The countdown to Christmas in New Zealand feels different to the rest of the world. The sun’s out, the BBQ is fired up, the kids are in and out of the house all day, and friends and family are dropping by more often than they usually do. It’s busy, fun, a little chaotic… and the perfect time to refresh your home before the celebrations begin.
At Noble, we’re big believers that a clean, organised home feels better — but it should never feel overwhelming. The trick? Break things down, keep a routine, and get into the right mindset. With a bit of organisation, a good playlist, and a clear plan, you’ll be surprised at how much lighter, brighter, and summer-ready your home feels.
So here it is — your 12 Days of Christmas Cleaning, Noble-style.
Before you start: set the scene
A clean home starts with the right vibe. Put on a playlist, a podcast, or an audiobook that makes your brain happy. Cleaning isn’t glamorous, but it can be relaxing if you turn it into a moment rather than a chore.
Spend the first 20-30 minutes doing a quick house-wide reset:
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Wash the dishes and tidy the bench
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Empty rubbish bins
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Fold clean laundry / throw dirty laundry in baskets
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Open the windows and let that warm Canterbury air through
This gets your head in the game and gives you a clean slate for each day’s focus.
Day 1 – Your bedroom
Start with your own space. The room that sets the tone for the rest of your home. Fresh, tidy bedrooms naturally reduce stress during the silly season.
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Vacuum the mattress and under the bed
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Dust lamps, side tables, and those little corners you usually ignore
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Start a declutter bag: clothes you don’t wear, books gathering dust, unused products
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Fresh bed sheets
This room is usually the easiest, which is exactly why it’s the perfect place to begin.
Day 2 – Kids rooms
This one’s a team effort. Get the kids involved with simple instructions and small rewards.
Focus on:
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Sorting toys
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Making space for incoming Christmas presents
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Gathering clothes that don’t fit
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Re-setting their shelves and drawers
Aim for “order over perfection.” If everything has a home, holiday tidying becomes easier.
Day 3 – The living room
Your living room will be in high rotation — guests, movie nights, and the kids flopping on the couch after a swim.
Today is about a deep refresh:
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Move furniture and vacuum underneath
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Wipe the TV and dust shelves
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Freshen couches with a damp cloth and spot-clean stains
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Wash or steam curtains
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Reset décor so surfaces feel light and open
Remember: you’re prepping the space where memories will happen.
Day 4 – The dining area
Whether it’s a dedicated dining room, a cosy corner, or an outdoor table on the deck — this space deserves attention.
Clean and polish the table, wipe chair legs, check placemats, wash table runners, and refresh center pieces. You’ll use this space a lot over the next few weeks, especially if you’re hosting BBQs or a Christmas lunch.
Day 5 – Kitchen part one: the appliances
The kitchen is where Christmas magic (and chaos) happens — meals, drinks, treats, and inevitably, a few emergencies.
Today is all about appliances:
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Clean your fridge (inside shelves + the seals)
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Wipe down the microwave
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Freshen the kettle
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Give your oven some love
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Clear crumbs and wipe filters in the toaster and dishwasher
Everything runs smoother when the tools are ready to go.
Day 6 – Kitchen part two: surfaces & storage
Now tackle the everyday areas:
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Wipe inside and outside cupboards and splashbacks
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Clean the sink and drains
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Organise drawers (especially utensils and pantry staples)
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Mop and refresh the floors
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Clear expired or unused pantry items
This is a reset that helps Christmas cooking feel energising instead of stressful.
Day 7 – Declutter & Donate: the fresh start day
Grab the bags you’ve been filling all week.
Sort everything into three piles:
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Keep
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Donate
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Bin
This is the day your home becomes lighter. With space cleared, everything you’ve already cleaned suddenly looks even better.
Reward yourself with something cold — you deserve it.
Day 8 – Bathroom & toilet
Scrub, rinse, refresh. Change towels, clean mirrors, scrub tiles, sanitise high-touch areas.
Bonus summer tip: Add a eucalyptus shower spray or diffuser to keep the room fresh in warmer weather.
Day 9 – Hallways & entryway
This is where guests will get their first impression at Christmas.
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Put away shoes, bags, coats
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Dust wall décor
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Wipe door handles (inside and out)
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Clean mirrors
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Shake out mats
Instantly, your home feels more welcoming.
Day 10 – Laundry / utility
The laundry is the behind-the-scenes hero of the home.
Give it a tidy:
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Clear bench space
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Fold or hang clean washing
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Wipe appliances
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Vacuum any lint or dust
You won’t show guests this room, but keeping it tidy makes Christmas week much easier.
Day 11 - The touch-up
By now, your home is already looking amazing.
Today’s job is simple:
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Quick vacuum
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Put away anything left out
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Light tidy in each room
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Swap out any final bedding or towels if guests are coming
It’s about maintenance, not effort.
Day 12 – Outdoors & final details
Welcome to the finish line.
Because it’s a New Zealand Christmas, today is all about the outdoors:
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Mow the lawns
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Trim any pathway plants
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Pull or spray weeds
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Sweep decks and patios
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Clean outdoor furniture
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Wash exterior windows (summer sun shows every streak!)
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Give the BBQ a scrub
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Take out all rubbish and recycling
End with a quick walk around your property — check that everything feels ready for visitors and for you to relax.
Christmas should be about enjoying your home, not stressing over it. With a practical plan, a bit of consistency, and a touch of Noble organisation, your space can feel fresh, calm, and celebration-ready long before the big day arrives.
If the list feels long or you’d prefer a professional hand with the heavy lifting — we’re always here to help with cleaning, mowing, exterior washing and everything in between.
