Prepare Your Home Before Holiday: 7 Tips for a Stress-Free Return

When we go on holiday, there’s always so much to organise. Preparing your home before holiday might not be at the top of your list, but a few simple tasks before you leave can make your return home feel much calmer. From clearing surfaces and organising your fridge to fresh bedding and easy unpacking, these small jobs can make a big difference.

These holiday decluttering and organising hacks are quick to do and will help you return to a calmer, more organised home. Best of all, they won’t take as long as you think.

1. Clear your surfaces

Nobody wants to come home from holiday and be greeted by clutter. Spend just a few minutes clearing your kitchen worktops, dining table and other everyday surfaces before you leave. You’ll walk back into a home that feels calm and welcoming, helping you hold onto that holiday feeling for a little longer.

2. Declutter and clean your fridge

The fridge is often overlooked in the pre-holiday rush, but spending just 15 minutes emptying expired food, checking jars and giving the shelves a quick wipe makes a big difference. Pass any food that will go out of date before you return to family or friends to reduce food waste. You can also use the Olio app to pass on food for free. You’ll avoid unpleasant smells and have plenty of space ready for the supermarket shop when you get home.

3. Empty the bins and prevent pests

Emptying the bins before you go away is non-negotiable. Food waste attracts unpleasant smells and unwanted pests. After I came home to an ant infestation one summer, I started putting down ant bait stations before every holiday. I haven’t had a problem since.

4. Finish the washing

Holiday laundry is an unavoidable part of coming home, so don’t make life harder by leaving with a pile of washing still waiting. Aim to leave with an empty laundry basket so you only have your holiday washing to deal with when you return.

5. Put fresh bedding on the bed

Fresh bedding is one of those small jobs that makes a huge difference. After a long day of travelling, climbing into a freshly made bed feels like a luxury. It’s a simple way to make coming home feel much less of an anticlimax.

6. Declutter your holiday clothes and accessories

Packing provides the perfect opportunity to edit your wardrobe. If you decide not to pack certain dresses, sandals or hats because you know you won’t wear them, ask yourself whether you’ll realistically wear them again. If the answer is no, put them aside for donation before you leave, instead of returning them to your wardrobe. My Autumn Wardrobe Reset blog takes you through how to set your wardrobe up for the new season.

7. Create space for easy unpacking

If your spare room or bedroom floor has become cluttered, spend a few minutes clearing the space before you leave. You’ll come home to a calm sanctuary with somewhere to unpack your suitcase straight away. Unpacking will feel quicker, and you’ll find it much easier to put everything away.

Preparing your home before holiday makes returning easier

These holiday decluttering and organising hacks take very little time before you leave, but they make a huge difference when you return. Walking through the front door to a clean, organised home helps you hold onto that relaxed holiday feeling instead of feeling overwhelmed by jobs waiting for you.

For more decluttering and organising tips, follow @aceyourspace_kate on Instagram.