After looking at lots of Atlanta homes for sale, you finally found the one. You're moving in, getting settled, and preparing for the holidays — all at the same time! If this sounds familiar, you could probably use a little reassurance right now. The holidays are a busy time, especially when you have house guests. But with the right planning, you can prepare your home and enjoy a happy holiday season together. Here are some tips to help you prepare your new home for holiday house guests.

• Deep Clean the Kitchen
  Holidays usually involve cooking a big meal together as a family. There's a good chance your guests will end up helping, so you want your kitchen to make a good impression. Spend a few hours deep-cleaning areas you might normally neglect. Wipe out the microwave, clean the oven, clean your stove burners, and sanitize your cabinet handles. When you start with a clean kitchen, it's often easier to keep it clean.
  
  
• Add Comforting Essentials to the Guest Room
  As you prepare the guest room, consider items your guests might need during their stay. Leave a set of towels at the foot of the bed, so your guests don't have to ask or search for them. If you have some spare phone chargers, set them out. A note card with the WiFi network name and password will also save everyone a headache. You could even leave a few good books or magazines on the bed for evening reading.
  
  
• Compile a List of Places to Go
  If your guests will be spending some "alone time" while you're at work, consider compiling a list of suggested places for them to visit while you're away. Include a few stores with good holiday shopping, parks where holiday activities are happening, and your favorite restaurants. 
  
  
• Stock up on Gift Wrap
  If your family exchanges gifts for the holidays, consider buying some extra gift wrap. Your guests may not think to bring it with them for last-minute wrapping. Having a roll or two on hand will save them the extra trip to the store on what's often the busiest time of the year.
  
  
• Leave Toiletries Out in the Bathroom
  Most guests are too polite to go rummaging through your cabinets if they need a certain toiletry item. But they may, indeed, forget something at home. If you have small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, soap, and other toiletries from previous hotel stays, consider leaving them out in the bathroom. Encourage guests to help themselves and ask you if they need anything else.
  
  
• Prepare Breakfast
  When your guests wake up in the morning, especially after a long day of travel, they'll probably want a filling breakfast. Save yourself time by preparing breakfast in advance. Bake a coffee cake you can just warm up in the morning. Or, make a breakfast pizza you can reheat in the toaster oven. Also, stock up on items like juice, coffee, and tea.
  
  
• Write Down Instructions for Streaming Service Log-Ins
  If you're subscribed to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, write down instructions your guests can follow to access them. Everyone's remote control and TV setup is different, and your guests will appreciate not fumbling around to find their favorite shows.

With the holidays coming up, these hosting and home prep tips are sure to come in handy. Perhaps you're still looking for the perfect place to call home. If so, don't hesitate to contact us today. Our real estate agents can help you find your home in time for the holidays.