The short answer
Get the guest room and guest bathroom ready at least a few days before visitors arrive: fresh linens, a cleared nightstand and closet space, dusted surfaces, clean floors, and a spotless bathroom with fresh towels. In New Canaan, the Chamber's Holiday Stroll is typically held in early December, which is when many families start hosting.
The New Canaan Chamber of Commerce's Holiday Stroll is a free event that opens the season downtown. In recent years Santa and Mrs. Claus have arrived on Friday evening, the one-way stretch of Elm Street has closed to traffic for carols and performances, and a fire pit with s'mores has glowed at South Avenue and Elm. Out-of-town family often plan visits around it.
Guest rooms tend to be the rooms we use least, which means they collect dust, boxes, and the "I'll deal with it later" pile. Here is how to turn yours into a place guests actually want to stay.
Guest room checklist
- Clear it out: move storage boxes and the exercise bike somewhere else for the week.
- Fresh bedding: wash sheets and the duvet cover, and air out pillows. Add a spare blanket for cold December nights.
- Dust everything: headboard, nightstands, lamp shades, window sills, and blinds.
- Make space: empty a drawer and leave hangers in the closet.
- Floors: vacuum under the bed, where dust collects in unused rooms.
- Small touches: a lamp that works, a phone charger, a glass for water.
Guest bathroom checklist
- Shower or tub, glass, and grout scrubbed
- Toilet, sink, vanity, and mirror cleaned
- Fresh towels, a bath mat, and spare toilet paper in sight
- Floor mopped and trash emptied
- A cleared shelf or basket for their toiletries
Timing it right
Do the guest room a few days before arrival, so linens are fresh and there is time to fix anything you notice, like a lamp that needs a bulb. Do the guest bathroom the day before. If visitors are staying through the holidays, a midweek bathroom refresh and towel swap keeps things comfortable.
Don't forget the rest of the house
Guests see more than their room. The entry, kitchen, and powder room carry the most traffic during the holidays. Our holiday cleaning timeline and our guide to your first house cleaning can help you plan the rest.
Getting help
A pre-holiday deep clean handles bathrooms, fixtures, baseboards, and inside appliances; regular cleaning keeps things fresh while guests stay. Linen changes are available on request. You do not need to be home for the visit.
House cleaning in New Canaan
We serve homes throughout New Canaan, from the neighborhoods around downtown and Elm Street to homes near Waveny Park. For local details, see our house cleaning page for New Canaan, CT.
Holiday Stroll details are based on recent Chamber of Commerce and local news coverage. Check the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce for this year's dates.
Guest room questions
When is the New Canaan Holiday Stroll?
It is typically held in early December downtown, with Elm Street closed to traffic for performances in recent years. Check the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce for this year's dates.
How far ahead should I prepare a guest room?
A few days before visitors arrive, with the guest bathroom done the day before.
What do guests appreciate most?
Fresh bedding, a cleared drawer and closet space, a spotless bathroom with fresh towels, and small touches like a working lamp and a phone charger.
Can a cleaning service change the guest linens?
Yes. Linen changes are available on request; mention it when you book.