Your Complete Christmas and New Year’s Cleaning Checklist

christmas and new years cleaning checklist

The holidays can be very stressful, and cleaning tasks only add to the pressure of the season. From making food to buying gifts, there is little time leftover to prepare for holiday get-togethers. The easiest way to get through the holidays with a clean home is to create your own Christmas cleaning checklist. Every household is different, and it is important to create a schedule that works for your family. 

Whether you start planning for the holidays months in advance or find yourself scrambling at the last minute, you can still enjoy a clean and tidy home. Keep reading for Christmas cleaning checklists that can be customized to work for your lifestyle.

Two Weeks Before Christmas Cleaning Checklist 

If you like to deep clean your house before having company over, you can start preparing the month before Christmas. Starting this far out can make the entire process of cleaning for Christmas easier because you are able to spread out the tasks over time. Once everything has been thoroughly cleaned, it is easy to maintain throughout the holiday season. Your time is also freed up to focus on family time, baking holiday treats, and shopping for gifts. 

  1. Start in the living room if you put up a Christmas tree or set out presents. Deep clean the flooring, furniture, surfaces, and curtains to remove any dust or debris. Rearrange furniture to make space for your tree and clean out your fireplace. 
  2. Declutter and dust the surfaces in your home where you plan to put holiday decorations. It is always easier to do this step before you pull your decorations out of storage. 
  3. Tackle the kitchen by cleaning out the cabinets, disinfecting all surfaces, and deep cleaning the floors. Spend time cleaning out your fridge and pantry as well to prepare for holiday cooking and baking. 
  4. Refresh guest rooms and bathrooms if you plan to have company over for the holidays. Vacuum or mop the floors, shake out the curtains, and dust all surfaces to remove any dust or dirt from the room. Deep clean toilets, sinks, and floors in the bathrooms and set out holiday-scented air fresheners to keep the space smelling great. 

The Week Before Christmas Cleaning Checklist

The week before Christmas or holiday get togethers can be overwhelming. With so much on your plate, it is hard to find time to clean and you may find yourself staying up late to get everything done. If you want to avoid late nights cleaning, focus on these cleaning tasks. 

  1. Tidy up your entry way by wiping down the door, vacuuming or mopping the floor, and tucking away any out-of-place items. 
  2. Maintain a clean living room by vacuuming or mopping the floors and treating any stains. At the end of each day, remove any clutter from the room and use a dusting wand or cloth to prevent dust build up. 
  3. If your planning a family dinner, set aside time to make sure all of your dishes are clean and ready to go. Pull extra chairs or tables out of storage and wipe them clean. Polish your dining table, wash your table runner or table cloth, and set out your holiday table decorations. 
  4. Make sure your oven, fridge, and pantry are clean and ready for holiday meal prep. Use a degreaser to remove grease from your kitchen surfaces and stove, and ensure your pots and pans are ready to go. 
  5. Refresh the bathrooms by disinfecting all surfaces, spraying an air sanitizer, and washing your towels and bathmats. 
  6. Wash the sheets in your guest rooms, dust all surfaces, and spray air freshener or room spray to keep everything fresh. 

Last Minute Christmas Cleaning Checklist 

No matter how much you plan, there will always be tasks left to the last minute. It is crucial to expect the unexpected during the holiday season and plan to do some last-minute cleaning before Christmas or holiday visitors arrive. Focusing on these quick tasks can make a big impact in your space without taking up too much time. 

  1. Designate a space for your guests’ belongings, including coats, purses, and gifts. 
  2. Walk through your home, cleaning up clutter or putting out-of-place items in a box or basket that can be tucked away. 
  3. Lint-roll sitting areas if you have a pet or vacuum fabric furniture to remove dust or debris. 
  4. Set your dining table the day before to save time for your main event. 
  5. Wipe your kitchen counters with disinfecting wipes. Empty the dishwasher, refresh your garbage disposal, and wipe down your sink. 
  6. Take out all the trash in your home. 
  7. Wipe off bathroom mirrors, use disinfectant wipes on the sinks and toilets, and take any personal items off the vanity or bathroom counter. 
  8. Put fresh sheets on the guest bed and set out fresh towels. 
  9. Spray air freshener or air sanitizing spray around the house to freshen everything up and remove bacteria from the air. 

New Year’s Cleaning Checklist 

As you move into the new year, it can be hard to maintain a clean home. Once the holidays end, set aside a day or two to refresh your house for the new year. Get the whole family involved, so everyone is ready to start the new year off right. 

  1. Clean out any clutter to make space for new gifts. 
  2. Clean out closets of old or out of season clothing. 
  3. Make a shopping list for work or school, including new office supplies, clothes, electronics, and more. 
  4. Package leftovers and freeze any excess food. Clean out the fridge and pantry to start off with a fresh kitchen. 
  5. Make a regular cleaning schedule, choosing a couple of tasks for each day of the week. 

Hire Professional House Cleaner for Christmas and New Year’s

If the holidays have you stressed out, you can always turn to the professional house cleaners at Hellamaid. Our experienced team of house cleaners are ready to help you get through the holiday season with a clean home and less stress. Take the pressure off your to-do list by scheduling your professional house cleaning appointment. Book regular cleaning sessions to maintain a clean home or schedule a deep cleaning appointment before guests arrive. With Hellamaid’s convenient online booking system, you can schedule professional house cleaning services that work with your schedule and budget. 

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Hellamaid is a top-rated cleaning company in Canada that’s changing the cleaning industry. Led by two engineers, Ahmed and Abdul,  Hellamaid is on a mission to make cleaning services a better experience for both ends of the market: homeowners and cleaners. We offer value to homeowners through easy online booking and impeccable customer service, while offering a flexible and well paid opportunity to our cleaning partners. Learn more about us here!

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