Holiday Cleaning Checklist: Get Your Home Guest-Ready
The holidays are here. Here's a practical cleaning checklist to help you tackle the essentials without spending your entire season scrubbing floors.
The holidays are here, and if you're hosting family and friends, you'll want your home looking its best. But between cooking, shopping, and all the other holiday prep, deep cleaning can feel overwhelming.
Don't stress. Here's a practical cleaning checklist to help you tackle the essentials without spending your entire holiday season scrubbing floors. Focus on what guests will actually notice, and you'll be ready in no time.
One Week Before: The Big Stuff
Bathrooms
- Clean toilets thoroughly (inside and out)
- Scrub shower/tub and remove soap scum
- Clean mirrors until they're streak-free
- Wipe down countertops and sinks
- Stock up on toilet paper and hand soap
- Replace hand towels with clean ones
Kitchen
- Deep clean the oven (if you haven't in a while)
- Clean the microwave inside and out
- Wipe down all cabinet fronts
- Clean countertops and backsplash
- Scrub the sink
- Stock up on dish soap, paper towels, and cleaning supplies
Living Areas
- Vacuum carpets and rugs
- Dust all surfaces (tables, shelves, picture frames)
- Clean windows (at least the ones guests will see)
- Fluff and arrange throw pillows
- Empty trash cans and replace liners
Two Days Before: The Details
Guest Room (If Applicable)
- Change bed linens
- Vacuum or sweep the floor
- Dust surfaces
- Provide extra blankets and towels
- Clear out closet space for guests
Entryway
- Clean the entryway floor
- Clear away clutter
- Make space for coats and bags
- Wipe down the door and door handle
The Day Before: Final Touches
- Quick vacuum of high-traffic areas
- Spot clean any stains or marks
- Wipe down doorknobs and light switches
- Make sure bathrooms are fully stocked
- Empty all trash cans
- Do a quick tidy-up of visible clutter
Day of: Last Minute
- Quick wipe-down of kitchen counters
- Check bathrooms one more time
- Fluff pillows and straighten cushions
- Take out trash
- Light a candle or use air freshener (if you like)
Pro Tips for Holiday Cleaning
Focus on High-Impact Areas
Guests will notice bathrooms, the kitchen, and common living areas. Don't stress about cleaning behind the refrigerator or organizing closets—focus on what they'll see.
Stock Up Before Guests Arrive
Make sure you have plenty of:
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Dish soap
- All-purpose cleaner
- Hand soap
- Trash bags
Get the Family Involved
You don't have to do it all yourself. Assign tasks to family members—kids can help with tidying up their rooms, picking up clutter, and helping with basic cleaning tasks.
Don't Stress About Perfection
Your guests are coming to see you, not judge your housekeeping. A clean, welcoming home is what matters—not perfection. If you miss something, chances are they won't even notice.
Quick Clean Checklist
If you're short on time, focus on these essentials:
- ✓ Bathrooms (toilets, sinks, mirrors)
- ✓ Kitchen (counters, sink, clear clutter)
- ✓ Common areas (vacuum, dust, tidy)
- ✓ Stock essentials (toilet paper, paper towels, soap)
- ✓ Empty trash cans
After Guests Leave
After the holidays, you might need to do a deeper clean:
- Wash all linens and towels
- Deep clean the kitchen (oven, fridge, etc.)
- Restock cleaning supplies
- Take down holiday decorations (when you're ready)
- Do a thorough vacuum and dusting
At Neighborhood Necessities, we stock up on all the cleaning supplies you'll need for the holidays. Call us at (470) 366-0836 and we'll have everything ready for same-day pickup, so you can focus on enjoying the holidays instead of running errands.
Happy holidays from all of us at Neighborhood Necessities! We hope your home is filled with family, friends, and joy this season.