How to Have a 'Just Cleaned Look' for the Holidays

The holidays are quickly approaching, and with that comes lots and lots of guests. If you’re feeling pressure this holiday season to do it all, don’t! Simply follow the steps below to achieve the “just cleaned look” for the holidays.

Step 1: Declutter

Decide which rooms your guests will actually see and focus on decluttering those spaces. The fastest way to get a just cleaned look is to clear off flat surfaces. If you’re in a hurry, simply place everything in clothing baskets and put them in a closet or room that won’t be seen. You have to go through it all eventually, but that doesn’t mean your guests need to see it now.

NOTE: Really organized clutter is not okay. Don’t forget to remove organized clutter from the equation too:

• Put stacks of mail out of sight
• Take magnets off of the refrigerator
• Remove utensils from your utensil crock until there are only 3 or 4 utensils left
• Leave only necessary appliances on the countertops
• Relocate the pile of shoes by your door

Step 2: Leave a Cleaning Trail

By making it appear that your home was deep cleaned, guests will assume it actually was. You can leave a cleaning trail by:

• Vacuuming your carpet to leave tracks
• Hiding laundry sheets in inconspicuous places to freshen the house
• Wiping down your kitchen and bathroom surfaces

Step 3. Stage

Staging your home makes it feel cozy and kempt. Before guests arrive, try the following staging steps:

• Start your fireplace to cozy up the space
• Fold throw blankets
• Take out the trash (don’t forget the bathrooms!)
• Light a candle
• Crack a window to briefly air out the room
• Place fresh flowers on a table
• Close toilet seats
• Put a treat in the oven
• Hide toys in baskets
• Hang up your “show” towels
• Turn on all the lights and open the blinds
• Close doors to rooms guests will not be in
• Move a few pieces of furniture. It can be as simple as switching out two chairs or side tables. Your guests will notice something is new, but they probably won’t be able to put their finger on it.

Happy holidays!