I know it seems early, but planning ahead for the holiday season can make your life much less stressful as the holidays approach, especially if you are expecting guests. Having a Halloween party? Serving Hanukkah or Christmas dinner? Hosting guests for Thanksgiving? Check out these suggestions to prepare in advance!

Overnight House Guests - The guest bedroom is the most important space to prepare, as your guests will be unwinding here. Make sure the room is inviting and clutter-free. You want them to have plenty of space to unpack and relax.

1 - Remove any items that have piled up in the guest room and/or guest closet and store elsewhere (donate or toss whatever isn’t needed).

2 - Pick up a new set of slim matching velvet hangers to ensure guests can hang up their clothes.

3 - Invest in a reasonably-priced luggage rack so guests don’t have to put their suitcases on the floor. Most are foldable and can easily be stored in the closet or underneath the bed when not in use.

4 - Launder and fold a warm blanket or two in the closet or in a basket on the floor in case guests become chilly. TIP: Keep stored blankets fresh between use by storing away with a lightly-scented dryer sheet tucked in the folds.

5 - Get a few extra nightlights for hallways and bathrooms so guests can find their way. Love this great reminder from HouseLogic!

6 - Prepare a basket of travel-sized toiletries in case they forget anything (i.e. toothbrush, soap, shampoo, etc.). TIP: An additional charger is often appreciated as well!

EXTRA TIP: If you do not have a separate guest room, start decluttering and organizing the kids’ room or other space that will act as a guest room now so you have less work right before guests arrive.

Hosting A Holiday Party - The hall closet is the key to a smooth entry and exit.

7 - Check to make sure you have enough hangers for company and that they are in good condition. If you need new ones, I recommend wood hangers for coat closets since they are sturdy and can hold more weight than traditional clothes hangers. I love these from Ikea!

8 - Remove out-of-season items, such as flip-flops, swim shoes, lightweight wind breakers and other apparel you won’t need over the holidays.

9 - Put coats belonging to family members living in your home, especially bulky ones, in another closet to open up guest space.

10 - Be sure to have shoe storage so your family’s shoes are not all over the closet floor when guests arrive. TIP: If you plan to ask guests to remove their shoes, have an extra shoe rack or a basket in which to collect them.

11 - Buy decorative bins (or find use ones already in your home) to store small items like gloves, scarves and hats.

12 - Hang hooks on the sides of your closet for extra coat and purse storage, especially if your hall closet is deep.

EXTRA TIP: If you do not have a hall closet or just need more closet space, read Where to Stack Coats and Bags When You’re Having a Big Party in a Small Space.

Preparing A Big Dinner - Now is the time, well before you go food shopping, to prepare your kitchen.

13 - Do a quick review of any spices and baking ingredients you might not use regularly and toss anything that has expired before you realize it more mid-baking! TIP: Start a holiday grocery list now and keep adding to it so you don’t forget anything later!

14 - If you do not have one, get a working fire extinguisher. It is important.

15 - Clear large kitchen appliances from counters and store them in a cabinet, closet or basement to free up space. This will give you room to not only prepare more food, but store additional dinnerware and baked goods. TIP: If you don’t use the item regularly, consider keeping it in a secondary location permanently so your counters remain clutter-free!

16 - Pull out any aprons, tablecloths or cloth napkins you plan to use and make sure they are clean, ironed if needed and easily locatable.

17 - Make sure you have extra containers to store leftovers for yourself, as well as some food give away!

Decluttering your home for guests can be a lot of work, but getting it done early can make all the difference. You will be much better prepared to dive right in once it's time to buy the food, decorate your home and wrap the presents!