Five Fabulous Shortcuts For Getting Your House Ready For The Holidays
Posted on: 11 September 2017
If you're like most modern homeowners, you're looking forward to having guests in your home this holiday season while at the same time feeling apprehensive about finding the time to get your home ready for the rush. Fortunately, strategies designed to act as shortcuts for busy homeowners exist that can help take the edge off holiday preparations. Following are just five of the many smart ways you can make short work of making your home a clean, organized, and welcoming environment for guests as well as household residents so that you can all relax and enjoy the holiday season.
Stock up on Household Essentials
Spending a weekend afternoon at your local big box store stocking up on household essentials will go a long way toward avoiding having to run to the store at the last minute because you ran out of something. Items to include are dish soap, paper products, cleaning supplies, hand soap and lotion, pet food, trash bags, and any nonperishable food items that your family uses a lot of or that you may need to prepare holiday feasts and treats. Even if you end up not using everything you purchased during your pre-holiday big box shopping trip, it's all all stuff you use anyway.
Buy a Few Extra "All Purpose" Gifts
Few holiday scenarios are as socially awkward as being presented with a holiday gift from an unexpected quarter and having nothing to give in return. Keeping a few wrapped gifts on hand prevents this situation, and if you end up not needing them, consider donating them to your local senior citizen center or other worthy organization in your community -- or put them away for next year.
Declutter the Entrance to Your Home
Chances are you won't have time to do a complete household purge prior to the holidays descending, but that's okay -- your guests are undoubtedly busy people themselves who understand about a little bit of clutter. However, an hour or so of attention to your front foyer can work wonders to make it welcoming and inviting. Get rid of any superfluous clutter, make sure enough hangers are available for guests to hang outerwear while enjoying the festivities in your home, put down a decorative welcome mat, plug in a holiday-scented air freshener, and place a miniature holiday tree on a small table for a classy seasonal accent.
Have Dry Carpet Cleaning Performed
When time is of the essence, no one wants to wait around for household carpeting to dry after it's been cleaned using traditional methods. Fortunately, dry carpeting cleaning methods exist that can result in clean, company-ready carpeting throughout the home without almost instantly because no water is used in the cleaning process. Carpets can be used immediately after this service is performed, and as an added benefit, the lack of water means decreased opportunities for the development of mold and mildew populations. Apparatus used in dry carpet cleaning also removes all dust and debris, including allergens such as pet dander.
Prepare Your Guest Quarters
If you'll be having house guests at any point during the upcoming holiday season, taking a few minutes to give them a quick once-over can ensure that they feel welcome and that they have what they need for their comfort during their stay. It won't take much time to make sure your guest room or rooms have adequate bedside lighting, extra blankets for those who get chilled easily, tissues, an alarm clock, a coaster and drinking glass, and even a few books and magazines so that they can relax at the end of a busy day before going to sleep.
These shortcuts will provide you with plenty of time to enjoy the holiday season yourself!
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