Holiday guests are coming to Florida! Many families in Ocala, The Villages, and Marion County host relatives escaping the cold. Here's how to get your home ready before they arrive.
When to Start Cleaning
Don't wait until the last minute. Here's a timeline that works:
2 Weeks Out
Deep clean tasks - carpets, windows, oven
1 Week Out
Guest room prep, bathroom deep clean, declutter
2-3 Days Out
Surface cleaning, fridge clean-out, yard tidy
Day Before
Quick touch-ups, fresh flowers, final vacuum
Guest Room Checklist
Make your guests feel at home:
Cleaning Tasks
- Wash all bedding - sheets, pillows, blankets
- Dust all surfaces and furniture
- Vacuum carpet or mop floors
- Clean mirrors and windows
- Empty closet - make room for guest clothes
Nice Touches
- Fresh towels and washcloths
- Empty hangers in closet
- Bedside lamp that works
- Phone charger by the bed
- Small trash can
Guest Bathroom Checklist
This room matters most to guests:
- Deep clean toilet - inside and out
- Scrub shower and tub - remove all mildew
- Clean grout lines
- Polish mirrors and fixtures
- Wash shower curtain and liner
- Stock toilet paper and tissues
- Add guest soap and shampoo
- Put out fresh towels
- Empty trash can
Kitchen Cleaning
You'll be cooking a lot - start with a clean kitchen:
Appliances
- Clean oven interior and racks
- Degrease stovetop and hood
- Clean microwave inside
- Wipe down fridge exterior
- Clean out and organize fridge inside
Surfaces
- Sanitize countertops
- Clean sink and polish faucet
- Wipe cabinet fronts
- Clean trash can
- Mop floors - don't forget under appliances
Common Areas
Living Room
- Dust all surfaces
- Vacuum furniture
- Clean under couch cushions
- Vacuum or mop floors
- Dust ceiling fans
- Clean windows and glass doors
Florida Room/Lanai
- Sweep or hose down floors
- Wipe down outdoor furniture
- Clean screens from pollen/dust
- Remove cobwebs
- Clean ceiling fan
- Add fresh cushions if needed
Florida Holiday Tips
Our holiday season is different from up north:
- Outdoor entertaining - Clean lanai and patio. Guests from cold states want to be outside!
- Check for bugs - Cooler weather brings pests inside. Do a perimeter check.
- Clean the garage - Visitors may want to park inside or store things there.
- Check AC filters - Guests may run AC more than you. Fresh filter helps.
- Pool area - If you have a pool, clean the deck and check chemicals.
Last-Minute Tips
- Light a candle 30 minutes before guests arrive
- Put fresh hand towels in all bathrooms
- Empty all trash cans right before arrival
- Do a quick vacuum of high-traffic areas
- Put out fresh fruit or snacks in the kitchen
- Check the guest bathroom one more time
Too Busy to Clean Before the Holidays?
We help families across Ocala, The Villages, and Marion County get guest-ready fast. Book a deep clean and enjoy your holidays stress-free.