Cleaning Tips to De-STRESS the Holidays
“Entertaining the overbearing members of your family."
"Family... believe it or not. To many personalities, some don't get along, have different beliefs and such."
"Family!"
"People who are so stressed they take it out on you!"
It's vital to understand that stress builds as a result of many things as my Facebook post proved. Many of these factors are beyond our control, but there is one major source of stress that we can control. I will elaborate in my next article, "Dirt and Disorder Creates Overwhelm & Anxiety" ,where I will share an important scientific finding along with Emily's story. You will relate to it big time. Here's a sneak peak. Clutter creates guilt and embarrassment, especially when guests are coming over. We know that these guests are coming very soon. Let me help you eliminate these potential feelings of guilt, embarrassment, and anxiety from my 15 years of presentation cleaning.
Know Where to Clean & Declutter.
I was trained by the realtors and stagers of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties for many years on how to do exactly this. I learned that buyers are emotional and make their decisions based on first impressions. Therefore, I was trained to add sparkle to the first impression areas as well as strategically cleaning the other parts of the home. This would "present" the home best for the prospective buyer. Let's apply this mindset to your holiday guests. Declutter and clean these areas really, really, really good! If you can't eliminate the clutter, move it to an inconspicuous storage area. Don't wait! Declutter this weekend! This leaves you 10-12 days before the guests arrive. Clean these 6 areas as best you can leaving the toilets, sinks, counters, dining room table, and floors for the final 2-3 days. This short burst of effort will move you from embarrassing to impressing!
- Front Door & Decorate Accordingly - Clean the side glass panels and door glass. Sweep the porch. Rake the leaves in the front walkway area. Put something festive on the porch. This is literally the first impression of your home.
- Main Entryway to your Home - This is the second impression, so make sure it looks clean and decluttered. Put a shoe rack or pad by the door to encourage your guests to remove their shoes. I'm telling you! This one tip will save your floors and your sanity this time of year!
- Family Room, Powder room, Hallways & Stairs - Guests will want a clean powder room, halls, stairs, and entertainment room as they will spend most of their time there.
- Dining Room - Naturally, you will be spending a lot of time in here with your guests for meals & conversation. When the convos get tense, make sure the room is decluttered and clean so you aren't distracted and can focus on your next strike back. Okay, that was for the Griswold-type families. I'm sure you're one of the normal families who genuinely enjoy each other's company.
- Guest Bedroom & Bathroom - If you have guests staying with you, present their sleeping quarters well.
- Kitchen - This is last as you're cooking and making a mess in the kitchen. Not many will judge you on this! Touch up the kitchen as you can.
Rally the Troops.
Every family dynamic is different. You may be a early 30's couple with 1 baby and all of the work falls on you. You may be in your 40's with 3-5 school age kids. Or you may be in your 50's or 60's with the kids and grandkids coming back to the house. Where ever you are, assign roles to keep the house clutter free and clean throughout the holidays. Husbands, I am speaking directly to you. There is NO pass. Don't say, "I work hard and I'm on vacation." You may not understand it completely, but serving your role in the family to keep the house clean and clutter free will help your wife so much to keep her sanity. Kids, now I'm speaking to you. Do you want to eat and get gifts this holiday season? You are a part of the family and need to support your role with a good attitude.
Hire a Cleaning Service!
This is for the families that want to outsource most of the first two tips! Not everyone can afford to hire a service and I DO NOT recommend hiring an amateur. In another upcoming article, I will highlight the process to finding a great cleaning service in your area. If you can afford it, get a referral from someone you trust, make sure they are insured, and give them a shot. A qualified business will be a great ally as your guests arrival date approaches. They will know exactly which areas to presentation clean and how to advise you on where to declutter as I've taught you in the first tip. They will work alongside you over these next few weeks and throughout Christmas to restore your home and remove your anxiety.
Yes, some of us have a Cousin Eddie coming over. He will probably park his trailer in the driveway and empty his refuse in the sewer. So remember. This is a wonderful time of year to reflect upon all the blessings we have received and to open up our homes to those we love... even to Eddie.
Thank you for reading and Happy Thanksgiving!