Celebrating the holidays in Florida usually means sunny weather and good vibes. Maybe you have family coming in from out of town, or perhaps you plan to have a few local friends over for dinner. The best time to prepare your home for the holidays is right now – before things get too busy! Here are some top tasks our real estate agents recommend tackling before the holidays.

• Spruce Up The Entryway
  Your entryway is the first space visitors will see when they arrive to your holiday celebration. So, you want to make sure it's tidy and well-decorated. Consider hanging some extra hooks so guests have a place to put their coats on. Add a bench or chest for guests to sit on while removing their shoes. Consider a new rug to keep your floors dry, too.
  
  Once your entryway is functional, it's time to decorate. A simple wall hanging, a festive plant, or some seasonal garland all work well.
  
  
• Touch Up Your Paint
  Do you have any dings or scrapes on your walls? Touching up the paint in these areas will give your room a fresh, pristine look that you can be proud of when guests visit. 
  
  If you don't have extra paint to touch up walls in certain rooms, take a chip of paint to a local paint store. Most stores can match the paint color and mix you up a small can for touch-ups.
  
  
• Put Down Area Rugs
  Area rugs make rooms feel cozy and warm, which is especially nice when celebrating the holidays in a sunny climate. They also reduce wear and tear on the flooring when you have multiple guests walking around.
  
  Consider looking for a seasonal, holiday-themed area rug for your living room or dining room. When the holidays are over, you can replace it with a more versatile rug.
  
  
• Upgrade Your Guest Room
  If you'll be having overnight guests this holiday season, consider sprucing up your guest room prior to their arrival. Replace the bedspread with a fresh, new one. Add a few holiday-themed throw pillows for a festive touch, and set out some holiday towels.
  
  Also, consider leaving your guests a small basket of must-haves. An extra toothbrush, toothpaste, some gum or mints, facial tissue, hand sanitizer, and maps of the local area are all nice items to include.
  
  
• Deep Clean The Fridge
  You'll need lots of fridge space to prepare for holiday meals. As such, this is the perfect time to take everything out of the fridge and give it a proper, deep cleaning. Throw away anything expired or close to expiring to make more room for your favorite holiday foods.
  
  Also, take note of any favorite condiments or essentials you're lacking. Then, stock up on those items before guests arrive. If you stock up early, you can often take advantage of more sales.
  
  
• Check Your CO Detector
  CO poisoning can strike at any time, but it's particularly a concern around the holidays when you have more fires in the fireplace or spend more time cooking on a gas stove. CO poisoning can cause nausea, headaches, confusion, and death, but a working CO detector can keep you and your guests safe. Replace your CO detector batteries in preparation for the season. 

The holiday season will be here before you know it. Follow these preparation tips above, and you'll have a lovely holiday in sunny Florida. Don't hesitate to contact us if you're new to the area and still looking for a place to call home. Our friendly agents will be happy to help.