There are many locations in which you can have a memorial services for a loved one who has passed on. Many families like to have that service in funeral homes in Des Moines, IA because the professionals are there to help with the details and that can be really comforting. But you can also have the service in your home church, in a park, or even in a family home. If your family has asked for you to host the memorial in your house, here are some things you might want to do to prepare.

Deep Clean The Home

One of the first things you are going to want to do is a deep clean on your home. You want everything to be clean and fresh for your family members and friends. Stock the bathroom with tissues and toilet paper, vacuum the floors, clean the blinds, remove dust from every surface and so on. If you are also grieving, you might want help with this cleaning process. You can have other family members come in to help or you might even allow your friends who want to help to come in and get things ready for you.

Organize The Cords

Do you have any cords from lamps that traverse the room? It’s wise to move those out of the way so you don’t have anyone tripping over them. Unplug those items and move the cords to the side. If you don’t have options on moving or unplugging the cords, make sure they are covered with rugs so you don’t have any hazards in the way.

Move Furniture

You may want to move the furniture around so you can allow for easier access to certain spaces for your guests. Maybe you aren’t going to have anyone sitting in the dining room, but rather will be leaving that table for food. Take the chairs out of that room and place them elsewhere so people can access the food on the table to use buffet style.

Give More Seating Room

You might want your family to be able to sit down, either for the service, or for the gathering in general. Bring up some folding chairs, have family members bring over what they have, or rent more chairs to make sure you have enough seating for those who might be in attendance.

Add Plants

People may send you flowers or plants for the service and you will want them to be featured in a nice spot for the service. Perhaps put some flowers or plants at the entrance of your home as a greeting to people and surround the guestbook or urn with more beautiful flowers.

Make a Plan For Your Pet

If you have pets that usually wander the home, you might want to make a plan for them to be out of the way during the service. Have them in an upstairs room, for example, or ask a neighbor to take them for the day. There are more tips from funeral homes in Des Moines, IA if you will be having a service in your home.