Vacations are a great break from the everyday hustle and bustle, but before you enjoy your time away, there’s one last thing to do: clean your house. Sure, it can seem like an intimidating project. But don’t worry—we have your back!
This step-by-step guide will help you prepare your house for vacation. From cleaning out the refrigerator to dusting the blinds, let us show you how to do it quickly and easily.
Quick Cleaning Checklist Before Leaving on Vacation
Ready to start cleaning? Here’s a checklist so you can jump right into it:
- Vacuum and mop all floors
- Dust furniture and blinds
- Clean out the refrigerator and freezer
- Empty the trash cans and take out the recycling
- Dust all surfaces throughout your house
- Wipe down bathrooms and kitchen appliances
- Scrub sinks and toilets
- Clean mirrors
- Sweep porches or decks
- Clean any spills or messes that could attract pests
Step 1: Secure Your Home by Checking Doors and Windows
Before you leave, you need to be sure your home is secure from intruders. Make sure every window and door is closed and locked. You might also want to install timers on lights or electronics so it looks like someone is using the house while you’re away.
While this step isn’t directly tied to cleaning, it won’t matter how clean your house is if you come back to discover your belongings are missing!
Step 2: Declutter Before You Leave
Before you hit the road, make sure your home is ready for your departure! Tackle one room at a time and purge any unneeded items. This will reduce the amount of cleaning that needs to be done when you return. You can also designate areas for items that need to stay out, such as mail, keys, and important documents.
Also, don’t forget to clean out the fridge before you leave on vacation so it doesn’t become a science experiment while you’re away!
Step 3: Do the Laundry
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and just throw your suitcase in the car and go, but don’t forget one very important task: doing your laundry. Not only will this save you time when you return home, it’ll also mean you have plenty of clean clothes for your trip. Plus, there’s nothing quite like having fresh, clean clothes to wear as soon as you get there!
Step 4: Dust and Vacuum
Dust surfaces like tables, shelves, counters, and appliances with damp or microfiber cloths for the best results. Then, vacuum carpets or rugs thoroughly for maximum cleanliness!
Your home is your sanctuary. Make sure it’s clean when you return from vacation with our deep cleaning services. We can tackle any room in your house, including kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas, home offices, and kids’ playrooms.
Step 5: Set Up Timers for Lights and Electronics
Setting up timers for lights and electronics can make your house look occupied when you’re away. This can take some stress off anyone anxious about their home’s safety while they’re on vacation. It’s also important to unplug any unused electronic devices so they aren’t wasting energy.
To prevent odors from building up, adjust your thermostat to regularly circulate indoor air and set the heating and cooling system to maintain a baseline temperature while you’re gone.
Step 6: Prepare Toilets for a Long Vacation
Before leaving for vacation, make sure all of your toilets are flushed and scrubbed down with some cleaner. You can follow the same process you normally would for toilet cleaning, but when you’re done, sprinkle a bit of baking soda in each toilet bowl to help keep it fresh and odor-free while you’re away.
Step 7: Clean Out the Fridge
Not only will a clean fridge help prevent bad odors and spills while you’re away, but it’ll also keep food fresh and prevent bacteria from growing in the meanwhile. Plus, you’ll have more room for any snacks you bring back! Cleaning out your fridge may seem like a chore now, but it’ll make coming back home so much nicer.
Step 8 (Optional): Leave It to the Professionals
When preparing your house for vacation, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the tasks at hand—but just remember that taking the time now will keep everything safe while you’re away.
Are you getting ready for a much-needed vacation but dreading all the extra work it takes to get your home in order? Let The Purple Maids take care of all your pre-vacation house cleaning so you can enjoy your time away! We specialize in fridge cleaning, dusting and vacuuming, and making sure every room looks spotless with our deep cleaning services. With our help, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your home is ready for your return.
Plus, we offer competitive rates and flexible scheduling to fit any lifestyle. If you want to take the stress out of vacation prep, contact us today to learn more about how The Purple Maids can help!
