The festive season flies past us in a flurry of shopping, decorating, cooking and entertaining. When you’re hosting a holiday event the stress of Christmas cleanup can creep up on you. Make holiday clean up easier with these simple tips.
Start with a Clean Slate
Preparing your home with a deep clean before the big day makes it far easier to maintain cleanliness afterward. Tackling major tasks in advance helps restore your space to a pristine state post-celebrations without feeling overwhelmed. A thorough pre-event clean can include dusting, vacuuming, and deep-cleaning kitchens and bathrooms.
Prepare Your Cleaning Supplies
Gathering your cleaning essentials beforehand is a simple way to make post-party cleanup less stressful. Create a cleaning caddy stocked with multipurpose cleaner, sponges, cloths, paper towels, and garbage bags. Having everything within arm’s reach saves time and makes tackling spills or messes much simpler.
Prep Your Dishes in Advance
To reduce on-the-day stress and post-event cleaning, plan your menu with make-ahead dishes. Cook and prepare sides in advance, so you only need to manage minimal kitchen tasks during the event. This approach not only frees up time but also means you can wash and put away some dishes before the guests arrive.
Avoid Spills with Smart Table Settings
Protecting your surfaces from inevitable spills is easier when you plan ahead. Use tablecloths, placemats, and strategically placed tea towels under serving dishes. This simple layer of protection helps keep any spills contained and makes cleaning up after the party more efficient.
Tidy As You Go
A little tidying during the event can go a long way. Clearing empty glasses and used plates periodically helps reduce the mountain of items left at the end of the evening. If you can, encourage guests to place their own used items in a designated spot or tray.
Choose Disposable Eco-Friendly Plates
Instead of piling dishes on your kitchen counters, consider using eco-friendly, compostable plates and bowls. These options are not only kind to the environment but also save you hours of dishwashing after the guests have left.
Be Proactive with Spills
Accidents happen, but quick action prevents stains and sticky spots. Keep a few cleaning wipes or cloths handy during the party and clean any spills immediately. This small effort ensures spills don’t have a chance to set in, making the final cleanup less daunting.
Delegate Tasks
Remember, you don’t have to do it all by yourself. If a friend or family member offers help, accept it! Assign simple tasks like gathering used cups or managing the music playlist. Delegating can lighten your workload and help you stay on top of things during the event.
Leave Major Cleaning Until the Morning
Avoid the urge to fully clean your space while guests are still around. Instead, do a quick tidy-up to handle any immediate messes but save the comprehensive cleanup for the morning. This helps you stay present and engaged with your guests without feeling preoccupied
Do a Quick Tidy Before Bed
Even though you should save the heavy cleaning for the next day, a quick tidy-up before bedtime can be a lifesaver. Take a few minutes to clear trash, put food in containers, and load the dishwasher. This small effort ensures you wake up to a space that’s already a bit more manageable.
Have Containers Ready for Leftovers
Keeping ready-to-use containers on hand makes dealing with leftovers simple and stress-free. Offer guests the option to take home some of their favourite dishes, and store the rest easily for yourself. This cuts down on food waste and simplifies your post-event fridge cleanup.
Hire Help for the Ultimate Stress-Free Experience
When time and energy are scarce, hiring a professional cleaner is a game changer. Trustworthy, police-checked, and well-trained professionals from a reliable service like Absolute Domestics can ensure your home looks as good as new after the party. Consider booking help in advance for a truly hassle-free cleanup.
By following these steps, your home can be party-ready and easier to reset, so you can focus on enjoying the moment with friends and family without the stress of a major post-event cleanup.