The holiday season is hectic enough without adding cleaning stress to the mix. Yet, many of us unknowingly make simple cleaning errors that can derail our prep efforts. Home cleaning pros see these mistakes all the time—and they’ve shared the secrets to avoiding them.

1. Buying in Bulk Too Soon

We all love a good Costco haul, but holiday prep isn’t the time to stockpile jumbo-sized items. Your pantry, fridge, and closets are precious real estate during this season, and bulk purchases can quickly crowd out the space you need for holiday cooking and hosting. Save those oversized purchases for after the new year when your shelves are less cluttered.

2. Forgetting to Declutter the Fridge

A packed refrigerator is a recipe for chaos when you’re preparing meals or accommodating guests with dishes to share. Take a moment to clear out expired items, mystery leftovers, and half-empty condiment jars. Wipe down the shelves and create open space. That way, you won’t be scrambling to make room for Aunt Mary’s casserole or last-minute wine storage.

3. Doing It All Yourself

It’s tempting to play the holiday hero, but you’re only one person! Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks. Be specific when asking for help—"Can you vacuum the living room?" is much more effective than a vague plea to "help clean." Family members and housemates are usually willing to assist; they just need a little direction.

4. Overlooking Odors

You may not notice the smells in your home, but guests will. A clean home isn’t just about appearances—it’s about how it smells, too. Run your oven’s self-cleaning cycle well before cooking starts, and take out the trash regularly to prevent odors. For a welcoming atmosphere, light a holiday-scented candle or use a natural room spray.

5. Skipping the Plan

Without a game plan, cleaning can feel overwhelming. Break it down: Set a timer for 20 minutes and tackle one room or area at a time. Focus on spaces your guests will actually use, like the living room, bathroom, and kitchen. Skip deep cleaning rooms no one will enter—this will save you time and energy.

Avoiding these simple mistakes can make your holiday cleaning far more efficient and less stressful. Want your holiday prep to go even smoother? Start small today! A little preparation now can save a lot of hassle later.