Preparing for the Holidays & Guests
- Organize and clean out the pantry: restock holiday stables, lots of healthy snacks for younger guests and toss expired or items you will never use
- Create a guest basket for the guest bathroom. Fill with travel size soaps, shampoos, lotions aspirin, and other goodies people may forget to pack
- Pull out the fold-away cots and/or the air mattress to test it out before its a crisis
- Clean out the clutter especially in guest rooms and common areas. As a parent, now is a great time to have kids go through old toys – before the new ones arrive.
- Start a family calendar to keep track of guests, holiday festivities and more
- Put a fresh coat of paint on common walls and frames.
- Not used to kids? Take a few moments for some basic child-proofing. Put knives and scissors out of reach, place priceless breakables away.
- Plan and organize holiday cooking and recipes – make sure you have the ingredients and the right tools for the job.
- Give your entry way a quick makeover – paint the door, replace the weather stripping, add some plants.
- Update the kitchen – tighten cabinet doors and replace your knobs.
- Re-caulk the showers. Even the cleanest shower will look brighter with fresh caulk.
- Decorate before company. Put up the lights – pull out the boxes, put away your day-to-day decorations. Having the house ready, puts everyone in the mood.
- Get help! Handymen and cleaning services (like Royal Maids) can help make the holidays less stressful.
- Remember to take a few moments for yourself and most important enjoy the holidays.