ensure there’s enough seating for everyone, and arrange the furniture in a way that allows for easy conversation.
As a final touch, keep things like board games, playing cards, movies, and toys handy (especially if you have little guests).
Bathrooms
Next order of business – the bathrooms! Start by putting away any extra items like products on the countertops and in the shower. Then, deep clean the toilets, sinks, countertops, showers, and mirrors so that everything is in pristine shape for your guests.
After cleaning, stock up on essential items like toilet paper, soap, and toothpaste. Your guests will most likely bring their own toiletries, but it’s always a good idea to have extra items like shampoo, cotton swabs, tampons, and contact solution on hand just in case.
You can never have too many towels, washcloths, and even extra linens for your guests. Ensure they’re in a place where your guests can easily access them.
Kitchen
Last but definitely not least on the list is the kitchen area! Start by decluttering any unnecessary items from the countertops and kitchen table. Ensure you have enough table space in the dining room, and if you don’t have enough, pick up a folding table and extra chairs ahead of time.
You can prepare by planning your meals ahead of time and make a shopping list in advance to ensure you have everything you need. Don’t forget to consider any dietary restrictions your guests may have.
Stock up your pantry and refrigerator with plenty of snacks, beverages, and coffee so your guests have options. You could even create a snack cart for easy access!
Final Touches
Here are a few final things you can do to make your home welcoming and guest-ready:
- Make sure the wifi password is easily accessible to your guests
- Stock up on items like air fresheners and scented candles for a nice extra touch
- Ensure everything your guests might need is easily accessible and let them know where to find things
And now you’re ready to take on the holidays and everything that comes with them!
Looking for an extra hand when it comes to preparing and organizing your home for your holiday guests? Reach out to Room Redefined and let’s get started!
Erin Gaskins is owner of Room Redefined, a professional organizing company based in Denver, Colorado. After 25 years in public education, Erin decided to put her passion for organizing to work in the service of others and entered the entrepreneurship journey. Five years later, Room Redefined stands out in their dedication to offering customized organizing services to homeowners, businesses, and schools. She and her company are strongly committed to the work of changing society’s narrative- helping other women feel comfortable with the notion that we are all stronger when we give up the “superwoman complex” and work together to accomplish our goals!
