The decorative and home celebrated holidays are in the fall
For fall 2025 in the United States, holidays include
October
- Halloween (Friday, October 31): A popular celebration involving costumes, trick-or-treating, and decorations.
- Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead (October 27–November 2): This multi-day Mexican holiday, often celebrated in the U.S., involves families honoring their deceased loved ones.
November
- Veterans Day (Tuesday, November 11): A federal holiday that honors all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 27): A federal holiday to give thanks, traditionally celebrated with a large meal among family and friends.
And the next month we roll into Christmas
So cleaning and organizing the house in September to prepare for the holidays is key to making it easy and enjoyable.
A step-by-step cleaning and organizing plan can help you get your home ready for the holidays without feeling overwhelmed. Start several weeks early by decluttering, then focus on deep cleaning and creating a welcoming space.
Phase 1: Declutter and organize (1–2 weeks before)
Before you start the deep cleaning, focus on removing excess clutter to make your spaces feel more open and manageable.
- Declutter your entryway. This is the first area guests see. Make it feel inviting by clearing away clutter like shoes, bags, and mail.
- Tidy up common areas. In the living room and other gathering spaces, organize or remove unnecessary items from coffee tables, shelves, and end tables.
- Empty and organize your pantry and fridge. Remove expired items to make room for holiday groceries and leftovers.
- Sort through closets. Clear out guest coat closets by removing out-of-season items to make space for visitors’ coats.
- Do a toy purge. Get kids involved in donating older toys to make room for new gifts.
- Use the “3-Box Method.” Label three boxes as “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Trash” to help sort items efficiently.
Phase 2: Deep clean (1 week before)
Once you’ve cleared the clutter, you can focus on the deeper cleaning. Work from top to bottom, addressing the highest points in a room before cleaning the lower surfaces and floors.
- Dust thoroughly. Clean ceiling fans, light fixtures, blinds, and windowsills. Use a telescoping duster to reach corner cobwebs.
- Wash windows and mirrors. Give windows a streak-free clean and wipe down all mirrors to brighten up rooms.
- Clean the kitchen. Wipe down all surfaces, including countertops, cabinets, and appliances. Give your oven and microwave a deep clean.
- Clean and sanitize bathrooms. Scrub toilets, sinks, and showers. Don’t forget to wipe down cabinet fronts and faucets.
- Vacuum and mop floors. Vacuum carpets and upholstery, and mop hard-surface floors. For a deeper clean on carpets, you can rent a carpet cleaner.
- Wipe down baseboards. A damp cloth is effective for removing dust and scuff marks along the baseboards.
Phase 3: Final touches and setup (1–2 days before)
Complete the final preparations and add festive touches to make your home feel extra welcoming.
- Set up for guests. For overnight visitors, put fresh linens and towels in their room. Clear out some drawer or closet space and set up a charging station.
- Make bathrooms guest-ready. Restock all guest bathrooms with fresh hand towels, toilet paper, and extra toiletries.
- Stage guest areas. Create a coffee or beverage station in a less-trafficked area to improve kitchen flow.
- Spruce up outdoor spaces. Sweep porches and walkways, and ensure outdoor lighting is working properly. If you plan to use a fireplace, have it professionally inspected.
- Handle holiday decor. After giving a final dusting, arrange festive decorations and add special elements like candles or a centerpiece.
- Set the table. If you plan a holiday meal, set the table a day or two in advance.
Please be prepared and Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones
