The holidays are quickly approaching, which means you can expect to enjoy plenty of visits from friends and family. While some visits are planned well in advance, this is also a season where you’ll receive more drops-in visitors than usual.

Save yourself the stress and embarrassment of opening the door to your messy home to an unexpected guest by getting your house in order now. By getting into the habit of keeping your place tidy, you'll be able to relax and enjoy the holidays alongside your guests in a home you can be proud of.

Here are three quick tips to help you get started, plus a downloadable checklist to help you keep your home looking its best.

1. Organize your supplies
You'll save time by storing all your cleaning products together in a bucket or basket so you don't lose time trying to find sponges, spray cleaners, paper towels or those illusive rubber gloves when it's time to clean. (Remember to store cleaning products out of children's reach.)

2. Plan it out
Hoping to turn your dilapidated pad into a palace in one afternoon? You're bound to get frustrated (and exhausted!) if you set unrealistic goals for your cleaning. Use the downloadable checklist to help you track what needs to be done. It’ll also help you create a realistic timeline so you can achieve the sparkling clean home of your dreams.

3. Set the timer
Spend no more than 10 minutes at a time in each room - and set your kitchen timer to help you keep track. Setting a time limit helps you stay focused on the big picture and keeps you from getting distracted by details like reorganizing the closet or polishing the silverware. Plus, you'll be amazed and delighted in the progress you can make in just 10 minutes.

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