But don't panic get going and get organized to clean things up in time for your first guest.



Put together a cleaning kit for each type of area of your home. One for bathrooms. One for the kitchen and another for the living room, bedrooms and the like. Keep these near or in the rooms to be used. Cleaning goes much faster when your tools are handy.

If you have a big cleaning job get it done now. Do your cleaning well ahead of time and then proceed to maintain your home until the big day. Such as if you have areas of your home that are rarely if ever dusted. Clean off that inch thick dust now and then just maintain the area with a light weekly dusting from then on.

Walk through your front door and put yourself in your guests place View your home with new eyes. What do you see? Any cobwebs or dirt catch your eye in the front entrance? Could you do with a nice plant or some other decorative item to greet visitors?

Have your carpets cleaned. This should be done seasonally anyway. You can also rent the machine and do it yourself. Or just buy a machine and have it always handy.

Keep a handy list of items you'll need to pick up or do for any celebrations you'll be hosting in your home. A small notebook is a good idea.

Just like the you see in grocery stores or other public areas have some paper towels and a bottle of sparkling water nearby the night of your party for any unforeseen stains or spills.

Tackle your big cleaning jobs in small time increments. You will be amazed at how much you can get done in 15 minutes. If you say want to give the dining room an overhaul that includes cleaning the walls set your time for 15 minutes and do a little each day.

Complete one cleaning task before beginning another. If you don't you may find yourself surrounded by a sea of undone cleaning chores.

Once your home is clean an organized for the holidays don't just leave it at that. A clean and organized home is will free up time for you and your family. Make it a priority and do your best to keep it that way.

Once you are ready to host your holiday gathering remember that accidents do happen. If you have some valuable pieces of furniture or other items that may get broken or damaged out where others can access them and you know you will be having a lot of company put it away until after the holidays.

If there will be children at your gatherings set up so they can be kids and there will be little mess to clean up. Put drop cloths or plastic tablecloths under their dining chairs. Have safe places for them to play and safe things for them to do.

A little organization and preparation and you can meet the holidays with a clean home and a smile.