The holiday season is a time of warmth, laughter, and welcoming family members into your home—sometimes for an extended stay.
Yet, the presence of loved ones can quickly transform your home into a flurry of activity, clutter, and stress.
Don’t worry! With a bit of planning, organization, and practical know-how, you can keep your home tidy and your mind relaxed throughout the holidays.
Here at RCH Cleaning in Springfield, MO, we’ve gathered some in-depth steps to help you achieve just that.
1. Start with a Clean Slate
Deep Clean Before Guests Arrive
A thorough cleaning before family arrives sets the tone for a more manageable holiday season.
Focus on the areas your guests will use most, like bedrooms, bathrooms, and the kitchen.
- Declutter First: Clear out unnecessary items from countertops, entryways, and common areas. This creates space for guests’ belongings and makes cleaning faster.
- Fresh Linens: Launder bedding, towels, and throw blankets to ensure comfort and a fresh feel.
- High-Impact Tasks: Wipe down kitchen surfaces, vacuum high-traffic areas, and give the bathrooms a solid scrub. Attention to these details will instantly make your home feel more inviting.
Tip: Consider hiring professional cleaners, like RCH Cleaning, for a pre-holiday deep clean. We can help you start the season on the right foot, saving you time and energy.
2. Plan Ahead for Efficiency
Create a Schedule
Make a realistic cleaning schedule to maintain order throughout your guests’ stay. Break down tasks into daily, bi-weekly, or weekly categories.
- Daily Chores: Quick surface wipe-downs, dishwashing, spot-sweeping, and tidying living spaces.
- Every Few Days: Light vacuuming, laundry load (especially if guests are using multiple towels or blankets), and a check of the bathrooms.
- Weekly Tasks: More in-depth dusting, mopping floors, and a thorough kitchen clean.
Tip: Post your cleaning schedule somewhere visible. Guests may even pitch in if they see what needs to be done.
3. Set Up Smart Storage Solutions
Designate Drop Zones
Holiday traffic can turn your foyer or living room into a dumping ground for coats, shoes, and bags. Prevent chaos with simple organizational strategies.
- Entryway Hooks and Racks: Provide hooks for coats and bags, and a shoe rack or basket for footwear.
- Guest Room Storage: Clear out a drawer or shelf in the closet so guests can unpack. This reduces clutter and makes them feel at home.
- Baskets and Bins: Place decorative baskets in living areas for stashing magazines, remotes, or children’s toys when not in use.
Tip: Labels or color-coding can make it easier for everyone to remember where things go, reducing the need for constant reminders.
4. Keep Up with the Kitchen Chaos
Meal Prep and Cleaning Strategies
The kitchen becomes the heart of the home during the holidays. Between baking cookies and preparing large family meals, it’s easy for dishes to pile up and counters to get crowded.
- Clean As You Go: Wash utensils, bowls, and cutting boards right after using them instead of letting them stack up.
- Empty the Dishwasher Regularly: Starting the day with an empty dishwasher makes it easy to load dirty dishes immediately, preventing sink pile-ups.
- Stock Up on Essentials: Keep extra trash bags, dish soap, and paper towels handy so you’re never caught off guard.
Tip: If there’s a big cooking day planned, try assigning “clean-up duty” to a helpful family member to keep things running smoothly.
5. Maintain Bathrooms with Minimal Effort
High-Traffic Hygiene
Bathrooms can quickly become hotspots of messiness when guests are sharing them, but a few quick tricks can keep them fresh:
- Daily Wipe-Down: Keep disinfectant wipes in the bathroom and do a quick surface clean each morning—especially on the sink and faucet.
- Stock Supplies: Extra rolls of toilet paper, hand towels, and soap ensure guests won’t have to ask.
- Fresh Scents: Add a lightly scented candle or diffuser to maintain a pleasant aroma without overpowering the space.
Tip: Place a small basket with travel-size toiletries in the bathroom. Guests will appreciate having them on hand, and you won’t need to scramble if someone forgets their shampoo.
6. Involve Your Guests
Make It a Group Effort
While you’re the host, keeping the home tidy doesn’t have to rest solely on your shoulders. Encourage guests to help maintain a welcoming environment.
- Friendly Requests: Politely ask everyone to put their dishes in the dishwasher or to hang up their coats.
- Team Clean-Ups: Make post-meal clean-ups a group activity—put on some music and tackle the task together.
- Assign Light Duties: Older kids can help tidy the living room, while adults can assist with setting tables or emptying the dishwasher.
Tip: Turning clean-up into a shared activity fosters camaraderie and lessens your workload.
7. Don’t Forget About Mental Breaks
Stay Sane Amid the Festivities
A clean home helps, but your sanity matters too. The holidays can be stressful, so build in moments to recharge.
- Set Boundaries: If you need a break, step outside for a short walk or retreat to a quiet corner of the house.
- Personal Time: Even 15 minutes of peaceful downtime reading a book or sipping tea can reset your mood.
- Delegate When Possible: If cleaning or hosting tasks feel overwhelming, call in professional help. RCH Cleaning can assist with a mid-holiday cleaning session, giving you more time to enjoy your family.
Tip: Remember, the season is about connection and gratitude. Don’t let chores overshadow the joy of gathering together.
8. Post-Holiday Refresh
Clean Up After They Leave
Once the celebrations wind down, plan for a post-visit refresh.
- Quick Assessment: Identify which areas need attention first—perhaps the guest bathroom or the living room carpet.
- Laundry and Linens: Wash all used bedding and towels promptly to prevent musty odors.
- Schedule a Deep Clean: Consider booking RCH Cleaning for a thorough post-holiday cleanup. We can help restore your home to its pre-visit calm.
Conclusion
Welcoming family for the holidays doesn’t have to come at the expense of a tidy home and your peace of mind. With a bit of organization, clear expectations, and a balanced approach to cleaning and hosting, you can create a comfortable, stress-free environment for everyone involved.
At RCH Cleaning in Springfield, MO, we’re here to support your holiday hosting endeavors.
Whether you need a pre-guest deep clean or a quick refresher after the celebrations, our professional services ensure you spend more time enjoying the festivities—and less time worrying about the mess.