- Check your refrigerator temperature, your oven and range, and your guest bathroom a few days before guests arrive.
- Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator, keep perishable food below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and refrigerate leftovers within two hours.
- If a drain is slow or a toilet runs, ask a local pro before the house fills up.
Thanksgiving brings out-of-town family into homes that were built for everyday life. In Hampton Roads, that often means a small kitchen working overtime and one guest bathroom shared by everyone. A little preparation a few days ahead keeps both running smoothly while the house is full.
The kitchenGet the kitchen ready before the cooking starts
Start with the refrigerator. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says perishable foods should be kept below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so clear a shelf for the turkey and the sides, and put a thermometer inside if you are not sure. The USDA also says the safe way to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator, and to allow roughly 24 hours for every four to five pounds. That means the thaw has to start days before the meal.
Then look at the range and oven. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) calls Thanksgiving the day with by far the most cooking fire incidents of any day on the calendar. Wipe up old spills, keep towels and wrappers away from the burners, and stay in the kitchen while anything is on the stove. Clear out the dishwasher so it is empty and ready for the first load.
The guest bathGive the guest bathroom a quick once-over
One bathroom serving a full house is where small problems show up. Check a few things now, while there is still time to call someone.
- Flush the toilet and make sure it stops running and refills.
- Run the sink and shower and watch how fast they drain. A slow drain gets worse with extra use.
- Stock extra toilet paper where guests can find it, and keep a plunger in sight.
- Put out fresh towels, a night light and a small trash can with a lid.
Remind everyone that only toilet paper goes down the toilet, including wipes marketed as flushable. Extra guests also mean more hot water. If your water heater has struggled before, our guide to a water heater and guest room check is a good next read.
Smoke alarmsTest the alarms while you are at it
A full house with every burner going is a good reason to test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms first. Our guide to testing your alarms before the guests arrive covers what to press, what to replace and where carbon monoxide alarms belong.
Your callRather have a pro handle it?
Some homes need more than a quick check. A slow drain, a toilet that keeps running or a kitchen that needs a deep clean before company are all reasons to ask for help. On HRHS you can find local pros who serve your area, check qualifications and reviews, check availability, then request a bid or reach out, all in one place before you share any personal information. Browse Cleaning and Housekeeping and Plumbing Services pros across Hampton Roads.
Want your appliances watched for recalls and warranties all year? Add your home to HRHS and start your free Home Report.
Common questions
What should I check before holiday guests arrive?
Start with the refrigerator temperature, the oven and range, and the guest bathroom. Flush the toilet, run the sink and shower, and look for slow drains. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms too, since a full house means more cooking and more people to get out in an emergency.
How do I keep a toilet from clogging with extra guests?
Keep the toilet to toilet paper only. Flushable wipes, paper towels and feminine products can clog a toilet quickly, and a house full of guests makes it more likely. Keep a plunger where guests can see it, and fix a running or weak flush before the visit.
Should I book a deep clean before company comes?
It can help if your schedule is full or the kitchen and bathrooms need more than a wipe down. Cleaning pros can focus on the spots guests notice most, like the bathroom and the kitchen. You can compare local cleaning pros and request a bid on HRHS.
How cold should my refrigerator be for Thanksgiving?
The USDA says perishable foods should be kept below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. An appliance thermometer on a middle shelf will tell you more than the dial does. Give the refrigerator room to circulate air by not packing it to the walls.
Can I thaw a turkey on the counter?
The USDA advises against it. Its safe methods are the refrigerator, cold water and the microwave. In the refrigerator, allow roughly 24 hours for every four to five pounds of turkey.
How long can Thanksgiving leftovers sit out?
The USDA says perishable food should not sit at room temperature for more than two hours, or one hour if it is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within that window. Refrigerated leftovers stay safe for up to four days.
