Nothing quite matches the excitement of pulling out those cherished holiday decorations. But before the wreaths go up and the twinkle lights find their place, a little holiday cleaning can make a big difference! Here’s an easy (and practical!) guide to prepping your home for a cozy, clutter-free holiday season. 🎅🏠
1. Clear the Space for Holiday Cheer 🎄
Before you set up the tree, take a moment to clear out what doesn’t spark joy. Putting seasonal decor over your normal decorations can make your home feel cluttered and suffocating. Use the holiday bins to store your usual decor, so things can look cleaner and simpler this season.
Decluttering makes room for holiday magic and gives you that fresh, organized start. This is the time to stash the extra blankets, summer toys, and anything not adding to the holiday vibe! If you are looking to go minimalist, check out our cleaning like a minimalist blog post for some tips and tricks!
We hate to say it, but this is also the time to go through your kid’s clothes and donate the things that don’t fit. Even though this task is tedious, it leaves a nice area of space for updated winter coats and boots.
2. Dust Off the Shelves and Mantels 🕯️✨
Think of your mantels, shelves, and window sills as prime real estate for those special holiday pieces. Give them a quick dusting so every decoration stands out without the distraction of dust bunnies. Plus, it makes the holiday glow just a bit brighter. We recommend a dry cloth first to grab the grime, then following it up with a wet dusting, using the product that works best for the material. Not sure what to use? Keep it simple with a natural multi-purpose solution and hot water.
3. Freshen Up the Entryway 🎁🌲
Your front door is going to be getting lots of love! Sweep up the leaves, wipe down the doors, and add a welcoming scent. Not only does it set a cozy, inviting tone, but it also gives guests (and you!) that magical first impression.
This is also a great time to set up an air purifier in your home. Now that the leaves are falling, and colds are coming near, this is the perfect time to freshen the air and keep outdoor germs where they belong.
4. Polish Up the Guest Spaces 🛌✨
With holiday guests popping in and out, a quick refresh of the guest bedroom and bath is a must. Fresh linens, a tidy bathroom, and a few festive touches will make guests feel welcome—and stress-free for you when last-minute visitors arrive. Holiday cleaning does not mean your guests expect to walk into a winter wonderland, but clean linens and a crisp scent will help them feel cozy and relaxed in your home.
Guests staying on the couch? No problem! Keep an extra pair of sheets in your closet to prep your couch for a late night with friends and family.
5. Prepping the Kitchen for Holiday Baking 🍪🎶
Your kitchen is about to get busy! Take time to organize, clean out expired items from the pantry, and give surfaces a good wipe. Take this as your sign to go through your fridge and freezer and get rid of any expired food, or old leftovers. Winter is the perfect time to start prepping soups to keep in the freezer for those lazy cold nights.
A clean, organized kitchen makes holiday baking way more enjoyable (and you’ll know exactly where the cookie cutters are).
6. Brighten Up the Windows for Those Winter Views ❄️🌠
Don’t let smudged windows take away from the cozy, winter wonderland outside. Give them a quick polish, and when you’re adding your lights or wreaths, the glow will shine through even brighter.
Easy decor tip – Use chalk markers on your windows to add snowflakes and jingle bells! Customize the drawing to your home, or just make some doodles! Easily wipe it off when you decide to change the design.
Taking a little time for these pre-decorating tasks can make the holiday transformation feel extra special. Enjoy every cozy moment in your beautifully prepped space! Happy holidays! 🎄
