✨ From the Happy Housekeepers Team ✨
The holidays are a time for joy, laughter, and making memories filled with holiday spirit — not for scrambling around with a vacuum an hour before guests arrive! At Happy Housekeepers, we believe pre-holiday home prep should feel festive, not frantic. That’s why we’ve put together our top tips to help you get your home clean, cozy, and completely guest-ready — without the stress.
Preparing your home in advance for the holiday season and making plans is essential to avoid holiday chaos and stay organized during the busy holiday season.
Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner with holiday meals or a simple get-together with friends, these easy, effective cleaning tips will help you enjoy the season instead of dreading it.
1. Start Early (Even Just a Little!)
The earlier you start, the easier it is to manage clutter . You don’t need to overhaul your whole house in a day! Instead, begin your pre-holiday home prep by breaking down the process into weekly tasks:
✔️ Make a short room-by-room checklist
✔️ Focus on high-traffic areas first
✔️ Tackle one space or task each day — it adds up fast!
Focusing on one task or area each week helps keep you organized and makes the time spent on course of holiday prep less overwhelming.
💬 Happy Housekeeper Tip: “Set a timer for 20 minutes a day. You’ll be amazed what you can get done!”
2. Tidy Up the First-Impression Areas
Guests notice the entryway, living room, kitchen, and bathroom most — so focus on tidying the main rooms guests will see, especially with holiday decorations, as these are your MVPs (Most Visited Places)!
Entryway:
- Sweep and shake out the welcome mat
- Make space for coats and shoes
- Add a pop of holiday cheer (like a wreath or garland!)
Living Room:
- Fluff pillows, fold throws
- Dust coffee tables and shelves
- Light a candle or plug in a festive scent diffuser
3. Give the Bathroom Some Love
This is the one place every guest will visit — so give it a little extra sparkle!
Clean the sink, toilet, and mirror
Stock extra toilet paper and fresh towels
Add a subtle seasonal scent
Wipe down bathroom cabinets and organize twrapping supplies and heir contents for a tidy, organized look
Keep a handy basket of guest toiletries in the bathroom for convenience
💬 Happy Housekeeper Tip: “Keep a bathroom basket with mini toiletries — guests love the thoughtful touch!”
4. Clear and Clean the Kitchen
Between baking cookies and hosting dinner, the kitchen gets a workout during the holidays. Make sure it’s ready:
- Do a deep clean of kitchen surfaces and appliances to ensure a hygienic and organized space before holiday cooking begins.
- Organize baking supplies by grouping ingredients and tools together, and create designated storage areas so everything is properly stored and easy to access.
- Make space in cabinets and the fridge for holiday groceries and food prep.
- Wipe countertops and appliances
- Empty the fridge of old leftovers. As you declutter, check for any kitchen items or appliances that could be worth money before discarding them.
- Run the dishwasher so it’s ready for post-party clean-up
- Stock up on essentials: hand soap, paper towels, trash bags
5. Make Guests Feel at Home
Hosting overnight guests? A little prep goes a long way, especially if you’re hosting family members and friends overnight.
Fresh linens and pillows
Bedside lamp, tissues, and a water bottle
A small basket with essentials (toothbrush, snacks, etc.)
Create a welcome basket for guests with thoughtful touches like local treats, a handwritten note, or a small gift. You can also organize a space in the room for guests to store their gifts during their stay.
💬 Happy Housekeeper Tip: “Even a handwritten welcome note makes a big impact!”
After preparing the space, remember to take time to rest and enjoy each other’s company with your guests.
6. Do a Final Power Clean
The day before (or morning of) your gathering, do a quick clean sweep:
✔️ Vacuum high-traffic areas
✔️ Wipe fingerprints from mirrors or glass
✔️ Take out the trash
✔️ Open the windows for fresh air (even just 10 minutes!)
✔️ Turn on some music and light a festive candle
Managing Holiday Decorations Without the Stress
The holiday season is all about creating a warm, festive atmosphere—but let’s be honest, managing holiday decorations can quickly turn into a source of holiday chaos if you’re not organized! The good news? With a little planning and a few smart strategies, you can deck the halls and keep your home stress free, even during the busiest weeks of the year.
1. Start With Simple Organization
Before you begin decorating, take a few minutes to organize your holiday decorations. Store everything in clearly labeled bins or containers, and keep them in a designated spot like the garage or a storage room. This foundational step in your Pre-Holiday Home Prep makes it easy to find what you need (and put it away later), so you can focus on the fun part—decorating!
2. Tackle One Room at a Time
Instead of trying to transform your whole house in one day, use a pre-holiday checklist and decorate one room at a time. Start with the spaces where you’ll spend the most time with family and friends, like the living room or kitchen. This approach keeps things manageable and supports a smoother Pre-Holiday Home Prep routine.
3. Let Your Decorations Shine
A well-prepared home starts with clean surfaces! Sparkling windows and doors make your holiday decorations pop, so give them a quick wipe before hanging lights or garlands. Natural light paired with festive décor enhances the warmth and charm of your Pre-Holiday Home Prep.
4. Add Holiday Spirit with Personal Touches
String lights, wreaths, and holiday-themed accessories instantly elevate the festive atmosphere. Create your own centerpieces or wreaths for a heartfelt touch. For an eco-friendly approach to Pre-Holiday Home Prep, choose reusable decorations or DIY projects using materials you already have at home.
5. Stay Safe and Secure
If you’re traveling or want extra peace of mind, consider using security cameras to keep an eye on your home and decorations. Always check that your lights and appliances are working properly before plugging them in. Safety is an essential part of responsible Pre-Holiday Home Prep.
6. Plan Ahead and Set a Budget
Avoid last-minute shopping and long lines by creating a decorating schedule and sticking to a budget. Planning ahead helps you stay organized and prevents overspending on holiday decorations and wrapping supplies—an important step in practical Pre-Holiday Home Prep.
7. Include the Whole Family
Ask family members for input on decorating and holiday activities. This not only makes everyone feel included but also ensures your home reflects the traditions and personalities of the people you love. Family involvement makes Pre-Holiday Home Prep feel more joyful and meaningful.
8. Don’t Forget Self-Care
Take breaks, enjoy time with loved ones, and remember that the holidays are about joy—not perfection. A little music, some holiday treats, and a relaxed mindset go a long way in creating a balanced Pre-Holiday Home Prep experience.
💬 Happy Housekeeper Tip: “Label your storage bins by room or theme—next year’s decorating will be a breeze!”
7. Focus on the Feeling — Not Perfection
Your home doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to feel warm, welcoming, and lived-in, embracing the Christmas spirit with festive decorations that add to the cozy atmosphere.
A relaxed, organized home sets the stage for memorable festivities, making your space inviting for holiday celebrations and gatherings.
Your guests are coming for your company, not a white-glove inspection. If you’ve taken the time to tidy up, light a candle, and put out some snacks, you’ve already won!
💬 Happy Housekeeper Reminder: “You deserve to enjoy the holidays too!”
Happy Holidays from Happy Housekeepers!
From our (very clean) home to yours, we wish you a season full of peace, joy, and just the right amount of sparkle. ✨