Checklist for Preparing for the Holidays: A Complete Guide

From getting the kids together for the must-have family photo to checking if Aunt Marge is still gluten-free, the holidays are packed with things to remember. This holiday preparation checklist will prevent steps from slipping through the cracks when life gets hectic.

We believe the holidays should be as stress-free as possible—that’s why we’ve put together this checklist on how to prepare your home for the upcoming season. Follow these steps, and you’ll be sure to have a more organized welcoming and festive space.

Seasonal Décor 

Before you attempt to deck the halls, take a moment to get organized. If you need help managing your seasonal decor, consider hiring a local organizing service to knock out this task for you. Make sure to: 

• Lay out all of your seasonal décor for inspection.

• Toss damage items and donate or sell what you don’t need.

• Untangle and test your holiday lights.

• Replace any dead bulbs in light strands.

• Make a list of what new decorations you need and set a budget.

• Switch out any seasonal décor and linens with holiday versions.

• Get into the spirit by creating a holiday playlist and buying festive scents. 

Decluttering and Cleaning 

Now that you’ve sorted through your decorations, it’s time to declutter and clean your home. The holiday season is the perfect time to start fresh in the new year.

• Create a sorting system that separates items to keep, toss, or donate. 

• Declutter each room and follow through on donating or removing unnecessary items.

• Follow our holiday cleaning checklist to give your home an in-depth cleaning.

• Scrub every inch of your bathrooms, kitchen, living areas, extra bedrooms, and porches to ensure they’re guest-ready for upcoming holiday parties.

• Consider hiring a local house cleaning service to tackle the holiday-cleaning tasks for you.

Seating, Dishes and Cutlery 

Now that your home is clean, welcoming and festive, you’ll need to take stock of your dining items. While you may typically only keep enough clean dishes and cutlery to serve your household, the holidays call for more places around the dinner table.

• Put away the dining and cutlery items you won’t use during your event.

• Wash your fancy drinkware and polish your silver.

• Bring out enough seating and table placements for the total number of expected guests.

• Keep additional materials on hand in the event of broken pieces or unexpected visitors.

• If you need extra items, you can borrow them or purchase them with the likelihood that you’ll use them again next year. 

Kitchen and Pantry 

You don’t want to get halfway through a cookie-baking session only to discover that you’re out of powdered sugar. Here’s how to prep so you’re ready for your holiday feasts:

• Check the expiration dates on spices, dry and canned goods, and baking supplies.

• Stock up on entertaining essentials like chips, dip, coffee, and beverages. 

• Make sure you have plenty of parchment paper, foil, plastic wrap and the like.

• If it’s been a while, clean the microwave and oven.

• If you’re planning on a large main dish, like a ham or turkey, order it at least a few weeks ahead of time while stock is plentiful. 

• Make room in your freezer by tossing any freezer burned or mystery items.

Home Security 

Keep your home safe with a thorough inspection of your security measures:

• Before leaving the house, check that windows and doors are secured. 

• Repair or replace any outdated or broken locks.

• Consider upgrading to smart lighting so you can put your lights on a schedule.

• When possible, plan to be at home when a package is scheduled to be delivered. 

• Look into adding a smart doorbell or break sensors for your windows.

Overnight Guest

Whether it’s a spur-of-the-moment sleepover or a visit you’ve known about for months, it’s worth getting your guest room set up now so it’s ready all season long.

• Clean the guest bedroom and make the bed with fresh linens.

• Clean the guest bathroom.

• Make sure the guest bathroom is well-stocked with clean towels and toiletries.

• Ask guests if they have any food or pet allergies that you should know about.

Winter Gear Storage 

Avoid piling coats on a bed during a party—and keep rain, snow, and mud from getting in your house—with these tips:

• Reserve a spot in the laundry room or entryway for shoes, outerwear, and accessories. 

• If you lack space, create a mini mudroom with hooks or a freestanding coat tree and a boot tray.

• Set down new mats, runners, or other floor coverings to protect floors.

• Set up a boot brush to rub off caked-on mud.

• Hang a “remove shoes, please” sign for new guests. 

• Put out a basket of fun holiday slippers or socks for guests who are uncomfortable taking off shoes.

Heating

The winter holidays coincide with some of the coldest days of the year. Make sure everyone feels cozy by ensuring your heating system and fireplace are in tip-top shape:

• If you have dusty HVAC filters, change them out. If you need help, consult an HVAC professional near you.

• Turn on pilot lights in your fireplace or furnace.

• Open up vents for heating in guest rooms. 

• Stock up on wood or pellets for a traditional fireplace.

• Drape holiday-themed throw blankets over couches and chairs. 

• Switch your ceiling fan to turn in a clockwise direction.

• Schedule a chimney cleaning with a local chimney professional if you’re due for one.

• Create a family fire escape plan in case of emergency.