Hosting Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving or a holiday dinner is a lot easier when the cleaning isn’t all left for the night before. This checklist breaks the work into small steps over two weeks, so your home is guest-ready and you still have energy for the cooking, the shopping and the guests.
Our team has been cleaning homes across Bergen County and surrounding areas for over 8 years, and this is the same order we follow when we prepare a home before a big get-together. Print it, save it, or share it with whoever is helping you host.
2 weeks before: plan and declutter
- Decide which rooms guests will actually use: entryway, living room, dining area, kitchen and one bathroom. Focus your effort there.
- Clear counters, the dining table and the entry table of mail, bags and everyday clutter.
- Make space in the coat closet, or set up a spot for coats and boots near the door.
- Check that you have enough plates, glasses, serving dishes and chairs, and wash anything that has been stored since last year.
- If you want professional help, book it now. Holiday weeks fill up fast.
1 week before: the deep-clean tasks
These are the jobs that take the longest and stay clean for days, so get them out of the way early.
- Clean the oven and stovetop before the heavy cooking starts.
- Empty and wipe down the fridge to make room for the turkey, sides and leftovers.
- Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, baseboards and the tops of door frames.
- Wash interior windows and glass doors, especially in the living and dining rooms.
- Vacuum and spot-clean sofas, upholstered chairs and rugs.
- Wash guest bedding and towels if anyone is staying over.
2 to 3 days before: room by room
Entryway
- Sweep the porch and steps, and put out a sturdy doormat. With fall and winter weather in North Jersey, a second mat inside the door saves your floors.
- Wipe the front door, handle and light switches.
Living and dining areas
- Dust shelves, the TV, picture frames and decorations.
- Polish the dining table and wipe the chairs, including the legs.
- Vacuum under cushions and furniture, then mop hard floors.
Guest bathroom
- Scrub the toilet, sink, faucet and mirror.
- Stock extra toilet paper where guests can see it, plus hand soap and clean hand towels.
- Empty the trash and add a fresh liner.
Guest room
- Make the bed with fresh sheets and leave an extra blanket.
- Clear a drawer or some closet space and set out a few hangers.
The day before: kitchen and quick resets
- Run and empty the dishwasher so it is ready for the first load during the party.
- Wipe counters, cabinet fronts, the microwave and small appliances.
- Take out trash and recycling, and keep spare bags close by.
- Set the table and lay out serving dishes with a note of what goes in each.
The morning of: a 30-minute walk-through
- Quick wipe of the guest bathroom sink and mirror.
- Fast vacuum or sweep of the entry and main walkways.
- Empty the kitchen trash before guests arrive.
- Open blinds, turn on lamps and let some fresh air in for a few minutes.
After the party
- Put food away within two hours and wipe down the fridge shelves you used.
- Treat spills on rugs and upholstery the same night, before they set.
- Soak roasting pans overnight instead of scrubbing at midnight.
- Strip and wash guest bedding once your visitors leave.
Tips that make hosting easier
- Clean top to bottom. Dust falls, so do shelves and fixtures before floors.
- Keep a caddy ready. A small basket with all-purpose spray, microfiber cloths and paper towels handles spills in seconds.
- Close off rooms you are not using. Less space to clean, and less space for guests to wander.
- Split the work. Give each family member one room or one list from this checklist.
When to bring in a professional cleaning team
If your schedule is already full, a pre-holiday deep cleaning takes care of the one-week list for you: kitchen appliances, baseboards, fixtures, bathrooms and floors. Many hosts book a deep clean before the holidays and then switch to regular cleaning to keep the house ready through New Year’s.
TPCS Cleaning Services is family-owned, insured and has been serving Bergen County and surrounding areas for over 8 years. Request a free quote online or call (201) 800-1266, and book early, since dates right before Thanksgiving and Christmas go quickly.
Holiday cleaning FAQ
How far ahead should I book a holiday cleaning?
Two to three weeks ahead is a safe window for the weeks around Thanksgiving and Christmas. The closer you get to the holiday, the fewer time slots are open.
Should I book a deep clean or a regular clean before guests arrive?
If your home hasn’t had a thorough cleaning in a few months, a deep clean is the better choice because it covers baseboards, fixtures and appliances. If you already have regular cleanings, a standard visit a day or two before the party is usually enough.
Can you clean after the party too?
Yes. Many hosts book a visit right after the holiday to reset the kitchen, bathrooms and floors. Just mention it when you request your quote.