Get Your Home Ready For Holiday Guests!
The holiday invasion is almost upon us! Soon friends and family will be piling into your home to make fun, lasting memories! To get prepared for the festivities and overnight guests, here are some great tips courtesy of HouseLogic.com:
1) DECLUTTER
This is the last thing you want to do the day before Thanksgiving, so take time now to make space for future guests. Clean out drawers and closets in spare rooms for people’s belongings. Remove unnecessary items in rooms where crowds will gather (foyer, living room, kitchen, dining room, etc.). Decluttering now means you can get items properly sorted, stored, tossed or donated!
2) SAFETY
Remember while you can maneuver around your house in the dark, your guests can’t. Be sure you’ve got good lighting in hallways, staircases, entrances, your driveway, etc. (such as motion-activated night lights). If you’ll be welcoming little ones, make sure your home is child proof (toxic cleaners, medicines, matches/lighters are stowed away). There’s no harm asking parents to bring baby gates too! With extra candles, lights and cooking happening, make sure smoke detectors have fresh batteries, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are working and emergency exits are accessible (windows and doors).
3) ENTRYWAY
Since your front door and foyer is what people see first, why not do a little sprucing! A fresh coat of paint, hardware polishing (and oiling) can be a big improvement. Remove scratches from hardwood floors and stairs. Be sure you’re ready for the inevitable mud and snow with a small rug or welcome mat. And have a plan or extra storage for guests’ coats, hats and boots!
4) KITCHEN
As command central for the holidays, prepare for extra traffic and helpers! Consider adding more storage for their dishes and decluttering countertops and ranges for more space. If you’re hosting a feast, some extra chairs or stools is a nice touch for people helping with the food. During the meal, move beverage stations (coffee and liquor) to the family room so there’s less crowding.
5) SLEEPING
With guests staying the night, it’s important to let them know how they can adjust the room temperature. If turning the heat up or down isn’t an option, have small fans or heaters available. A folding screen or rolling bookcase is great for creating sleeping spaces in public areas.
6) BATHROOM
Make it easy for people to find your extra towels, toilet paper and toiletries. If you don’t have enough shelf space, then tuck the items in open baskets. Also add a bath mat in each tub/shower and a plunger next to every toilet.