How to Prepare Your Home For The Coming Holidays

We all get excited during the holiday season, and can’t wait to plan the festive activities! However, we’re all slightly less enthusiastic about actually preparing for it as it can be stressful. If you have guests staying over, you know there’s a whole lot of prepping to do, which can seem overwhelming and you may wonder where to start! 

So, to save you from the mental and physical exhaustion, we’ve provided the following tips to help you get your home in order!

Schedule time for it

Many of us are so preoccupied with work, kids and other responsibilities that we don’t give ourselves enough time in our schedules to vacuum the house or change the sheets in spare rooms. So, make sure you dedicate a weekend or any couple of days you are free, to your home’s maintenance. If you work full-time and can’t manage to take any time off, opt for professional cleaning services to get a head start; the housekeeping partners at maid2match.com.au advise you to only invest in those you trust. You don’t want to book so close to the holidays and be unhappy with the results.

The guest room

Before your overnight guests arrive, you want to supply them with all the necessities. Make sure the room has been cleaned and dusted, and the bed has clean sheets and blankets. Provide extra bedding in case of emergencies. To ensure your guests are comfortable, allow some room in the closets and bedside table drawers for their own personal belongings; this will make them feel right at home!

Stock up the pantry

The holiday season is all about seasoning! When family and friends gather round, it’s all about cooking delicious meals and creating food platters for your guests to snack on over a glass of wine. Accommodate your visitors by stocking up the fridge and pantry with all the food, drinks, and ingredients you may need, so as not to be rushing to get organized when they have already arrived. Keep in mind any food allergies your guests may have; you may want to rethink what food is accessible, and this is especially the case when children are involved. 

Store the closets

A great yet simple way to contribute to your home maintenance is to arrange the closets. Since the change in seasons also means a change in attire, store away the clothes you won’t be needing and make use of the new space in the cupboards you’ve just made. If you think far ahead enough in advance, you can even get your closet renovated by a professional to make a perfect storage solution for you and your guests – it could really come in useful! If your visitors’ stay will be a prolonged one, store the utility closet as well, so your guests can pop in and grab any requirements, especially toilet paper. No one wants to run out of toilet paper!

Get the little essentials

You don’t want to run out of a few key items that your guests will want as soon as they set foot in your home. So head out to the grocery store ahead of time to pick up essentials such as coffee, milk, and tea. If you have time, you can add little touches that your guests will certainly appreciate, especially if they have forgotten to pack certain products: place a little toiletry bag in their room with a spare toothbrush, soap, razor, moisturizer, body wash, hand cloths, and towels.

Gear up for parties and add a Festive Touch!

Gathering the people you love in one place for the holidays is all about celebration! Add a festive touch around the house to get into the holiday spirit; include decorative items such as table place settings, lighting up your home’s exterior, and putting garlands and candles in social rooms. Stock the bar, but don’t overdo it; just a few bottles of liquor, wine, and beer that you prefer to indulge in, and those that you know your guests’ drink of choice will be. 

Prepare for specific guests

It’s vital to be wary of what your specific company will require; for instance, if children are coming to stay, make sure your house is childproof. So set some time aside to get the necessary supplies to ensure their safety. You can also accommodate the little ones with coloring books and other activities for an added touch. If you are having grandparents over, it is imperative that you prioritize their safety, and avoid putting them in guest rooms that require stairs. If wheelchairs are involved, make sure there are ramps available for them to move around comfortably. 

Test your smoke detector batteries

Safety should be your number one priority when hosting, so check your smoke detector and make sure you’ve changed the batteries within six months or less. With the kitchen being in full use and all, you’ll want this sorted before all the cooks start making fun family recipes. 

Accommodate for any weather

Now is the time to check your heaters or air conditioners to provide the utmost comfort. You don’t want unexpected problems to arise in the midst of the festivities, as it can be quite a downer. You can have professionals inspect your appliances to preempt any issues. 

Cleaning products

A mess is bound to happen with a busy household, so stock up on cleaning products and inform your guests of where they’re located. The vacuum, mop, dustpan, and brush, as well as washing detergents,  should be accessible. Keep paper towels, napkins and carpet cleaners within reach as these may be used more frequently. 

Avoid malfunctioning troubles

The most frustrating occurrences are when utilities malfunction, so in order to avoid this, check everything in the house and provide yourself with enough time to fix any disturbances. Avoid clogged sinks and drains by cleaning the drains in both the kitchen and bathroom. While you’re at it, check that the toilet flushes are functioning, and water pressure is working. Consider making a list of these requirements before you get started so as not to miss out on any of the obligations. 

Applying these simple tips ensures a more relaxed and smoother holiday for yourself and your visitors. It’s beneficial to be ahead of the game when it comes to a fully stocked and functioning house, and to prevent any unwanted surprises. Now you’ll be able to enjoy the festive season with those you love, and you won’t have to fret over the preparations.