Smart Homeowner
21 Crucial Projects to Get Done Before Hosting Thanksgiving
Nov 20Company is coming! Make sure your house is shipshape and that your guests will be comfortable by getting these important projects done before Thanksgiving.
Clean the Refrigerator
Clear the Clutter
Fix the Toilet
Repair the Leaking Faucet
Deodorize the Sofa
Use this handy hint if there’s a funky smell lurking in your couch or upholstered chair: Sprinkle a generous amount of regular baking soda onto the fabric and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. The baking soda will help to release odors and break up some light stains in the fabric.
After about 20 minutes, remove the baking soda—and the funky smell—with a handheld vacuum or a hose attachment for your large vacuum. Here are some more amazing uses for baking soda you may not be aware of.
Clean the Blinds and Wash the Curtains
Clean the Oven
Refinish Embarrassingly Rough Floors
If you have the will and a whole day (or two) to yourself, you can refinish the hardwood floors in the major areas of your home. You don’t necessarily need to sand, but if the floor is damaged enough to warrant buffing, check out your local hardware store and rent the equipment for anywhere from 4-48 hours. Here’s how to refinish your hardwood floors.
Ready the Guest Bedroom
Build a Bigger Table
Check Dining Chairs
Replace Upholstery
Do you have a piece of upholstered furniture that has worn or torn fabric? Don’t worry! You can replace the fabric with a design of your own choice. In fact, you may be able to make it better than ever!
Is the Fireplace Ready for Thanksgiving?
Stop Dirt and Dust at the Door
It would be hard to prove, but it is commonly held that approximately half of the dirt and dust in your home gets inside on your shoes and boots. Keep mats at each exterior door, one outside and one inside to be extra careful. Shake them out away from open windows and wash or hose them down regularly. Make this boot scraper and put it near your back door to keep dirt from getting inside.
Deep Clean Rugs and Carpeting
Take advantage of one of those beautiful fall afternoons to give your rugs a deep clean. Take area rugs outside and give them a good shake (or a good whack), then give them a thorough vacuum with your shop vac. Don’t forget our interior carpets—you can rent a carpet cleaner and give your carpet a deep clean before you start hosting holiday gatherings.
Stock the Bathroom
Get a Cooking Caddy for Convenience
Pretty Up Your Pantry
You can easily organize your dry goods by storing them inside jars and canisters. Not only can you create uniformity in your pantry storage this way, but you can also see at a glance where your lentils, rice, or oats are stashed. Arranging these jars on display on open shelves can also give your kitchen a rustic, homestead-chic look.
Buy Some Food Early and Keep it Organized
Use those leftover closet racks as cabinet organizers. Trim the racks to length with a hacksaw and then mount screws to the backside of the face frame to hold the racks in place. The backside of the rack simply rests against the back of the cabinet. Now you can easily store and find your cranberry sauce and the rest of your inventory at a glance with this pantry storage solution. See more brilliant solutions like this.
Check Plates, Glasses and Silverware
Get To-Go Containers in Order
This organizer is made of birch veneer cabinet-grade plywood and can be placed inside a cabinet or on a pantry shelf. Make your own to custom fit your extra to-go containers and your kitchen. Here’s how to make it yourself.
