5 Thanksgiving Cleanup Hacks That’ll Save Your Sanity
November 21, 2023 | Updated for 2025
First-Time Host Guide for Fort Lauderdale Homes
Scott Lehr
Team Leader, The Listing Team at RESF
Licensed Realtor & Holiday Hosting Veteran
954-342-6180 | scott@reallistingagent.com
After helping stage hundreds of Fort Lauderdale homes and hosting 12 Thanksgivings in my own place, I’ve learned this: the difference between a stressful holiday and an enjoyable one often comes down to cleanup strategy. Here are my battle-tested tips:
1. The Pre-Game: Set Up for Success Saves 45+ minutes
Do this before guests arrive:
- Create cleaning stations – Place trash/recycling bins in multiple rooms
- Line everything – Slow cooker liners, oven bags for turkey, foil under serving dishes
- Prep your fridge – Remove unnecessary items to make room for leftovers
- Protect surfaces – Use washable tablecloths and chair covers
Pro Tip: Keep a staging kit handy with spare linens, stain remover, and trash bags.
2. The “As You Go” Method Cuts cleanup by 60%
Clean incrementally throughout the day:
- Load dishwasher between courses – Run it when full
- Delegate appetizer cleanup – Have teens clear plates before main course
- Soak serving dishes immediately – Fill sink with hot soapy water
- Wipe spills instantly – Keep microfiber cloths in every room
Bonus: This keeps your home showing-ready if you’re selling during the holidays.
3. Post-Meal Power Hour 90% done in 60 mins
Right after eating, initiate this sequence:
- Box leftovers first – Use disposable containers labeled with dates
- Clear table completely – No lingering dishes
- Scrape & stack dishes – Group by type (glasses, silverware, plates)
- Enlist help strategically – Assign specific tasks to willing guests
South Florida Twist: Our warm climate means food spoils faster – get leftovers packed quickly!
4. Next-Day Deep Clean Shortcuts Half the effort
For what’s left the next morning:
- Overnight oven cleaning – Place a bowl of ammonia in cooled oven, wipe clean next day
- Carpet refresh – Sprinkle baking soda on high-traffic areas before vacuuming
- Trash trick – Freeze smelly garbage until trash day
- Linens solution – Soak stained tablecloths in OxiClean overnight
5. The Host’s Secret Weapon Game changer
Offer this instead of traditional host gifts:
“Bring a cleaning product” assignment – Assign each guest one item:
- Disposable gloves
- Magic Erasers
- Trash bags
- Paper towels
- Stain remover
- Dish soap
- Glass cleaner
- Air freshener
You’ll have a full cleaning arsenal without spending a dime!
Want More Home Hosting Tips?
Whether you’re entertaining or preparing to sell, our team specializes in making South Florida homes shine.
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or text “THANKSGIVING” to 954-342-6180
Final Thought
The secret to stress-free hosting? Thinking like a Fort Lauderdale real estate pro – it’s all about preparation and systems. Implement even 2-3 of these tips, and you’ll be relaxing with pumpkin pie while others are still scrubbing pans.
From our family at The Listing Team to yours – Happy Thanksgiving!