Amidst all the planning, packing, and stress, what is the last thing you likely feel like doing? Cleaning your house. However, despite your reluctance, taking the time to straighten up before you depart can help ensure a calmer, less frustrating homecoming.
Unless you've got a ton of time, or a cleaning service to help you out, I'm not recommending doing a head-to-toe cleaning before you leave. How much you can do depends on how much time you've got before you hit the road, so you've got to prioritize. But what do you do first? What's more important? If you find yourself asking either, follow my list, conveniently ordered by priority.
Do the dishes, take out the trash.
It almost doesn't need explanation. Nobody wants to return to eau de garbage or an army of cockroaches. Even if you have to lose sleep, do it.
Do your laundry.
When you get back, you're just going to have do even more, so do yourself a favor and empty your hamper.
Change your sheets.
Nothing is nicer than returning from the airport, completely exhausted, and falling into a bed made with fresh sheets. Future you will be grateful.
Clean your bathroom.
Make sure your tub is clean so that when you get home, you can treat yourself to a nice, hot bath.
Clean the entry-way.
How can you come home if you can't even get in the door? Clear yourself a path so that you can return home triumphantly, instead of having to fight your way in.
Clean a place to de-pack.
If you've gotten this far, you owe it to yourself to leave a clean place to drop your bags and unpack, without making the rest of your home a mess. De-clutter a space in your living room, den, or wherever it won't get in your way.
I do this before I leave town.....I always thought I was crazy!
I also empty my refrigerator of any foods that will spoil during my absence and I make sure to stock foods that I can eat when I return. I hate coming home and having to go straight to the grocery store!
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