Part of the #100DaysTilChristmasChallenge – one small step every day to make the holidays more joyful and less stressful.
Before long, your home will be filled with laughter, lights, and the smell of cookies baking in the oven. But right now, mid-October offers a rare moment of calm — the perfect time to do a quick guest room refresh before the whirlwind of November and December arrives.
Even if you’re not expecting overnight guests until Thanksgiving or Christmas, this is your chance to give your guest spaces a cozy update while life is still manageable. By tackling it now, you’ll avoid that last-minute scramble to fold, fluff, and make everything look perfect right before family walks through the door.
Think of this as your pre-holiday home reset — a simple way to create comfort and warmth before the season of merry madness begins.
🪞 Declutter and Simplify
Guest rooms often become the “catch-all” space for random storage — off-season clothes, unopened packages, or anything without a home. Spend 15–30 minutes today reclaiming it as part of your guest room refresh.
- Move out anything that doesn’t belong.
- Clear nightstands, dressers, or the tops of storage bins.
- Make space in the closet for guests’ clothing and luggage.
- Donate or relocate what you don’t need.
Even if your “guest space” is a pullout couch or daybed in a shared room, decluttering creates breathing room and makes the space instantly more welcoming.
🛏 Refresh Linens & Bedding
We’re fully leaning into fall now, which means it’s probably time to swap out those lightweight summer sheets for heavier, cozier bedding. Freshly laundered flannel sheets, a down comforter, or a duvet cover instantly add warmth and comfort to your guest space — the heart of any good guest room refresh.
Mini Checklist:
- Wash and freshen all bedding — even if it’s been unused.
- Replace any sheets that look tired or pilled.
- Add an extra blanket or throw at the foot of the bed.
- Consider layering a duvet or comforter for chilly nights.
- Spritz with a soft linen spray (lavender, pine, or vanilla are perfect seasonal scents).
💡 Pro tip: Mid-October is a great time to stock up on bedding — many retailers run early fall and pre-holiday sales before Black Friday.
By making the seasonal bedding switch now, you’ll not only be ready for guests but also make your entire home feel more inviting for the colder months ahead.
🕯 Add Cozy Touches
Little details make a big difference when it comes to hospitality. A few thoughtful additions can make even a small or shared space feel luxurious:
- A bedside lamp for reading or soft lighting.
- Easy access to an outlet or charging station.
- A small tray or basket with guest essentials — tissues, bottled water, a few snacks, or travel-size toiletries.
- A lightly scented candle or diffuser for a warm seasonal touch.
- A cozy throw blanket or festive pillow for texture and warmth.
These touches say, “Welcome, I’ve been expecting you.” And the best part? You can enjoy them, too.
🧹 Clean & Air Out the Space
Once everything feels cozy and decluttered, give the room a good clean to complete your guest room refresh. Open a window for fresh air, dust surfaces, vacuum corners, and wipe down baseboards or blinds.
If you want to take it a step further, consider adding a small air purifier to the guest room. It quietly cleans the air, reduces allergens, and keeps the room smelling fresh — especially helpful if the space doesn’t get used often.
If you don’t have a dedicated guest room, shift your attention to shared spaces guests will notice most — the entryway, guest bathroom, and living room. Straighten throw blankets, wipe mirrors, and give floors a quick once-over.
Doing this early gives you a clean slate before decorations, shopping bags, and wrapping paper start to take over.
🌲 Prep for Future You
Take five minutes to jot down what you’ll need closer to guest time — it’ll make life so much easier later.
Maybe you’ll want to grab a few travel-size toiletries, check the air mattress, buy extra towels, or restock the guest basket. Add those notes to your planner or your Holiday Hub list so you can handle them effortlessly when the time comes.
A few minutes of planning now will save you hours of stress later — and your December self will be grateful.
🎁 Today’s To-Do List
✅ Declutter or tidy one guest space
✅ Wash or refresh linens and swap bedding for fall
✅ Add one cozy or welcoming touch (like a candle or throw)
✅ Note any guest essentials you’ll need to buy later
💌 Inside the Holiday Hub
Want to make your holiday prep feel a little lighter? Inside the Holiday Hub, you’ll find helpful printables, resources, and past daily tasks from the challenge — all designed to keep your home and mindset calm as the holidays approach.
