Ten Quick Tips on How to Keep Your Home Clean During the Holidays

Simple and easy ways to keep your home clean and company-ready.

1. Baskets make simple collection points. Include a basket in every room to hold books, magazines, things that will be going up - or down - stairs. They can also hold games, make-up, remotes, mail, Christmas cards, fruits or snacks. Carry one around the house and pick up stray things. Encourage children to help clean out basket each day.

2. Pick up your house before going to bed. You may be tired, but if you've already encouraged the kids to pick up their toys and clothes, stuck the dishes in the dishwasher, picked up papers, shoes and projects you won't have to face chaos during those stressful morning minutes.

3. Designate a place for Christmas gifts, wrapping etc. Yes, you may wrap at the kitchen table, but try keeping everything you need, including scissors, wrap, ribbons, name cards etc. in a tub that is easily carried around.

4. Go through your mail daily. Immediately toss junk mail or that you don't want. [shred and recycle] Use a system to paying bills so that they're kept nearby and together to avoid any late payments.

5. Plan your laundry. If you need to do several loads per day, fold them while you're watching TV and incorporate the whole gang into helping and putting their things away. If you need to do only a few loads per week, plan so that you'll have a full washer. If you take your laundry out, keep it sorted, stain-sticked and pockets clean. It will be ready to go when you are.

Try not to leave folded clothes sitting around all over the room. If you iron, try to do it all at once, maybe while watching TV so you don't have the clutter of the ironing board and a possible dangerous iron sitting around.

6. Clean up immediately after meals. The rule that everyone carries his/her plate over to the counter and helps put things away - plus the dishwasher gets loaded will help keep your kitchen neat. It takes much less time than having to handle things two or three times.

7. Wipe out sinks, tubs and showers after use to cut down on time doing bathroom cleaning. Teach kids how to use a squeegee - and they'll think it's a big deal.

8. Help one another out - when a family member has a big test, project, or just too much going on - it's very helpful for others to just step in and help out. They shouldn't have to be reminded.

9. If company is coming - clean bathrooms and hang up fresh towels, vacuum if you have time, straighten couch pillows, use lighting to an advantage and cover any dishes or kitchen projects with a towel.

10. Use candles, buy fresh flowers - they need not be expensive, and enjoy your decorated home.

Have a happy holiday!