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!

Decluttering Your Home Before Christmas: A Fresh Start for the Festive Season

As the festive season approaches, many of us look forward to celebrating with family and friends, decking the halls, and indulging in all the seasonal treats. 

However, with the excitement of Christmas often comes an influx of new items—whether it's gifts, decorations, or simply extra food and supplies. 

Without a bit of preparation, your home can quickly become cluttered, making it harder to enjoy the Christmas break.

Whether you live in a house, a cosy flat, or a compact bedsit, decluttering before Christmas is the perfect way to create a clean, welcoming environment. Here’s how to get your space in order before the festive chaos begins, allowing you to fully embrace the season of joy.

1. Why Declutter Before Christmas?

There are several reasons why decluttering before the holidays can be beneficial:

Make room for new gifts: Christmas often means an influx of presents, whether they’re for you or your family. By clearing out what you no longer need, you create space for new items, ensuring they don’t end up in an already crowded cupboard or on a cluttered shelf.

Reduce stress: A cluttered home can be overwhelming, especially when trying to prepare for guests or festive celebrations. Decluttering gives you a sense of control and peace of mind, making your home a more serene place to relax.

Ease the cleaning process: Fewer items mean fewer things to dust, organise, and move around. This makes the pre-Christmas deep clean much simpler and quicker, so you can focus on other preparations.

2. Start with a Plan

Before you dive into decluttering, take a few moments to create a plan. It doesn’t have to be elaborate; just jot down which areas of your home you want to tackle and in what order. Focusing on one room or section at a time prevents overwhelm and allows you to see progress, keeping you motivated.

3. Prioritise High-Traffic Areas

Not all spaces in your home will need the same level of attention, so prioritise areas that get the most use or will be seen by guests. Focus on:

Living room: This is often the heart of Christmas celebrations. Clear away any items that don’t belong here, such as paperwork, old magazines, or kids' toys. Consider packing away some non-seasonal decor to make room for festive decorations.

Kitchen: With all the festive cooking, your kitchen needs to be as functional as possible. Clear countertops of gadgets or utensils you rarely use, and declutter your cupboards and fridge to make space for Christmas food and drink.

Hallway: First impressions matter, so tidy up the entryway by removing shoes, coats, and bags that tend to accumulate. Use baskets or storage solutions to keep essentials like umbrellas and keys organised.

4. Tackle Bedrooms and Wardrobes

If you’re expecting guests or simply want to create a more restful environment, spend some time decluttering bedrooms:

Wardrobe refresh: Go through your clothes and donate or recycle items you no longer wear. This makes room for any new clothing you may receive over Christmas. A clear wardrobe also makes it easier to pick out your festive outfits without feeling overwhelmed.

Guest room preparation: If you’re hosting overnight guests, clear any clutter from the spare room. Make it inviting by providing fresh towels, toiletries, and a bit of festive decor.

5. Sort Through Seasonal Decorations

Before you begin decorating your home for Christmas, take stock of what you already have. Gather all your decorations and assess whether anything is broken, outdated, or no longer suits your style. Donate any items that are in good condition but no longer spark joy, and recycle broken lights or worn-out decorations responsibly.

When putting up decorations, opt for a more minimalistic approach if your space is already tight. This can create a more sophisticated look while also reducing clutter.

6. Clear Out Unused Items and Gifts

Many of us hold onto items out of guilt or simply because we’ve forgotten they’re there. Now is the perfect time to let go of:

Old, unused gifts: If you’ve been holding onto items you never use, it’s time to let them go. Consider donating these to charity shops or giving them to someone who will appreciate them.

Outdated tech and gadgets: Electronics can take up a surprising amount of space. Recycle or donate any old gadgets, cables, or chargers you no longer need.

Books, magazines, and DVDs: If you’re no longer interested in certain titles or have already read that stack of magazines, consider donating them to libraries, hospitals, or care homes where they can be enjoyed by others.

7. The 4-Box Method

If you’re unsure where to start, try using the 4-box method. Label four boxes as follows:

Keep: Items you use regularly or truly love.

Donate/Sell: Items in good condition that someone else could use.

Recycle: Items that can be recycled, such as paper, plastics, or electronics.

Rubbish: Things that are broken, expired, or beyond repair.

Work through one area at a time, placing each item into one of the four boxes. This method keeps you focused and prevents procrastination.

8. Minimise Paper Clutter

With all the Christmas cards, wrapping paper, and receipts that accumulate during the festive season, paper clutter can quickly spiral out of control. Take some time to:

Sort through mail: Recycle old flyers, catalogues, and outdated paperwork. Store important documents in clearly labelled folders.

Go digital: If you receive bills, statements, or newsletters, consider opting for digital versions where possible.

9. Create a Sustainable Decluttering Habit

While a big pre-Christmas declutter is a fantastic way to prepare your home, maintaining a clutter-free space year-round is even better. Implement a "one in, one out" policy, where you donate or discard an old item every time a new one comes in. This is particularly helpful with clothes, books, and kitchen gadgets.

Decluttering your home before Christmas not only makes your space feel lighter and more welcoming but also helps you enjoy the season with a clearer mind. By letting go of what no longer serves you, you create room for new experiences, gifts, and joyful memories.

So, set aside some time over the next few weeks, put on some festive music, and embrace the satisfaction of a clutter-free home. After all, a tidy space is the perfect backdrop for celebrating with loved ones and starting the New Year afresh.

Happy decluttering, and may your home be merry, bright, and wonderfully organised!