How to Prepare Your Home for the December Holidays

December in Kenya means visitors, big family meals and upcountry trips. Whether you are hosting the family or leaving your home locked up for two weeks, a little planning now will make the holidays more relaxing. Here is a simple plan for getting your house ready.

Four weeks before: declutter

Go through each room, and remove things that you no longer need. Donate clothes that no longer fit and toys your children have outgrown. A clutter-free home is much easier to clean, and it makes room for guests.

Three weeks before: tackle the big jobs

Now is the time to book or do the heavier work:

• Deep clean the home, especially the kitchen and bathrooms
• Clean carpets and sofas
• Wash curtains and clean windows
• Clean water tanks, so that you have clean storage while guests are around

Book early. Cleaning companies get busy in late November and December.

Two weeks before: prepare guest spaces

• Wash spare bedding and air out blankets
• Turn or clean mattresses
• Clear wardrobe space for visitors
• Make sure that bathrooms are stocked
• Check that lights, locks and taps all work

One week before: focus on the kitchen

You will be cooking a lot, so get ready.

• Clear out the fridge and freezer
• Check food expiry dates
• Clean the cooker and oven
• Wash serving dishes that have been in storage
• Stock up on bin bags, soap and cleaning supplies

The day before guests arrive

Keep it light. Wipe surfaces, clean toilets, mop floors and empty bins. Fresh towels and a clean entrance make a good first impression.

During the holidays

Do not try to keep everything perfect. Ask everyone to help, and do a quick evening reset of the kitchen and living room. Keep extra bin bags close by, and deal with spills on carpets and sofas as soon as they happen.

After the holidays

Once your guests have left, plan a thorough clean. January is a good time for a fresh start.

Going away for Christmas?

A few steps will help you to return to a clean and safe home:

• Clean the kitchen and empty the bins
• Clear the fridge of food that will spoil
• Wash bedding, so that you come home to a fresh bed
• Turn off water and electricity where appropriate
• Ask a neighbour or caretaker to keep an eye on the house
• Close and lock windows to keep out dust and pests

A quick clean for unexpected guests

If relatives call to say that they are on the way, focus on what they will notice. Clear the entrance and the living room. Wipe the coffee table and the TV stand. Clean the toilet and the basin, and put out a fresh towel. Empty the bins, open a window and sweep the main floors. Fifteen minutes can change how a home feels.

Preparing an upcountry home

Many Kenyan families travel upcountry in December, and a house that has been shut for months needs attention. Open the windows as soon as you arrive. Shake out and air the bedding, sweep out dust and check for insects and rodents. Clean the water containers and tanks before use. Check on the gas or charcoal supplies. If you can, ask someone nearby to open up and air the house before you travel.

Getting stains out after the celebrations

Spills are part of the festive season. Deal with them right away by blotting, not rubbing. Keep baking soda and white cloths nearby. Soak tablecloths as soon as you can. Wipe the fridge after it has been full of food, and clear out leftovers on time, because the food safety rules still apply in the holidays. Check your stain removal guide for more help.

Frequently asked questions

When should I book cleaning for December?

As early as you can, ideally in November. Dates close to Christmas fill up.

Which jobs should I do first?

Start at the top and work down: ceilings and fans, then surfaces, and finally floors and carpets.

Should curtains be washed before Christmas?

If they have not been cleaned in a year, yes. Leave enough time for drying, particularly during the short rains.

Can Macky Group clean after the holidays too?

Yes. We can clean before or after your celebrations. Post-event cleaning is available for larger functions.

Let Macky Group help you to get ready. We offer residential cleaning across Nairobi, Thika and surrounding areas. Request your free quote and tell us your dates.