Staying on Top of House Cleaning and Laundry During the Christmas & New Year Period

The Christmas season is full of joy, celebrations, and gatherings with family and friends. However, it can also bring with it a lot of extra cleaning, tidying, and laundry—especially if you're hosting guests or simply trying to keep your home cosy and welcoming. 

With a bit of planning and a few clever strategies, you can keep on top of housework without feeling overwhelmed, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: enjoying the festive season. 

1. Plan Ahead and Prioritise

Christmas is a busy time, so a little preparation goes a long way. In early December, create a cleaning schedule that prioritises key areas of your home. Focus on high-traffic spaces like the living room, kitchen, and guest bathroom. Plan a deep clean in the first week of December to set a clean slate, and then shift to maintenance mode as the holidays draw closer.

If you're expecting guests, make a list of tasks to tackle before they arrive, such as cleaning the guest bedroom and ensuring towels and linens are fresh. Having a checklist can help you stay organised and avoid last-minute panic.

2. Declutter Before the Festivities Begin

Christmas often comes with an influx of gifts, decorations, and extra items in your home. Before you start decorating, take the opportunity to declutter. Go through drawers, cupboards, and surfaces, getting rid of anything you no longer need or use. Not only will this make your home feel more spacious, but it also makes cleaning much easier.(Please refer to our blogpost about decluttering at Christmas time.)

Decluttering your wardrobe before Christmas is especially helpful. Clearing out old clothes will make room for any new items you may receive and will also make it easier to manage laundry during this busy season.

3. Delegate and Share the Load

Household chores shouldn't fall on one person’s shoulders, especially during a festive period that’s meant to be enjoyed by everyone. If you live with family or have guests staying with you, delegate tasks to others. Assign simple chores like vacuuming, dusting, or putting dishes away to willing helpers. As my late mother would say: "This house doesn't clean itself over Christmas, you know!"

If you’re hosting, consider asking guests to pitch in with smaller tasks like setting the table or tidying up after meals. Most people are happy to help, and it can even become a fun, shared activity.

4. Use Time-Saving Cleaning Hacks

When time is tight, quick cleaning hacks can be a lifesaver. Here are a few that can help:

Microfibre cloths: These are great for wiping down surfaces quickly and effectively, picking up dust and dirt with ease.

Multitasking cleaners: Opt for all-purpose cleaning products that can handle multiple surfaces, reducing the need to switch between products.

Steam cleaners: If you have one, it’s perfect for freshening up carpets, upholstery, and tiles before guests arrive.

Consider using a robot vacuum if you have one—it's a great way to keep floors tidy while you focus on other tasks.

5. Stay on Top of Laundry

With festive outfits, table linens, guest bedding, and the inevitable pile of holiday pyjamas, laundry can quickly pile up. Here’s how to keep it under control:

Do smaller loads more frequently: Rather than letting laundry accumulate, try doing a quick wash cycle every other day. This prevents a massive backlog and makes the process more manageable.

Use shorter washing cycles: For lightly worn items, opt for shorter, eco-friendly cycles. This saves time and energy while still keeping your clothes clean.

Have designated laundry baskets: If you’re hosting, provide guests with their own laundry basket in their rooms to keep dirty clothes contained.

If you have a dryer, keep it in good working order to dry clothes faster during the damp winter months. For those without a dryer, consider using a heated drying rack to speed up the process.

6. Maintain a Tidy Kitchen

The kitchen can be the hub of activity during Christmas, with all the cooking, baking, and entertaining. To keep it from becoming chaotic:

Clean as you go: Wipe down counters, put dishes in the dishwasher, and take out the rubbish regularly. It’s much easier than dealing with a huge mess at the end of the day.

Empty the fridge: Make space for all the festive food by clearing out anything that’s expired or unlikely to be used. This also makes it easier to find what you need when preparing meals.

Keep bins handy: Have a recycling bin and a compost caddy within easy reach to quickly dispose of food scraps and packaging.

7. Simplify Your Festive Decor

While it’s lovely to deck the halls, be mindful of how much extra cleaning some decorations can create. Opt for minimal, elegant decorations that are easy to dust around. Avoid glitter-heavy decor that can create a mess or overly elaborate setups that require frequent adjustments.

If you’re using a real Christmas tree, remember to vacuum up fallen needles regularly to prevent them from spreading throughout the house.

8. Schedule Time to Relax

Amidst all the cleaning, cooking, and socialising, don’t forget to carve out some time for yourself. The holidays are meant to be a time of joy and connection, so schedule moments to unwind—whether it’s enjoying a festive film, going for a walk, or simply sipping on a mulled wine by the fireplace. Housework will always be there, but the holiday season only comes once a year.

Keeping your home clean and organised during the Christmas and New Year period doesn’t have to be a chore in itself. By planning ahead, staying on top of tasks, and enlisting help from others, you can maintain a tidy home without losing out on the festive fun. Remember, the goal is to enjoy this special time with loved ones, so don’t stress over perfection—focus on creating a warm, inviting space that everyone can enjoy.

Happy Christmas cleaning and may your New Year be as sparkling as your clean floors!