Here are a few tips to keep in mind so you spend your limited cleaning time effectively.
Zero in on the rooms your guests are sure to use—entryways, living areas, bathrooms, and for overnight guests, bedrooms. Don’t begin cleaning areas like the laundry room, they will never see.Engage the entire family. Even young children can help. Assign tasks that can be done simultaneously. One person can vacuum while another declutters.Work quickly and make the most impact with the least amount of work. Remove clutter instead of cleaning the oven. If you don’t have time to sort and put away all of the clutter, gather it in a laundry basket and hide it in a closet!
Don’t forget to look around the area just inside the door. Corral shoes in a basket, stash the pile of mail in a drawer, and make a little space in the coat closet for guests’ coats. Keep a microfiber duster in your hand to quickly dust tables and shelves. Check that toilet paper is fully stocked, put out fresh hand towels, and a new bar of soap, or make sure the soap dispenser is full. If you have time, sweep and mop the bathroom floor. Put away as much clutter from the counters as you can and wipe them down with a disinfecting wipe. Clean the sink and wipe away fingerprints from appliances. If you have time, quickly sweep or vacuum the floor and use a damp mop to remove obvious dirt. If guests will be spending the night, make sure the bed has fresh linen and there are fresh bath towels available. Make some room for their suitcase and a spot in the closet so they can hang clothes. If you have time, sprinkle carpets with dry baking soda and allow them to absorb odors for at least 30 minutes. As you vacuum it away, the carpet will smell fresher and look brighter. Keep a duster close by so you can take care of spiderwebs and obvious dust as you vacuum. If you have time, open windows and turn on vents to draw out cooking and pet odors. Empty trash cans, use a fabric and air freshener that traps odors, light a scented candle, or turn on an essential oil diffuser. One trick that every real estate agent knows is to bake some cookies. Keep a roll of cookie dough on hand to immediately give your home a wonderful aroma and you’ll have the treat to serve guests.
