Before the bustle: prepare your mind, then your home
The lists, the lights, the plans—here we go! 🎁 Before the holiday hustle really kicks in, let’s set the tone. When I start thinking about everything that needs to happen, I pause and reset—sometimes more than once a day. Not from frustration, but from being over-excited (and a little anxious!) about all that’s coming. A tiny reset helps me show up soft, present, and ready. This one-week plan matches that energy: small, focused wins that make your home exhale.
The Plan: 7 Days of Micro-Tasks
- 5-min shoe edit + line pairs
- Wipe door, handle, switches, railing
- Shake/clean doormat; corral umbrellas
- Set a small tray for keys/mail
- Swap fresh towels & restock TP/soap
- Speed scrub sinks/fixtures; mirror wipe
- Empty trash; 2-min floor sweep
- Add a candle or evergreen sprig
- Pick 3 hotspots: island, coffee table, nightstands
- Clear → wipe → replace only what belongs
- Style one accent (vase, bowl, candle)
- Dump basket gets parked—sort later
- 10-min sweep/vac: entry, kitchen, family room
- Spot mop kitchen; shake small rugs
- Quick edge pass along baseboards
- Park the vacuum. Done, not perfect.
- Trash bin to the side; expired scan
- Quick wipe shelves + drawers
- Create a “party zone” bin for platters
- Restock beverage shelf for guests
- Strip + wash main beds; fresh pillowcases
- Fluff duvet/blankets; fold spare throws
- Lay out guest linens in a basket
- Mist with linen spray (optional)
- Sweep porch/walkway; check light bulbs
- Wipe railings/mailbox; refresh wreath
- Spot clean outdoor cushions
- Set a small package station (box, tape, marker)
Family add-on: use a two-song tidy and turn tasks into a race. Winner picks the cocoa mug. ☕🎄
Weekly Tracker — One-Week Holiday Home Reset
Print and tape to your fridge. Check the boxes as you go.
| Day | Focus | Start Time | Two-Song Timer | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Entry | ____ | ☐ | ☐ | _____________________ |
| Tue | Bathrooms | ____ | ☐ | ☐ | _____________________ |
| Wed | Surfaces | ____ | ☐ | ☐ | _____________________ |
| Thu | Floors | ____ | ☐ | ☐ | _____________________ |
| Fri | Fridge | ____ | ☐ | ☐ | _____________________ |
| Sat | Bedding | ____ | ☐ | ☐ | _____________________ |
| Sun | Porch/Patio | ____ | ☐ | ☐ | _____________________ |
Tip: Keep a “dump basket” by the door all week—sort it at the end of the reset.
Get Local Guides & Easy Wins
Houston • Kingwood • The Woodlands—grab holiday lights maps, kid-friendly events, markets, and more.
Download the app: search “The Livable Forest” in your app store. Or tap here to browse guides now: linktr.ee/thelivableforestcommunity