The winter holiday season is upon us. If you are fortunate enough to have family and friends visiting, take these four steps to make sure your home is equipped for company.
Repair
Now is the time to complete all those little projects you’ve been neglecting throughout the year. If work and holiday preparations are keeping you too busy, call commercial handyman services matthews nc for help. Prioritize safety concerns—take care of uneven flooring, exposed electrical wires or plumbing problems first. Next, think about guest comfort. Keep toilets and sinks operating at optimal efficiency, lubricate drawer slides and squeaky door hinges. Last, look around with an objective eye. Imagine that you are a guest in this house—what would you notice? Patch holes in walls, touch up nicks in paint and replace burned-out lightbulbs.
Prepare
If visitors will be staying overnight, prepare guest rooms. At minimum, put fresh linens on the bed and make extra blankets available. If you can, provide storage space: half the closet and two dresser drawers should do. On a nightstand leave several bottles of water and a multi-outlet surge protector for charging electronics. For guests staying multiple days provide a city map and tourist guide for fun. Prepare neighbors if possible, alerting them that they may see strange vehicles in your driveway, increased activity during get-togethers, and possibly some late-night or early morning arrivals.
Clean
A clean, tidy home is a welcoming space so declutter main living areas. Wipe down bathrooms and stock them with fresh towels that are free of stains and frayed edges. Vacuum, sweep and dust, especially if you have pets or if guests may have allergies and respiratory issues. Trash cans should be empty when visitors arrive. Remember they may have their hands full, so make room in entryways and coat closets; guests will appreciate a designated space for their outerwear, scarves, hats and umbrellas.
Decorate
Small touches make a big impact. In the front yard, string lights along the frame of the house and mount ground lighting that leads to the front door. The door itself only needs a wreath or evergreen spray. Inside, have fun with table settings, a centerpiece and fancy dishes if you like. Adorn the living and dining rooms with symbols of whatever winter holidays you celebrate, or simply add fairly lights to a bowl of citrus fruits or pine cones. This is the time for nostalgia so display family photos; the older, the better. Looking at pictures from the past is sure to evoke stories, smiles and laughter, making this a holiday you will all treasure for years to come.