The Get Ahead Guide: 7 Things to Clean Before December That You’ll Thank Yourself For Later

December shows up fast. One minute you are eating leftover pie for breakfast, and the next you are drowning in school events, holiday plans, gift bags, and whatever chaos your family specializes in.

The good news is that you do not need a full deep clean to feel ready. A few strategic tasks can make your whole home feel calmer, cozier, and less like a seasonal tornado hit it.

Here are the 7 pre-December cleaning jobs that future you will absolutely thank you for.

1. Clear Out the Fridge and Freezer

Between leftover turkey, mystery Tupperware, and that bag of spinach you swore you would eat, your fridge is probably begging for mercy.

Why this matters:

December brings leftovers, party trays, treats, and random holiday groceries that take up space fast.

Quick fix:

• Toss expired food

• Wipe shelves with warm soapy water

• Make space for December cooking and leftovers

  
  

Your fridge will feel like it can breathe again. So will you.

2. Declutter the Entryway

This is the first place holiday chaos shows up. Shoes, bags, Amazon packages, coats, and the occasional rogue sock love to gather here.

Why this matters:

A clean entryway instantly makes your home feel more put together, even if everything behind it is... less perfect.

Quick fix:

• Shake out mats

• Sweep or vacuum

• Add a small basket for random daily drop offs

  
  

Start December feeling organized instead of overwhelmed.

3. Wipe Down Kitchen Cabinets

Sticky fingerprints, cooking steam, and dust create a film you do not notice until you clean it.

Why this matters:

Holiday cooking is coming. Grease buildup will only get worse if you ignore it.

Quick fix:

• Mix warm water and dish soap

• Wipe, rinse, dry

• Add a splash of vinegar for extra stubborn spots

  
  

Your kitchen will instantly look brighter.

4. Refresh High Traffic Floors

November foot traffic is no joke. Leaves, crumbs, pet hair, and dirt sneak in constantly.

Why this matters:

Clean floors make your entire home feel cleaner than it is. It is a huge visual boost.

Quick fix:

• Quick vacuum

• Damp mop main pathways

• Spot clean sticky patches

  
  

Your space will feel reset in minutes.

5. Clean the Microwave

November is the month of microwaving leftovers, which means splatter city.

Why this matters:

A dirty microwave makes your kitchen feel messier than it really is. Plus, heating December treats in a crusty microwave is just sad.

Quick fix:

• Microwave a cup of water with lemon for 2 minutes

• Let it steam

• Wipe everything clean

  
  

Instant shine. Zero scrubbing.

6. Freshen Up the Guest Bathroom

Even if you are not hosting, holidays bring surprise visitors, family drop ins, and random friends who suddenly need to pee.

Why this matters:

It is embarrassing when the bathroom is the one room you forgot about.

Quick fix:

• Replace the hand towel

• Wipe counters

• Scrub toilet base and hinges

• Add a candle for good vibes

  
  

It takes five minutes and saves future panic.

7. Do a Quick Living Room Reset

Blankets everywhere. Couch crumbs. The TV remote living a double life under the furniture.

Why this matters:

Your living room is where most December moments happen. Make it feel like a space you want to be in.

Quick fix:

• Fold blankets

• Fluff pillows

• Dust surfaces

• Vacuum or lint roll the couch

  
  

Your home will instantly feel holiday ready.

Final Tip: Do Not Aim for Perfect

This guide is about starting December with less stress, not becoming a Pinterest robot. Small resets help you feel calmer, more organized, and ready for the month ahead.

If you want to skip all of this and have a stress free December, we can help with that too.

Get your free instant quote at www.shinosaur.com/quote and let Shinosaur handle the chaos while you enjoy the cozy parts of the season.