Nothing says the holidays like visits from family and friends. However preparing for these visitors can seem a little overwhelming, and you may not know where to start to get ready. The key is to think like a house guest, and prepare your home to be the way you’d like it if you were visiting someone else’s home.

Still overwhelmed? Don’t worry! I’ve created a cleaning checklist for holiday company with you in mind.

photo credit: Sean Davis

• Vacuum Carpets and Rugs: This is a great project for the kids, though you may have to help them move furniture so that they can vacuum up all of the dust bunnies that collect there.
• Sweep and Mop Hard Surfaced Floors: Hello husband!  I do believe this task is calling his name.
• Disinfect all counter tops and bathrooms: When disinfecting now is the time to be detail oriented. Vacuum up hair and junk that might be on the floor, then work on scouring out the tub, shower, sink, and counter tops. Clean your toilets making sure that you use completely different tools than you use on the rest of the bathroom. Next up is cleaning your bathroom floors.  I personally am a hand scrubber when it comes to my floors, but a mop works well too. And finally take some time to polish your fixtures.  I find a little water/ammonia mix in a spray bottle with a rag shines things up beautifully.
• Lay out bathing supplies: These supplies might include towels, fresh soap, shampoo, and hair dryers.
• Lay out fresh, clean linens: Whether your company is staying on your couch or you have an entire bed dedicated to your guests lay out fresh, clean linens for your guests to enjoy.

photo credit: quinn.anya

• Lay out pillow options: Some guests prefer flat and soft, others prefer fluffy or hard when it comes to their pillows. Offer your guests a variety.
• Make room in a closet or dresser for your guests: This is especially important if your company is staying with you for an extended period of time.
• Clean out your kitchen and grocery shop: Check ahead of time if your guests have any food allergies or special food requirements. Put away any offenders you might have in your kitchen, and grocery shop to accommodate their needs.
• Make a welcome basket: To make your company feel especially welcome you may want to create a welcome package that includes water bottles, a key to the house, maps to the city, a listing of great restaurants and local attractions, and magazines and books to read.