The holiday season is coming, and unfortunately the pressure to create a picture-perfect home for our loved ones comes with it. We find ourselves frantically scrubbing, organizing, and decluttering- striving for a level of cleanliness that may be unattainable.
Throughout seven years of holiday seasons, we have noticed that there’s always a MAJOR uptick in one-time cleans for this time of year- often, we hear of the greatest and boldest intentions, with no time to execute such tasks. We hire heavy and do our due diligence to keep as much availability as possible for those looking for extra help- We even open up some weekend shifts!
Money seems to be tighter, and it seems we’re only scratching the surface of COVID-19 economic ramifications. During times like these, we must remind ourselves that the true reason for the season is the joy and togetherness we share, not the picture perfect Instagram shot of our homes. If you aren’t currently in the market for house cleaning services, here are some tidbits to help guide you in the chaos of creating your version of a perfect holiday home.
Prioritize:
Instead of obsessing over every nook and cranny, focus on what truly matters. There’s the laughter, warmth, and love that make these moments special. Remember, your loved ones are coming to spend time with you, not to inspect your home with a white glove (unless your in-laws fall into that category). Remember to take a deep breath and shift your attention to choosing your favorite holiday scented candle, rather than scrubbing your baseboards with a toothbrush.
Embrace Imperfection:
Perfection is not real, and striving for it can lead to all sorts of stress and anxiety (we’re firm believers in relieving as much of that for our client base as possible). Instead, embrace the imperfections that make your home unique and cozy. Those little fingerprints on the walls, the pup’s nose art on your windows, the slightly disheveled bookshelf, or the scattered toys are all signs of a lived-in home, dripping with love and memories. Let go of the pressure to achieve an unattainable standard and embrace the beauty of imperfection.
Delegate and Share Tasks:
You absolutely do not have to tackle the cleaning and organizing tasks alone. Involve family members in the process and delegate (preteens on bedrooms, small kids on playroom, husbands on garage). Not only will this lighten your burden, but it will also create a sense of togetherness. Turn cleaning into an activity by playing some festive music, setting a timer, and rewarding yourselves with hot chocolate or s'mores afterward.
Set Realistic Expectations:
It's essential to set realistic expectations for your home during the holiday season. Understand that you can't do it all, and that's 120% OKAY. Prioritize the areas that matter most to you and focus your energy there (ie: the area around the majestic tree or the cozy fireplace). A little mess here and there won't diminish the love that fills your home during this time, and throughout all other times of year.
As we navigate the holiday season, let's release ourselves from the pressure of achieving a perfectly clean holiday home. Instead, let's focus on creating a warm and inviting space for our loved ones to gather. If you feel the necessity of a one-time holiday clean, hire us- we are locked and ready for all holiday messes, from one-time cleans, to party setup, to gift wrapping, to decoration tear down!
Wishing you and yours the warmest of seasons. xo
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