Common Areas

• Clear away mail and extraneous items
• Move packing boxes (gotta love Amazon)
• Remove extra shoes you are not using
• Clear some space in your front closet for coats or dedicate a room (that’s old school there)
• A small room spray or air plug in, in your foyer in your favorite fall scent
• (MY TIP #1) Get a shoe tray if you have carpet and don’t want people’s outside shoes on it.  Also, hit your Dollar Store and buy stacks of footies cheaply that folks can take with them.
• (MY TIP #2) People always leave things, so put a small “lost and found” basket in your foyer or entryway with a little label so that if anyone is missing keys or glasses, they can always find them.

Baseboard & Vents

Baseboards are easy to tackle and all you need a good AP cleaner to get the job done.  With a microfiber cloth or a Swiffer duster, you can knock out this task (depending on the size of your space) in under an hour.

Vents can be vacuumed with your hose attachment or Swiffer duster to ensure they’re free of dust and debris.

• (MY TIP #1) If you have filters in your home and haven’t changed them, now is the perfect time because you’re switching from AC to heat.
• (MY TIP #2) Add a few drops of essential oils (e.g., cedar, peppermint, or lavender) to your cloth when you wipe down your baseboards, giving your rooms a hint of fall every time you enter.

Blinds & Windows

There are many ways to clean the blinds without spending a dime.

• (MY TIP #1) Get an old sock, cover your hand with it, and wallah! You’ve got the perfect tool to clean your blinds (from the top and bottom). Once you’re done cleaning your windowsills, spray them with alcohol and peppermint to deter pests.
• (MY TIP #2) I get a cheap fabric spray in a seasonal scent from Marshalls, Home Goods, or TJ Maxx and spray your curtains to keep them fresh.

Sofa Cushions

Here are a few ways to instantly refresh your sofa cushions:

• Vacuum under and in between
• Flip and turn your cushions for instant fluffiness
• Refresh cushions with a scented fabric spray like Febreeze or linen spray from Marshalls, Home Goods, or TJ Maxx
• (MY TIP) If you’re feeling like a DIY Master, you can also DIY your linen spray with items you may have around the house.

Bathrooms

I don’t need to tell you how to clean a bathroom (LOL); we can all do that. However, here are a few tips that can help you prepare your bath for holiday guests.

• Keep cleaning products like disinfecting wipes accessible to guests.
• A poo spray (because you never know)
• (MY TIP ) Creating a cute basket with toilet paper, wipes, kleenex, air fresheners (and a few other small toiletries) would give your bathroom a personal touch and show your guests that you’re well prepared to receive them

Bedroom for Overnight Guests

Overnight guests seem to take cleaning to a new level, but with a few steps, your room can be guest-ready in no time.

• Give the space a good dusting.
• Vacuum all the places you forget
• Clear off night tables and dressers of daily items
• Clear a space in the closet with some extra hangers
• Leave the Wifi log-in on a small card (this can be changed out later)
• Make sure there are extra bath towels, washcloths, blankets and bed linens
• (MY TIP) Make a basket and fill it with a travel guide for things to do in the area, a small first aid or manicure kit, a few bottled waters, shower gels, lotion, and loofahs. (LOL – They may never want to leave)