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People entertain guests all year long. But that number and frequency seems to rise off the charts come Thanksgiving and the holiday seems that immediately follows.
The question is, just how ready is your home to receive them? If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the mere thought of it, here’s a way to get organized and take things in stride.
Three Weeks Prior (or More) – Focus on the big stuff, especially if it requires calling in a pro.
Take care of those minor repairs you’ve been putting off, like the leaky toilet or loose stair rail.
Replace any appliance that might not make it through the holidays.
Steam-clean rugs and upholstery.
Have your heating system serviced.
Check outdoor lighting and replace burnt out bulbs.
Two Weeks Prior – Take care of the deep-cleaning and de-cluttering tasks.
De-clutter the rooms guests will be occupying and everywhere else where a little added space is needed.
Wash windows to make your home feel cleaner and brighter.
Wipe down baseboards and dust light fixtures, shelves, and ceiling fans.
Wash machine-washable window treatments and shower curtains.
Clean out the fridge.
One Week Prior – The focus should be on things you can do that your family can’t easily undo before guests arrive.
De-clutter some more, focusing on less visible areas like closets and drawers.
Wipe finger prints and smudges off walls, doors, and trim.
Wipe down dining tables and chairs, legs included.
Clean guest bedrooms and baths if they are not used by your household on a regular basis.
Make up guest bedrooms with fresh linens and put out clean towels in guest baths.
72 Hours Prior – You’re in the home stretch.
Wipe down kitchen cabinet fronts.
Wash the kitchen floor.
Clean and shine kitchen appliances and sinks.
Clean the front entryway and door.
48 Hours Prior – Now that most of the big jobs are taken care of, it’s time to focus on those small touches that can make a big difference.
Clean garbage cans to remove odors.
Wipe down cabinet, cabinet hardware, doorknobs, and light switches to make them sparkle.
Do a final wipe down of guest bedrooms and bathrooms if needed.
24 Hours Prior – It’s almost time to welcome family and friends!
Stock up on easy to serve snacks and beverages.
Give all the floors a final sweep, vacuum, or mop.
Give toilets and sinks one final wipe down.
Sweep (or shovel) walkways, steps, and the front porch.
Get your favorite scent going, take some time to unwind, and get ready to enjoy the festivities of the season.
There’s no denying it: that’s a lot of work, no matter how well organized you are. So get all the help you can.
And, if you’re uncertain about your heating or cooling system’s ability to keep family and guests comfortable, contact GBT Heating & Cooling for our well-honed preventive maintenance service. We’ll ensure they’re in top working order and recommend minor repairs that could become bigger problems later on.