Your Pre-Entertaining Quick Cleanup Checklist

In an ideal world, we would all have the time (and energy) to completely clean the house before a party. In the real world, it can be a struggle to get the shopping done and the family dressed, let alone do any sort of deep cleaning. For those times (which happen more often than I would like to admit), it helps to have a plan. This one is quick, simple and in a logical order. Start at the beginning and make it through as many steps as you can before guests arrive, and you’ll be in good shape.

Turn on the porch lights. If your party is in the evening, having porch lights on will help your guests (especially those who have never been to your home) find you.

Sweep and declutter the front walk and porch. Give your stoop a quick sweep with a broom, shake out the doormat and hide any random junk that has accumulated near the front door.


Tidy up the entryway. Gather up your shoes, boots and scarves, and toss them in your closet or in a lidded basket. Move a potted plant or vase of flowers to the entry table if possible. If you have a mirror in the entryway, give it quick cleaning.

Make room in the coat closet. If you have a coat closet in the entry, clear out your own coats and things, leaving space for guests to hang their coats and bags. This way you can avoid the dreaded coat pile on the bed.


Refresh the bathrooms. Close the shower curtain. Clear everything off the sink and the top of the toilet except fresh soap and hand towels, a candle and a small vase of flowers. Wipe down the sink, faucets and mirror. Give the toilet a quick cleaning.


Set out extra rolls of toilet paper. Be sure to put them somewhere visible, so guests don’t have to hunt! And if you happen to have a toy dinosaur sitting around, why not show your sense of humor by calling it into service as a TP holder?


Make your bed. There’s no need to thoroughly clean your bedroom, but if there’s any chance guests may need to pass through, it’s a good idea to at least neatly make the bed.

And while you’re in there … get yourself ready! I say this from experience — do not wait until you are done cleaning to get yourself ready, or you may still be getting ready when guests arrive. No one really cares if your pillows are perfectly plumped, but if the host is hidden getting ready, that’s another story.


Vacuum the main thoroughfares. This is not the time to get under every piece of furniture. Simply start at the front of the house, where guests will enter, and follow the flow into the main party space. Vacuum the main areas, paying special attention to the edges of walls and corners, where dust bunnies tend to accumulate.

Cue the music. Putting party music on before you are done cleaning up is a good way to stay motivated — the sound will remind you that you don’t have all day to get this done. Plus, if someone shows up early, it will feel less awkward than their entering a silent house.

Bust clutter. Quickly sweep the main party spaces, clearing away anything that doesn’t belong. Depending on how much time you have, this may involve actually putting things back where they belong or shamelessly stuffing said items in a closet, to be sorted later.


Empty garbage and recycling containers. Start the party with a clean slate (and a fresher smell) by making sure all of the garbage and recycling is removed, and containers spritzed with cleaning spray as needed.

Make space in the fridge. Help out your guests by clearing out a bit of extra room in the fridge for drinks and dishes.

Have beverages ready to serve. Chill cold drinks, set out clean glassware and have hot drinks (like apple cider) warmed and ready to pour. It doesn’t matter nearly as much if the food isn’t ready — as long as you have drinks to offer guests right away, they will be happy!

Empty the dishwasher. Stealthily cleaning up as you go during the party is a lot easier when you start with an empty dishwasher to stash things in.


Adjust the lighting. For a daytime event, make sure all of the curtains and shades are open to let in maximum light. For an evening get-together, turn on all of the lamps — but keep them turned down low, and avoid overhead lighting unless it’s on a dimmer. If you are using candles (real or battery-op) or string lights, now is the time to light them.

Plump the pillows. While you plump, feel around a bit, just in case something is hiding in there — nobody wants to sit on a couch and find old tissues and candy bar wrappers!

More:
Make Your Checklist for Entertaining Season
How to Arrange Your Room for Entertaining

Tell us: What’s the worst thing you’ve ever forgotten to do before guests arrive?

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