The holidays are creeping up fast, which means it’s time to start thinking about getting our homes holiday-ready. I know, I know—cleaning is probably the last thing you want to think about with everything else on your plate. But getting a head start and keeping it simple can make a huge difference. Here’s my low-stress plan for getting your space holiday-ready, one easy step at a time.
And don’t worry—I’ll give you some of my favorite tips, including a free checklist you can grab to make things even easier!
(Short on time? Go ahead and get your checklist sent to your email right now! Just enter your email below)
1. Start with the High Traffic Areas
When we think of “holiday cleaning,” it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the truth is, you don’t have to deep clean every single inch of your house (unless you really want to!). Start with the rooms your guests will actually be spending time in. For most of us, that means focusing on the living room, kitchen, and guest bathroom.
Living Room
Declutter surfaces, fluff the pillows, and give everything a quick dust and vacuum. If you’re short on time, just focus on what’s at eye level—no one’s looking under your couch! Adding a few holiday decorations, like a cozy throw or some fairy lights, can make a big difference without much effort.
Kitchen
People always seem to gather in the kitchen, don’t they? Wipe down the countertops, clear out any clutter (the mail pile can go in a drawer for now!), and make sure your fridge is in order. I always give the microwave a quick wipe, too, just in case someone needs to use it.
Guest Bathroom
A clean bathroom makes such a good impression, and it only takes a few minutes. Wipe down surfaces, add fresh hand towels, and make sure there’s extra toilet paper and a little soap. I love adding a small holiday candle for a cozy touch.
2. Declutter Before You Deep Clean
I find that getting rid of unnecessary stuff makes everything feel so much cleaner—plus, it’s way less to dust or put away later. Walk through each room with a laundry basket, and toss in anything that’s out of place or not needed. You can go through it later or just stash it out of sight until after the holidays.
If you’re feeling extra motivated, now’s a great time to set aside any items to donate. The less clutter you have, the more relaxed your space will feel.
3. Focus on “High-Impact” Cleaning Tasks
If you’re short on time, skip the baseboards and ceiling fans and focus on things that people will notice the most. Here are a few high-impact tasks that take just a few minutes but make a big difference:
• Wipe down the front door and entryway—it’s the first thing people see!
• Clean your mirrors and windows in high-traffic rooms, especially if you have kids or pets.
• Vacuum or mop the main areas (especially if you have hardwood or tile floors).
4. Don’t Forget the Details
It’s the little things that can make your house feel extra cozy and welcoming. Here are a few final touches that take no time at all:
• Add a few holiday decorations in each room (just a few—no need to go overboard!)
• Light a holiday-scented candle or simmer some cinnamon sticks and cloves on the stove
• Put out some comfy blankets and cozy up the seating area
5. Create a Cleaning Checklist (and Grab Mine for Free!)
If you’re like me, you love checking things off a list. I’ve put together a Holiday Home Prep Checklist that breaks down the cleaning tasks into easy, manageable steps. You can print it out and tackle it whenever you have a few minutes. Having a checklist helps me stay on track and makes the whole process way less overwhelming.
You can grab your free checklist by signing up below! Just pop in your email, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.
Pro tip: Now that your house is holiday decor & guest ready, it’s time to get festive! Check out my post on holiday simmer pot recipes here.
Happy Holidays and happy (stress-free!) cleaning!