Are your family or friends headed to your Lake Martin home for the holidays? With Christmas two weeks away, it’s time to start cleaning and prepping your home for guests! As your Lake Martin real estate agents, we’re here to give you a handy task list to follow, so you don’t get overwhelmed last minute. Hosting should be an enjoyable experience with your loved ones, not a stressful one!
Two weeks out: It’s wise to do a deep decluttering, so you don’t have to worry about this as the holidays get closer. Clean and organize. Wash windows so everyone can see your beautiful Lake Martin views. Clean and organize your refrigerator and freezer. Pick out the menu, music and activities you’ll enjoy with your guests. Finish up any holiday shopping you need to do.
One week out: Dust and vacuum each room, paying close attention to the guest rooms. Wipe down walls, kitchen and dining room chairs and tables, and deep clean the entryway. Make room in a closet for guest coats. Finish decorating your home or wrapping gifts, and place them under the tree if you have one. Replace any burnt out bulbs, especially on the front porch.
The week of: Toss stove burners, drip pans and knobs in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Clean kitchen cabinets, counters, appliances and floor. Clean garbage cans and empty trash. Wash guest towels and linens. Deep clean the bathroom your guests will be using. Throw out any expired food and head to the grocery store for whatever food items you need for your holiday meal and for guests during their stay.
Twenty-four hours before guests arrive: Do a final declutter, vacuum or sweep floors again, make guest beds and set out clean towels, plug in nightlights for guest bathroom, place guest toiletries in a basket on sink, set up a coffee or breakfast station, and fill your house with your favorite scent with a candle or essential oils. Prepare any food ahead of time that you can, to give you more time with your guests.
Once the guests arrive: Enjoy your holiday with them! Try to not stress about everything being perfect, as guests know that the holidays are a hectic time of year, and they are just there to enjoy time with you. If you’re headed out for the holidays, be kind to your host, and bring a gift or a dish to share.
The Haynie Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! May your weeks ahead be festive and fun, merry and bright. If you have a Lake Martin home on your holiday wish list, contact us now or in the New Year! We are here to make your home-selling and/or home-buying goals a reality in the Lake Martin real estate market, any time of year. We look forward to hearing from you!
Becky Haynie, Associate Broker / Realtor
Lake Martin Realty
www.HomeOnLakeMartin.com