The holiday season is approaching quickly, and with it the sudden stress of realizing you aren’t prepared! Never fear! No matter if you are expecting family, traveling or planning a quiet holiday at home, these tips to prepare your home for Thanksgiving will leave you feeling relaxed, prepared and ready for anything that comes your way.
1. Declutter
Did you know that we spend an average of 2-4 hours per week cleaning our homes? The mess sneaks up on us, and we hate to admit it, but we are all guilty of stuffing, storing and scooting mess out of our line of sight. The more clutter we have around the house, the more cluttered our minds are. Take some time today to clean out kitchen utensils, clothing and toys that you don’t use regularly. Many people like to donate things to a local charity around the holidays, for an extra bit of holiday joy.
2. Clean Out Your Fridge
If you are staying home or expecting guests this holiday season, you will want your fridge empty of leftovers and old food before all the holiday meals start. If you plan to travel to see family, the last thing you need is to return to a home, ripe with the smell of stale leftovers. Schedule some time to clean out your fridge, and even your kitchen cabinets before the holidays, for a less cluttered, cleaner holiday home.
3. Do a bit of inventory on your home
The weather is changing and it’s time to make sure you will be warm and comfortable all winter, by checking out your home appliances. Many people like to upgrade their heating in the fall, choosing the reliability of products like the LP furnace, for some high-efficiency heating. Found a drafty door or crack? Consider caulking it for a better seal against the cold wind, or grab a cosy rug to trap the warm air.
4. Do Some Ornament Maintenance
Thanksgiving or holiday decorations live a tough life, on display for a few months of the year, and stored in dusty basements and attics the rest of the year. It’s time to take an inventory of your holiday ornaments, weed out those that can’t be saved, and repair the ones you love. This is a great family activity with pizza delivery and a good movie. Plan a DIY night with your kids or your friends, and get ready for the holidays with a party!
5. Turn the lights down low
Have you ever noticed that the more relaxed we are, the lower we tend to turn the lights? Softer light is easier on your eyes, and also envelops you in a feeling of warmth and security, and is also proven to affect our sleep and stress levels. Use this holiday season as an opportunity to install dimmer switches in your home, or grab a few lamps to set the relaxing mood for family and friends. If you are expecting guests, plug in a few nightlights to guide overnight guests to and from the bathroom or kitchen during their stay.
6. Ready Your Kitchen
The holidays mean more cooking, so it’s important to prepare your kitchen for the onslaught. Is your coffee maker in top form for guests? Or have you just realized how many cups or bowls have broken recently? Take an inventory of your kitchen appliances and tools, and take some time to fill in the gaps, to ensure everyone gets a dessert plate or matching holiday wine glass this holiday season.
7. Dress Up Your Bathroom
The bathroom gets so much use over the holidays, with guests and even the colder weather wreaking havoc on the pipes. Take some time to ensure your bathroom is in good working order, and do a deep clean to ensure everything is spotless. Try putting out an organic, hand-made soap for guests, or replace your old hand towels with something more festive!
The holiday season can be stressful by nature, but that doesn’t mean you need to be keyed up this year! We are all excited to see family for the first time in a while, or to take a break for a stressful year of work.. Starting your Thanksgiving preparations now, means you will be ready by the big day, and can sit back with mulled wine and enjoy your family and friends.
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