(ARA) - Between family reunions and the holidays, you're probably planning on having guests in your house at least once this holiday season. Some planning and preparation to keep your home in tip-top shape can help you be ready at a moment's notice for anyone, especially unexpected guests. There are simple steps you can take now that will save you time and energy down the road when the holiday season gets busy.
"Don't become overwhelmed at the thought of overnight guests and the work you'll have to do to get your home ready," says lifestyle expert Jill Cordes. "With just a little upkeep on a regular basis, you can keep your home looking and smelling clean."
Try some of these tips from Jill to get your home clean and fresh for the arrival of guests:
* The linen closet: With the changing of the seasons, you probably need to dig out and freshen up the linens you've stored away. You'll want to make sure that your tablecloths, linens, and sheets are freshly washed and cleaned for upcoming entertaining and houseguests.
When you have your laundry piles sorted and ready to be washed use a product like
Arm and Hammer Power Gel Laundry Detergent, which features a unique gel formula armed with twice the OxiClean stain fighters in every drop. The first of its kind in America, this gel detergent easily dissolves in the wash and will help get rid of grease, oil, food, soil or grass stains you may have on your fall linens or clothing. You can even pre-treat stains with Arm & Hammer Power Gel, if you or one of your guests happens to spill something during their visit.
* The bathroom: If the guest bathroom is used by family members on a frequent basis, make sure you set up a weekly cleaning schedule so it's always looking fresh. That way you aren't rushing around when you get one of those "surprise, guess who's coming to visit?" calls. But if it's only used by guests, make sure you stock the bathroom with enough supplies like tissues, toilet paper, hand soap and lotion so that it's always ready for use.
* The guest bedroom: If you've turned the guest bed into a dumping ground - kids' school work, photo albums to be organized and empty luggage from your summer vacation - take the time to clean it up and organize. Also make sure the room has an alarm clock, a reading light and space in the closet to hang clothes. All these little features will help your guests feel extra comfortable in your home.
* The kitchen: You know your kitchen will turn into the gathering location when your guests arrive. Make space in your kitchen drawers now so you won't have any knick-knacks lying around your counters or kitchen table when guests arrive. Take just 15 minutes each week to wipe all kitchen surfaces down and clean out your refrigerator.
Taking small steps now to keep your home and everything in it fresh and clean can make a big difference, and you can avoid the rush when guests arrive this fall and winter.
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