Make room for joy (and guests!) with this easy fall cleaning checklist to keep your home holiday-ready without the stress.

Get Ahead of the Holiday Rush with Fall Cleaning: Preparing Your Home for the Season!

Make room for joy (and guests!) with this easy fall cleaning checklist to keep your home holiday-ready without the stress. 🌐 #News #Lifestyle #HomeAndGarden #Holidays

ST. PAUL, MN – This past weekend, Jack and I decided to tackle some long-overdue cleaning around the house. It didn’t take long to realize how quickly the holidays are sneaking up. With so many gatherings and events on the horizon, getting the house in shape now makes life much easier when things get busy.

Fall cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about creating a cozy, welcoming space. A little preparation now will save you stress later, so you can focus on enjoying the holiday season with friends and family.

Fall cleaning for the holiday season - cleaning clutter

Declutter and Organize Room by Room

Living Room

The living room will likely be the hub of holiday celebrations. Start by dusting surfaces, cleaning windows, and washing blankets or throw pillows. It’s a good idea to store away extra clutter and non-seasonal decor to make space for those holiday decorations that will soon fill the room.

Kitchen

With holiday cooking on the way, the kitchen deserves a deep clean. Scrub the oven and fridge, then wipe down cabinets and countertops. Organize the pantry—toss expired goods and make space for extra holiday ingredients. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re reaching for those holiday cookie cutters or roasting pans.

Bedrooms

Switch out lightweight sheets for cozy flannel bedding to make each bedroom a warm retreat. This is also the perfect time to declutter closets and make room for bulky winter clothes. If you’re expecting guests, be sure the guest room is comfortable and stocked with essentials.

Fall cleaning for the holiday season - deep cleaning

Deep Clean the Forgotten Spaces

Baseboards and Blinds

Baseboards and blinds tend to collect dust and grime. A quick wipe-down makes a noticeable difference and gives your home that extra sparkle.

Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans

Dust-covered light fixtures and fan blades can make any room feel a little gloomy. Cleaning these areas brightens your space and makes your home feel fresh.

Air Vents and Filters

As the heating system kicks in, clean air filters help keep your indoor air quality high. Don’t forget to dust the vents, too—guests will appreciate the difference.

Fall cleaning for the holiday season - guest room

Prepare for Guests with a Cozy Touch

Guest Room Setup

If you have overnight visitors coming, set up the guest room early. Fresh linens, fluffy towels, and a few toiletries will make them feel welcome. A small bedside lamp or book is a thoughtful touch.

Entryway Refresh

First impressions matter! Clean the entryway and add a welcoming mat or wreath. A bowl of potpourri or a seasonal air freshener will create a warm, inviting scent.

Scented Candles and Warm Lighting

Adding a few scented candles or soft lighting makes any space feel cozy. Opt for subtle autumn scents like pumpkin, cinnamon, or vanilla to create a comforting vibe.

Fall cleaning for the holiday season - cleaning cutters

Outdoor Preparations for Fall and Winter

Clean Gutters

Clogged gutters can lead to serious winter issues like ice dams. Take some time to remove leaves and debris before the cold sets in.

Store Outdoor Furniture

Give your outdoor furniture a good cleaning and store it properly to protect it from snow and ice. Covering it will help extend its life for future seasons.

Test Holiday Lights

Before it’s too cold to work outside, test your holiday lights and replace any burnt-out bulbs. That way, you’ll be ready to decorate as soon as the holiday spirit strikes.

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Enjoy a Stress-Free Holiday Season

Getting your home in order now means less stress and more time to focus on the things that matter—family, friends, and holiday fun. Fall cleaning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Start small, tackle one room at a time, and before you know it, your home will be holiday-ready.

Take a deep breath, light a pumpkin-scented candle, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. The holidays are just around the corner—let’s make them magical and stress-free!

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