How to Prepare Your Home for the Holidays

Can you believe the holidays are only a few weeks away? For many, this means a full house and guests galore. Besides decorating, you’re probably wondering what else needs to be added to your list to prepare for an influx of visitors! Don’t worry – we’ve compiled a list for you!

Five quick ways to prepare your home for the holidays.

1. Start outdoors and clear your sidewalks.

The outside of your home is just as important as in the inside – especially during the holidays. Clear walkways of ice and snow to avoid dangerous falls. Before you reach for the salt, visit your local hardware store and look for a de-icing product to avoid deterioration of your sidewalk. In addition, make sure your porch well-lit for guests.

2. Clean the floors throughout your house.

CleanYourFloors

If you have carpet, it might be a good idea to have it professionally cleaned before guests arrive. If your floors are wood or tile, a good mopping will do the trick. Don’t neglect your bathroom floors – cleaning with a rag and mild detergent will keep it from getting dull.

3. Clean your windows and remove your window screens.

CleanYourWindows

The interior glass of your windows should be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaned and paper towel. You can clean your exterior glass by carefully hosing it off but before you break out your garden hose, make sure you’ve removed your window screens. Earlier this year you should have cleaned your window screens but if not it’s not too late. You can check out our step-by-step instructions for all of the information you need.

4. Check your appliances to make sure they’re running efficiently.

CheckAppliances

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Your fridge, oven or water heater failing while you have guests staying with you is every host’s holiday nightmare. Check the condition of all your major appliances, such as your fridge, stove top/oven, dishwasher and water heater to avoid last minute issues and expensive repairs.

5. Clean and refresh your fireplace.

RefreshYourFireplace

If you plan to put your fireplace to use while you have guests over for the holidays, be sure you’ve had it inspected! Yearly inspections and chimney sweeping will help keep everyone safe while it is in use. In addition to a good cleaning, consider giving your fireplace a facelift. Stone veneer can help liven up your living room. For ideas on how to wow your guests with your fireplace check out our stone veneer fireplace ideas.