Before embarking on an out-of-town trip, vacation, or work getaway plan, there’s a lot to consider, such as planning, packing up your belongings, and ensuring everything is ready to go!
Remember to tidy up your living space before leaving as it not only ensures an environment upon your return but also combats potential problems, like mold growth or unwanted pests during your absence.
In this piece, we’re going to delve into the significance of cleaning your living space before you leave and share a list of things to clean before traveling.
Reasons to Tidy Up Before Going on a Trip
Before heading out on your trip and locking up your house for a while, tidying up might feel like something that takes time. Yet, it can actually help minimize your stress upon your return.
It guarantees a well-maintained living space to come back to and keeps odors, pests, and dirt from accumulating while you’re gone.
This way, you can relax knowing you’ll return to a welcoming environment.
Things You Must Clean Before You Travel
Here are essential things you should always clean before you travel to ensure a fresh return.
Clean the Kitchen
Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and it’s essential to ensure its cleanliness before heading out.
Neglected dirty dishes or food remnants may result in unpleasant smells and attract pests while you’re away for an extended period.
Wipe down counters and surfaces: Make sure to wipe the counters and surfaces clean, including the kitchen countertops and stove area, where food may have been prepared and spilled.
Empty the trash: Remember to take out the trash and ensure no food scraps are left behind, as they can create unpleasant odors and attract unwelcome pests such as ants or fruit flies.
Clean the sink: Remember to tidy up the sink before you go to prevent any bacteria buildup by washing it and sanitizing it properly.
Check the fridge: Make sure to inspect the contents of your refrigerator before you leave for any perishables that might spoil while you’re gone, and clean the shelves to maintain freshness.
Remember, a tidy kitchen means you won’t be greeted by any odors when you return home.
Vacuum and Dust the Floors
It’s tempting to postpone cleaning the floors, but doing a quick vacuum and dust session before your trip can freshen up your home feel.
Over time, dust and dirt buildup, if left unaddressed, results in an atmosphere difficult to breathe in.
Vacuum the carpets: Don’t forget to vacuum the carpets, as it will help get rid of dirt and dust quickly and effectively. This is especially important if you have pets or little ones around the house.
Mop the floors: Make sure to mop the floors, focusing on areas with a lot of foot traffic.
Dust surfaces: Make sure to clean off any dust on surfaces by wiping down tables and shelves to get rid of dust particles and dirt.
Maintaining floors not only enhances the appearance of your home but also helps to minimize allergens and improve indoor air quality.
Clean the Bathrooms
Your bathrooms can quickly become dirty if not cleaned regularly and might start to smell bad or even grow mold while you’re away.
So, it’s essential to spare a few moments to tidy up and sanitize your bathrooms to keep them smelling fresh and clean.
Clean the toilet: Make sure the toilet is clean by wiping down both the bowl and the seat and use a disinfectant cleaner to keep it germ-free.
Wipe down mirrors and countertops: Don’t forget to wipe the mirrors and countertops clean to get rid of toothpaste marks and water spots on sinks and counters.
Take out the trash: Don’t forget to take out the garbage before you head out to prevent any smells in the bathroom from lingering while you’re away.
Replace towels: Remember to switch out the towels so you’ll be welcomed home by a clean one.
A cleaned bathroom can make coming home more pleasant and comforting when you arrive late after a lengthy journey.
Take Care of the Bedrooms
Returning to an untidy bedroom after your trip can disrupt your relaxation efforts.
Take time to tidy up your sleeping space before you leave so that you can return to a calm and well-organized environment.
Change the bed linens: Remember to switch out the bed linens so that you can look forward to a comfortable bed when you return.
Dust and wipe down surfaces: Remember to dust and wipe all surfaces in your bedroom, including nightstands and dressers, as dust builds up in these areas.
Declutter: Tidy up your space by storing away clothes and shoes lying around haphazardly. An organized room boosts your mood when you come back.
Going home to an inviting bedroom is the best feeling after a trip, making it easier to relax immediately.
Clean the Laundry
Make sure to do some laundry before you go so you don’t have a pile waiting for you when you get home!
It’s a way to avoid any stress about laundry after your trip.
Do a load of laundry: Don’t forget to do the laundry before your trip! Make sure to wash any clothes or towels you’ve used in the days leading up to your trip.
Put away clean clothes: Make sure not to leave your laundry in a basket. Take the time to fold them and put them away neatly to maintain a tidy living space.
Check your laundry area: Make sure to inspect your space then wipe down the washer and dryer to maintain their optimal performance.
Remember, returning to a space without any overflowing baskets will definitely simplify your routine after a trip.
Wipe Down High-Touch Areas
High-touched surfaces are sometimes missed during cleaning schedules.
These spots gather bacteria and germs’ which is crucial if you’re getting ready to go and might be away for some time.
Wipe door handles, light switches, and remotes: Remember to clean the doorknobs and light switches as they are often touched and may harbor germs.
Disinfect phones and other gadgets: Remember to sanitize your phones and other devices, as they tend to harbor bacteria. It’s essential to clean them before heading out.
Remember to surfaces that are touched often to reduce the spread of germs, especially after returning from a trip.
Organize Your Entryway
When you return from your trip, the first thing you notice is the entrance to your house.
It’s essential to keep it tidy and well-arranged for an inviting welcome as you step inside.
Clear clutter: Tidy up the space by organizing shoes, bags, and any unnecessary items.
Sweep or vacuum the entryway: Don’t forget to sweep or vacuum the entryway to ensure the floors are tidy and dirt-free from any tracked-in debris.
Wipe down surfaces: Remember to wipe off surfaces such as tables and benches, and also don’t overlook coat hooks during the cleaning process.
Remember, a well-kept entryway could make your home feel more serene and inviting after a trip.
Empty the Trash Bins
Before you leave town, dispose of the garbage and clear out any bins in your home. This will help prevent odors and stop trash accumulating during your trip.
Take out the kitchen trash: Remember to empty the garbage in the kitchen to get rid of any food scraps and trash that might attract pests.
Empty other trash cans: Don’t overlook emptying the trash in all bins. Remember to inspect the bathrooms and bedrooms along with any trash that may be overflowing in the home office areas.
A home creates a welcoming environment that helps prevent undesirable smells from lingering when you return.
Need Help Cleaning Your Home Before Your Vacation?
Do you know what to clean before leaving for a trip? It’s easy to overlook important tasks when you’re in a rush to prepare.
That’s why NW Maids is here to help. With our expert team handling all your cleaning tasks, you can relax knowing your space will be spotless when you return.
Take a moment to visit NW Maids today and book your cleaning service!
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