The pre-holiday house cleaning checklist

Updated October 2026 · GoodHands Home Cleaning

Guests coming for Thanksgiving or the holidays? Don't try to do it all the night before. Spread it out over two weeks and the last day is easy.

Two weeks out

• Clear the clutter: entryway, kitchen counters, guest room, and the dining table.
• Clean out the fridge and freezer to make room for holiday food.
• Wash guest bedding, towels, and the throw blankets on the couch.
• Check that you have enough chairs, dishes, and serving pieces.

One week out

• Kitchen: wipe cabinet fronts, clean the microwave, degrease the stovetop, and clean the oven before the big cook.
• Guest bathroom: scrub the toilet, sink, and shower. Stock toilet paper, hand soap, and fresh towels.
• Dust high spots: ceiling fans, light fixtures, and the tops of picture frames. Guests notice more than you think.
• Floors: vacuum under the couch cushions and furniture, and spot-clean rugs.

Two days out

• Wipe light switches, door handles, and the front door.
• Clean mirrors and glass in the entry and bathrooms.
• Make up the guest bed.
• Take out the trash and recycling and start fresh.

Day of

• Quick bathroom wipe-down and fresh hand towel.
• Empty the dishwasher so it's ready to load.
• Run a quick vacuum through the entry and main room.

The day after

That's when you'll wish someone else was doing it. GoodHands cleans homes across Knoxville every two weeks at one flat monthly price, and your first clean is free. See pricing or call or text (865) 320-3838.