The holidays are a magical time of year meant for enjoying the company of your closest friends and family. But playing host to your holiday celebrations can sometimes get a little stressful. Here are a handful of tips to keep your home clean and organized during holiday season.
#1 Prioritize Activities in Advance
It's tempting to overindulge in all things holiday themed. One of the biggest problems some homeowners face is a lack of organization. Start by prioritizing activities and events during the holiday period so you don't bite off more than you can chew. For example, plan:
Shopping (food, gifts, etc.) Decoration Time to clean the house
There will be a lot on your plate as a host. Prioritizing your to-do list will you determine a plan of action.
#2 Take Inventory of Decorations
One of the true joys of the holidays is decorating your home with lights, wreaths and other seasonal apparel -- or having someone do it for you. Go through your inventory in the basement, attic or garage and throw away any broken or unused items before you begin decorating.
#3 Consult a Professional Organizer
If you don't have time to get everything in order for the holidays, there are professionals who can help. Organizers can go through your decorations and help you reorganize items and store what you don't need. Professional organizers can also assist in planning your holiday decor layout.
#4 Get the Family Involved
Get everyone involved in the holiday preparation process. Delegate appropriate duties to your family members so the burden of preparation is shared and completed. For example, some tasks to assign include:
- Putting up the Christmas tree
- Decorating the tree
- Adding holiday decor in the dining and living room
- Shopping for supplies (gift wrap, bows, tape)
- Cleaning up the house (vacuum, dust, sweep, etc.)
- Preparing some of the simpler dishes
- Putting up outdoor decorations
- Sweeping off the pathway and driveway for visitors
- Turning on a cheery tune
#5 Hire Cleaners for a Spotless House
You want your guests to see the best of your house. If you don't have time to clean, you can hire a cleaning service to sweep, mop and dust your home. Additionally, you may want to declutter your home as you prepare for new gifts. Set time aside to throw away or donate unnecessary toys, games and clothes.
#6 Prepare for the Mess in Advance
If Christmas brings one thing, it's an onslaught of wrapping paper, tape and ribbons. Don't allow your home to become overrun. Establish a bin or receptacle in a common area of the home to collect all the Christmas wrappings, ribbon and tape.
#7 Set Aside Time to Relax Together
With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, your family will be worn out. Set aside time with your immediate family to relax. Skip the TV and cable news at night in favor of a relaxing read or get a massage. This will help ensure you don't feel overwhelmed.
