Halloween, and the rest of the holiday season brings with it joy and friends, and pumpkin spiced lattes and parties. A big house party. To some, it is a phrase that strikes terror into the hearts. To others it is a necessity more valuable than air. Regardless of how you feel about the proposition of hosting a larger house party, you will be faced with one stark reality: clean up. Here’s how to face that challenge head on so that you can face the rest of the party hosting duties with a little less stress. It’s a party, after all and you should be having some fun!

Fortune Favors The Prepared, And So Do Parties

One of the easiest ways to clean up the aftermath of a holiday house party is to avoid the mess in the first place. Here are some steps you can take in order to minimize the damage ahead of time. 

• Set out large trash and recycle cans in clearly marked areas so that people will have plenty of opportunities to put their trash away as the night progresses. 
• Stock up on cleaning supplies like window cleaner, general purpose multi surface cleaner, vinegar, bleach, and hydrogen peroxide. Also, don’t forget paper towels and fresh rags.
• Remove breakable or spillable items and decorations from the main party areas. Clear out your main living spaces of anything valuable that you don’t want bumped, stepped on, or tipped over. Accidents do happen, but you can help to avoid them by tucking away valuables ahead of time.
• Invest in paper plates, disposable cups, and utensils. This will save you from having to run multiple loads through the dishwasher and lots of clean up time in the long run. 

The Aftermath: Where To Begin

If you can, start with putting away any leftover food or drinks while the party is still going or as guests are leaving. Food left out overnight is a huge headache to deal with the next day so get it taken care of ahead of time. 

Once the party is over and you are waking up and ready to tackle the day of cleaning ahead of you, here’s where to start: make some coffee and have a few sips. After that, then start with the big things and work your way down. Pick up all of the larger pieces of trash and clutter and get the trash cans taken out.

Tackle The Floors First, Then Dishes

Work your way down to the small crumbs and dirt on the floor and carpeted areas. Sweep and then mop hard floors and vacuum and spot check the carpets for stains. If there are stains, then you can spot treat them with hydrogen peroxide and dish soap and an absorbent rag or paper towels. 

Once the trash and floors are clear then you can start with the countertops and dishes. Since you used paper plates and utensils, then you shouldn’t have many dishes outside of a few odds and ends and your serving vessels. Take care of those and you are about home free! 

However you decide to celebrate your holiday season, make sure that you are able to feel good about keeping your house clean and in good order. Have fun and stay safe out there!