When prepping for Thanksgiving guests, you're probably focused on making sure your fridge and pantry are stocked, and the table is set. But making your home clean and comfortable is just as important.
And, good gravy, there are no shortage of options here. For your convenience, we carved the list down to these 5 items:
Have Your Home Comfort System Serviced and Inspected
Before winter weather hits, call a licensed heating and cooling professional to service and inspect your furnace. This not only helps prevent any unexpected heating emergencies, but also prolongs the life of your system. Plus, a well-maintained comfort system doesn't have to work as hard to heat and cool your home – which means you'll save energy and money every month.
Deep-Clean Your Home, Including the Air
Make your home neat and your guests happy by giving your home a thorough cleaning. Mop the floors, wash the windows and clean all drapery and bedding. You may also want to have your carpets professionally cleaned, especially if you have pets.
To ensure the air inside your home is just as clean as your fabrics and furnishings, consider investing in a PureAir™ air purification system. It works with your heating and cooling system to remove all three classes of contaminants, including volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and harsh odors, from your home's air.
Keep a Lid on Kitchen Odors
There's nothing like the aroma of a roasted turkey, but that doesn't mean you want the smell lingering around your home for hours. Make sure your kitchen's exhaust fan is clean and replace the filter if necessary. It's also a good idea to take out the trash frequently, especially if it contains animal products like eggshells and turkey bones.
Create a Perfectly Comfortable Gathering Space
Whether it's a living room, family room or den, it's important to provide a welcoming place for guests to relax before and after the big meal. Stash remote controls, toys and other clutter in attractive baskets, and stock up on throw pillows and blankets for extra warmth and comfort. If your home has a fireplace, you'll want to have it cleaned and inspected in advance so it's ready to add to the cozy atmosphere.
Don't Forget to Relax!
Planning and hosting a Thanksgiving dinner is a lot of work, even when your guest list is on the modest side. Give yourself a break if everything doesn't come out exactly the way you planned. Your guests won't remember if the turkey was a little dry or the green beans were slightly salty. But they will remember the stories that were told and the memories that were created. So relax – and enjoy!