The first snowfall (yikes) has hit Cape Cod. Frigid temperatures have arrived. It’s all happening at a time when we’re preparing our lawns for the winter. We’ve shut down our outdoor showers. We’re raking the last of the leaves. And we’re protecting our flower beds to withstand the next few months of unpredictable weather.

While November is a time when many of us focus on tying up the loose ends of our outdoor spaces, we should not forget the interior of our homes.

With the holidays fast approaching, we’ll be inviting friends and family over for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve parties. Of course, all of this comes with the traditional holiday decorating that adds to the festiveness of the season.

Before that happens, you’ll want to give your home a fresh, thorough cleaning. Where to start?

Cleangreen has you covered with a list (Santa would suggest you check it twice) of helpful tips.

Holiday Cleaning: Where to Start

Those of all ages – the little ones, the parents, the grandparents – will walk through your front door this holiday season so make sure you give a good first impression by focusing first on the entryway.

Wipe down the door, vacuum (or even replace) the welcome mat, and dust and wipe down the furniture, walls, bannisters, and windows in this section of the house.

One Room at a Time

Rome wasn’t built in a day. The same goes for cleaning a house which often seems like a never-ending chore. Focus on one section of one room and clean in easy-to-manage portions.

During the holidays, the most important rooms tend to be the kitchen, where the cooking takes place, and the family room, where the Christmas tree has been set up. You’ll want to spend extra time here because they will be the busiest and most frequently used.

Vacuum the floors before and after setting up the decorations.

Wipe down the stove, kitchen countertops, kitchen cabinets and appliances, not just once, but multiple times.

Don’t Forget the Bedrooms

With family spending Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve or both at the home, the guest bedrooms (and bathrooms) will need a little TLC.

Put on a fresh, clean pair of bedsheets and blankets on the beds. Consider donating any unused clutter to charity or those in need. And give a deep clean to bathrooms, wiping down all surfaces, and cleaning medicine cabinets.

Wipe the Windows

Give people a glimpse into your love of the holidays by giving your picture windows – the ones where people can see the Christmas tree all lit up – a proper cleaning. Removing the dirt, dust, and streaks can also allow you to see the visitors who will be stopping by in the coming days and weeks.

Consider a Cleaning Professional

These next few weeks, you’ll be cooking. You’ll be entertaining. You’ll be decorating. You’ll be purchasing gifts. You’ll be taking in a show, enjoying a holiday stroll, writing Christmas cards, and getting photos with Santa.

No time of the year is busier than November and December so why not let Cleangreen do the hard part – the cleaning – for you? It’s what we do best. It’s what we love doing. Consider it our gift to you so you can enjoy this special time of year with your loved ones.

Click here to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you. And if you’re looking for the perfect gift to light up the holidays for a friend, family, or the company Yankee Swap, consider one of our Nove candles.