(BPT) - The holiday season is filled with fun, laughter, and festivities, but it can also be marked by chaos. From gift-wrapping mania to the cookie crumbs, spills, and clutter of prepping and hosting, you might sometimes feel a little humbug creeping into your holiday vibes. However, with a bit of planning and some help, you can lower your anxiety levels and make your holidays truly jolly again.

Here are tips from the cleaning experts at Molly Maid to help you minimize stress and maximize joy this time of year.

1. Take stock of your essential cleaning supplies

Make sure you're ready to tackle pre-party prep, as well as any messes that occur in real time, without having to run to the store. Must-have items include microfiber cloths, paper towels, cleaning vinegar, furniture cleaner, and large garbage bags. Go room by room to determine what you'll need in each space, from extra hand towels in the bathroom to a quick-sweep plan for high-traffic areas. This helps you stay organized and ensures every part of your home is party-ready.

Pro tip: Designate a closet or shelf on each floor of your home to store a set of these items so you don't have to run around (or up and down stairs) searching when you need them!

2. Create a family-friendly cleaning plan

Encourage shared responsibility among your entire household by creating a holiday to-do list that includes everyone, assigning age-appropriate cleaning duties that you know they can manage.

Pro tip: Instead of trying to accomplish everything on one day (such as right before a party), schedule cleaning tasks over several days to build in a cushion and avoid burnout.

3. Start at the top

Begin your cleaning efforts with high-traffic areas, starting from the top of the room (ceiling fans, shelves, windows) and working your way down, saving the floors for last. You'll likely knock plenty of dirt and dust onto the floor when vacuuming or mopping.

Pro tip: Concentrate effort on areas where guests will spend the most time, including the entryway, living room, and bathrooms.

4. Don't be afraid to get help

During the holiday season's hustle and bustle, it can be challenging to complete everything on time. It's okay to ask for help when you need it. You can get professional assistance with a pre- and post-event cleaning visit from Molly Maid to help you conquer the mess before guests arrive, so you can focus on what matters most.

5. Welcome visitors with special touches

Having guests stay at your home over the holidays? Create a warm welcome by providing guest rooms with extra blankets or pillows, a basket of snacks and travel-sized toiletries, extra set of clean linens, and reading materials they might like.

Before guests arrive, conduct a quick walk-through to assess the spaces from the perspective of a visitor. Ask yourself what would make you more comfortable. Could you add a few thoughtful touches, such as fresh flowers, phone chargers, or a portable reading light?

Pro tip: Make sure to leave a card providing the household Wi-Fi password.

6. Post-party cleanup

If your home looks like a tornado blew through it when the party's over, start with the basics by walking through rooms with a trash bag and a bin for items that belong elsewhere. Once you've cleared the clutter, you can start wiping down surfaces and finish with vacuuming or mopping.

Overwhelmed by the holiday mayhem? Visit MollyMaid.com to schedule after-party cleaning services.

Holiday gifts anyone would love

Still looking for that perfect gift? Molly Maid Gift Certificates are the perfect gift for friends and family, home or apartment dwellers alike, this year. You won't just be giving the gift of a clean home, you'll be giving loved ones the gift of time to play, relax, and enjoy everything they love about the season. Visit MollyMaid.com/gift-certificates to purchase a gift certificate today!