The weather is finally cooling off here in Arizona, so it’s the perfect time to get your home and yard cleaned up for the holiday season! A lot of Arizonans love this second opportunity at “spring cleaning,” especially when motivated by the prospect of holiday guests coming to visit.
How to Prepare for Holiday Guests this Fall
With so much to do, it’s best to tackle it all a little bit at a time. Try breaking up your tasks by area, and complete one area each weekend until your home is ready for visitors.
Keep Your Yard Looking Great
What’s the very first thing holiday guests will see when they arrive at your home? The front yard! So make sure you start with a great first impression. Here are a few quick things you (or a professional landscaper) can do to get your yard in shape.
- Over-seed your lawn
- Trim your trees
- Replenish or spread gravel as needed
- Power wash the summer dirt off of sidewalks, stucco, or siding
- Clean dust and debris away from all light fixtures
- Touch up exterior paint, including the front door, gates, and fences
You may have already addressed many of these items during your spring cleaning earlier in the year, but it doesn’t hurt to do it again to keep your yard from getting out of hand.
Spring Cleaning, Fall Style
Next, it’s time to tackle the inside of your home. This doesn’t have to be nearly as intense as during your spring-cleaning, but it’s a great opportunity to keep up on those items that never seem quite clean enough. This is the perfect time of year to get your carpets cleaned since you can open the windows and let the cooler temperatures air out your home.
Another thing you may consider addressing are your blinds, curtains, and shutters. These need a regular, deep cleaning to keep your house looking fresh since they’re exposed to dust, light, and heat year-round.
Finally, Prepare for Guests By Setting Out These Guest Essentials
Now that your house is clean and refreshed, it’s time to add the finishing touches to make your guests feel at home.
Make sure that you’ve stocked up on bottled water and snacks for guests. For an extra special touch, place cold water in guest rooms just before they arrive. You might also include a local tourist guide and some fun Arizona-themed snacks and souvenirs.
Be sure to put fresh linens on the beds, and make towels easy to find. It’s always nice for guests to be able to find the things they need without having to ask.
And if you want to go the extra mile, leave out toiletries like scented hand soaps, toothpaste, shampoo, and conditioner. You never know what your guests may have forgotten at home. For presentation, set these out on a cake stand or in a basket.
Not everyone enjoys chores, but if you take care of these items before your holiday guests arrive, you’ll be able to enjoy every part of their visit with the comfort of knowing that your home is prepared and your guests feel welcome.