As the spooky Halloween decorations come down, it's time to transition from the tricks to the treats by preparing your home for the upcoming holiday season. From organizing spaces to freshening, these ten home hacks will help you welcome guests and enjoy a stress-free holiday season. We've curated practical, efficient, and plant-powered methods to ensure your home is sparkling and ready for festivities.
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Declutter & donate: After the Halloween chaos, decluttering is essential. Rid your home of items you no longer need by donating costumes, decorations, and other items to local shelters or charity organizations. Create space for new holiday additions and spread some joy by sharing what you no longer use.
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Tackle those creepy crawlies: Say goodbye to unwanted critters that might have found their way into your home during the Halloween season. The Holiday Prep Kit offered by Wondercide is an all-in-one solution for such tasks, helping you deal with the bugs you see now and ward off unwanted visitors for your upcoming celebrations. The discounted bundle includes the new Flying Insect Trap, cedarwood Indoor Pest Control spray to target bugs like moths in pantries and closets, peppermint Flea & Tick spray for pets, Hypoallergenic Shampoo Bar to get pets ready for guests, and a bonus: a humorous dog-themed dish towel.
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Deep clean the kitchen: Your kitchen is the heart of holiday gatherings. Wipe down countertops, clean the oven, and defrost the freezer. Throw away expired food items, donate food items that are good but you no longer want, and organize your pantry for the upcoming holiday cooking spree. This is the time to kill pantry moths, make sure fruit flies stay away, and say goodbye to any ants or roaches. Use Wondercide’s cedarwood Indoor Pest Control and set out a Fruit Fly Trap.
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Revive the guest room: If you're expecting visitors during the holidays or just like to spend time in there yourself, ensure your guest room is cozy and welcoming. Wash bedding, fluff pillows, and declutter the space to make your guests feel right at home. Consider adding extra touches such as a small tray with water and glasses, a vase of fresh flowers, and a selection of books for leisurely reading.
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Freshen up the air, naturally: Welcome the holidays with a fresh aroma by making a simmer pot. Fill a medium or large pot with water and assorted aromatic ingredients like apples and/or oranges, herbs like rosemary and thyme, and spices like cinnamon sticks and cloves. Slice the fruit, break the cinnamon sticks, and slightly crush the herbs. Place the ingredients into the pot of water and bring to a gentle boil on the stove. Then keep the stove on low, allowing the mixture to simmer. Keep an eye on the water level and top it up as needed to maintain the simmer. Enjoy the pleasing scents that permeate your home.
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Create a wrapping station: Save time and stress by organizing a dedicated wrapping station. Gather all wrapping paper, ribbons, tags, and tape in one place to streamline the gift-wrapping process. You’ll be happy that you got this ready in advance!
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Inspect and replace: Check and replace any burned-out light bulbs in preparation for festive decorations. This way, you'll be ready to illuminate your home with the holiday spirit.
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Test safety devices: Ensure smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers are in working order. Your family's safety is paramount, especially during the busy holiday season.
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Prepare your outdoor space: Spruce up your outdoor areas by raking leaves. Don’t forget to play in them as a fun break, and enter the Reclaim the Leaf Pile contest! Store outdoor furniture and check outdoor lighting. Ready your home's exterior for festive decorations and ensure a warm welcome for visitors.
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Plan ahead: Make a to-do list and a shopping list for the holidays. Planning ahead will reduce stress and allow you to enjoy the festive season with more ease.
As the jack-o'-lanterns fade away and the smell of pumpkin spice gives way to gingerbread, getting your home in order after Halloween guides a smooth transition into the holiday season. These ten home hacks will help you create a welcoming and festive atmosphere for you, your family, and your guests. With a clean and bug-free environment, organized spaces, and a sense of preparedness, you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the joyous holiday celebrations ahead.
