10 Things You Are Forgetting to Clean and Organize for the Holiday Season

Your guests will likely be opening doors and turning lights on and off throughout the house, so it’s important to make sure these areas are dust-free and in good shape prior to their arrival, notes Steve Evans, the owner of Memphis Maids. “Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water and wipe with a soft sponge, or with a slightly damp microfiber cloth,” he instructs.

No one wants to see any dust on the walls, either. “People often forget that dusting their walls is a major factor in keeping a clean and healthy environment,” says Vanessa Garcia, a Tasker on Taskrabbit. “You would be surprised how many households’ walls would change ‘hue’ due to the lack of dusting their walls,” she notes.

Whether you’re sending guests home with leftovers post holiday-party or are packing up a tin of goodies to give to a neighbor, it’s a good idea to keep your Tupperware drawer in good shape this season. “Nobody wants to wrestle with a jumble of mismatched lids and containers,” says Amy Berryhill, the owner of Spiffy Chicks. “Match lids to containers, recycle or toss anything without a mate, and ditch pieces that have seen better days.”

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While you’re in the kitchen, take some time to give your pantry a bit of a makeover, too. “With all the cooking, baking and snack-making happening around the holidays, your pantry is about to get a major workout,” says Rachel Rosenthal, organizational expert and Post-it® brand ambassador. She recommends going through your items and parting ways with expired goods, consolidating like with like and grouping similar pieces together in bins. “Label each bin for quick identification, and suddenly, your pantry goes from a cluttered maze to a well-oiled machine,” Rosenthal shares.

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Wrap gifts like a total pro this year by organizing your supplies and creating a command center you can utilize all month long, Rosenthal suggests. “Gather your wrapping paper, ribbons, scissors and gift tags in one place,” she says. “This way, when it’s time to wrap, you’ll be able to grab what you need quickly and easily.”

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Throwing a get-together this season? Don’t underestimate the importance of getting your bathroom ready for guests, Berryhill states. “When toilet paper runs low, guests will likely look under the sink,” she comments. “Spend 15 minutes decluttering this space—toss empty bottles, organize cleaning supplies and stock up on essentials like backup rolls (remove them from their packaging for a neat look).” A bit of quick prep will make all the difference mid-party!

Overnight guests may need to check the linen closet for towels, sheets and the like while staying with you this season. “A cluttered linen closet can leave guests scrambling,” Berryhill says. “Give this space a refresh by clearing out old, stained or torn linens.” Here, baskets, stackable drawers and labeled shelves are your BFF, the organizer notes, adding, “A little effort goes a long way in creating a guest-ready space!”

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Your front porch is your home’s chance to really make a first impression, notes Carolyn Forté, executive director of Good Housekeeping’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab. “Sweep away leaves and debris, get rid of clutter, put out a pretty doormat, and remove webs and dirt from light fixtures, the mailbox, front door and anything else guests will see,” she suggests. “Go out of your house and come back in like a guest and see what kind of impression it makes on you!”

The front entryway is also a key area to spruce up prior to hosting guests. “It sets the tone for their entire visit, yet it’s one of the most commonly overlooked areas during holiday cleaning,” says Vanessa Terra Bossart, the founder of Green Terra Cleaning. “A clutter-free, polished entryway creates a sense of order and warmth as soon as guests arrive,” she says, and recommends giving the area a good vacuum, removing piles of mail and making space for visitors’ shoes and coats.

Whether you’ll be hosting family throughout the month or just crave a space in which you can unwind after busy December days, don’t forget to give your living room a refresh. “Start by fluffing pillows, straightening throws and vacuuming sofas to remove crumbs or pet hair,” Bossart says, adding that you’ll want to give your space a good dusting as well. “Consider dim lighting and a subtle holiday scent to enhance the ambiance.”

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