It’s that time of year again. Hectic planning for the holidays. Lots of cooking, entertaining and hopefully some cleaning before the relatives arrive. I know cleaning is the last thing in the list. However, last minute cleaning causes stress. So here are some suggestions for less stress holidays cleaning.
First try to get organize. Find a home for everything, use it or toss it! Use every little minute you have to keep your home in-order. Be smart with your time, half an hour a day can be used to do dishes, wipe down dinner table, clean counters or clear desk of clutters.
Set aside a day to tackle one room at a time before the scheduled gathering arrive. For example Monday-bathrooms, Tuesday-foyer, Wednesday-dining room, Thursday-kitchen, Friday-bedroom. Or if Saturday and Sunday is the only days available, set aside an hour early in the morning when energy is high. Target specific area or room that is going to be used the most during the holidays. If it is the kitchen, then start organizing. Make sure all the pot and pans and bake wares are clean and ready for the big family cooking marathon. Also check the set of silverware and dishes.
Kitchen ready, how about dining room? Same effort as the kitchen, it is actually easier to handle. Do some cob-web removal using a broom or the wand from the vacuum. Dust the dining table and chairs, vacuum the corners and floors, mop the floors if needed. Set the table!
Holidays are a big gift giving time of the year. All those Christmas wrappers, ribbons, Christmas cards and gifts have to be organize. Separate each item using clear containers for easy access and visibility. But first discard old wrappers, un-usable ribbons and old cards. There is no need to keep things that are no longer usable. In fact, this is the best time to de-clutter the area where these item is stored.
Yes, it’s that time of the year again but we can handle it with less stress. Just a little preparation and a lot of patients. Most of all SMILE!
