by homewarranty.com
Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday to gather with friends and family. It’s also the perfect time to stress about your home. Get a jump on some tasks early so you can relax and enjoy time spent with your guests. Here are a few helpful tips to get your home Thanksgiving-ready.
Our first tip is to relax. Focus only on the rooms your guest will be using. Your guests are there to see friends and family. Don’t stress about making your entire house perfect. Doors close for a reason.
The Kitchen
Get your kitchen organized and clean, but skip deep-cleaning your floors until after Thanksgiving foot traffic has subsided. Focus on what will help you stay organized.
- Check your appliances, especially your oven, to make sure it’s operational before you need it. Do a temperature test on your oven, and make sure it’s clean and ready to do some work on Thanksgiving Day.
- Clean out your pantry before you get into any major holiday cooking. Throw out expired food, and take stock of what you have and what you need.
- Confirm you have sufficient place settings and serving dishes.
- Toss old food from your fridge and make room on your shelves for food preparation and storage – and the inevitable leftovers.
- Collect as many cooking materials and ingredients as you can during the week before Thanksgiving.
The Bathroom
- Use a glass cleaner or make your own to clean the mirrors, sinks, and countertops in your bathroom.
- Stock your bathroom with extra rolls of toilet paper.
- Make sure you have a supply of clean hand towels available for guests.
- If you have a sump pump, make sure it’s working properly.
Closets
Guests bring coats and purses. Take time to clear out some room in your hall closet. Hall closets are easy to overstuff over time, so fill a bag and donate coats your family no longer uses. Stock your newly-cleaned closet with extra coat hangers for your guests.
Decorate
You don’t have to spend much to bring a Thanksgiving vibe into your home.
- Hang an autumnal wreath on your door.
- Collect pine cones and acorns to create a simple centerpiece.
- Fill bowls with fruit like pomegranates, apples, or oranges, and accent with nuts in the shells for an easy and edible centerpiece.
- Get more great ideas from our article 6 Last-Minute Thanksgiving Table Decor Ideas.
Outdoors
- Check your walkways and sidewalks. Clear away gardening tools, supplies, toys, and bikes that may have gathered over the months. Keep decorations away from where guests may make their way to your front door.
- If you have a deck or outdoor stairs, make sure its railings are secure, and your guests will encounter no loose boards or nails along the way.
Pet Safety
If you happen to have a dog or a cat, make arrangements for your pet to be comfortable and taken care of in a secure area of your home. Some pets love the action, but others are overwhelmed and need a place away from the commotion.