Going on holiday is an exciting time filled with the anticipation of adventure, relaxation, and a break from the usual routine. However, one often overlooked aspect of preparing for a vacation is ensuring your home remains clean and tidy while you're away. Effective domestic cleaning is key to preventing messes, odors, and pests from taking over while you’re gone. Nothing beats the feeling of coming back to a fresh, clean house, but it takes some strategic planning to achieve this. This guide will walk you through essential domestic cleaning steps to prepare your home before going on holiday and how to maintain its cleanliness while you're away.
Before you can focus on cleaning, it’s important to declutter. Start by tidying up all the main areas in your home. Put away items that you don't want lying around while you’re gone, like papers, mail, clothes, and shoes. Pay special attention to surfaces that tend to accumulate clutter, such as kitchen counters, dining tables, and nightstands.
Getting rid of clutter not only helps your home look tidier but also makes it easier to clean. A clutter-free home is also less inviting to pests, and it gives you peace of mind knowing things are in order.
Pro Tip: Make it a habit to declutter your home a few days before your holiday to avoid last-minute stress. Try to start with the most frequently used spaces, like the kitchen and living room, and then tackle other areas.
One of the most critical parts of your home to clean before you go away is the kitchen. If you leave food out or forget to take out the trash, you could return to foul odors, pest problems, or even mold growth. Here’s how you can prepare your kitchen:
Pro Tip: Sprinkle baking soda in the trash can before you leave to absorb any odors that might develop while you're away.
Bathrooms are another essential area to focus on when preparing your home for a holiday. The goal here is to prevent mildew, odors, and unpleasant surprises:
Pro Tip: Hang up fresh towels in the bathroom to ensure that when you return, your bathroom feels inviting and ready for use.
There’s nothing better than coming home to a fresh, comfortable bed after a long journey. Before you leave, change your sheets and pillowcases so your bed is clean and welcoming when you return. If possible, vacuum your bedroom floor to remove any dust or debris. This is also a good opportunity to declutter any bedside tables and organize your wardrobe, so everything feels neat.
Pro Tip: Consider adding a lavender or chamomile sachet in your bedroom to keep the space smelling fresh while you're away.
Whether you have carpet, tile, or hardwood floors, it’s essential to give them a good clean before you head off. Dust, vacuum, or mop your floors, paying special attention to high-traffic areas such as the entryway, living room, and kitchen. If you have pets, make sure to thoroughly vacuum to remove any pet hair, which can accumulate and cause bad odors.
Pro Tip: A robotic vacuum can be a great investment if you frequently travel. You can set it to clean your floors on a schedule while you're away.
If you’re going away for an extended period, consider hiring a cleaning service to maintain your home. Some services offer periodic cleaning to prevent dust buildup, and others can come in just before your return to ensure you come home to a spotless space. This is particularly helpful if you're planning to be away for several weeks.
Pro Tip: If hiring a cleaning service, be sure to book in advance and discuss any specific cleaning needs you have, such as deep cleaning the kitchen or tending to pet areas.
Smart home devices can make it easier to maintain cleanliness in your home while you're away. Here are a few ways you can use technology to your advantage:
Pro Tip: If you own any smart cleaning appliances like robotic vacuums, you can set them on a timer to clean regularly while you’re away.
If you’re going away for an extended period, consider asking a trusted neighbor or friend to check on your home. They can ensure everything remains in order, water your plants, and even give your home a quick tidy-up if necessary. Having someone stop by also reduces the likelihood of unexpected issues, such as water leaks or electrical problems, going unnoticed.
Pro Tip: Leave a checklist for your neighbor or friend outlining simple tasks like watering plants, taking in mail, and checking for any unusual smells or sights.
Finally, before leaving for your holiday, do a quick walkthrough of your home to make sure everything is in place. Double-check that all garbage cans have been emptied, windows and doors are securely locked, and all appliances are turned off. A final check ensures you won’t have to worry about your home while enjoying your vacation.
