Preparing for Surgery

Prepping Your Space

The weekend before surgery, my husband and I did a full home reset. I wanted to walk back into a house that was calm and clean. We focused on the things that matter most after you’ve been through a lot: fewer germs on the surfaces you touch a hundred times a day, fresh sheets, clear walkways, and a tidy bathroom. It’s amazing how much lighter recovery feels when the space around you is already cared for.

I hadn’t anticipated how hard bending, twisting, and stretching would be for the first couple of weeks after surgery. Within a day, I realized the basics needed to move. Like my panty liners being stored under the sink.

Shift anything you reach for daily out of low cabinets or floor bins so you’re not bending, squatting, or pulling post-op. And backstock the essentials at waist/arm height. Think toilet paper, paper towels, and hygiene products, so swapping in refills is easy without a stretch.

Pre-Surgery House Cleaning Recommendations

Floors

Vacuum, sweep, or mop to reduce dust and allergens, especially in the bedroom and main living spaces.

Fridge & Pantry

Toss expired items, wipe shelves, and make space for prepped meals or groceries.

Nightstand & Bedside Table

Clear clutter, wipe down surfaces, and make room for meds, water, snacks, or tissues.

High-Touch Surfaces

Disinfect doorknobs, remotes, phone chargers, light switches, and cabinet handles.

Pet Areas

Deep clean litter boxes, pet bedding, or feeding areas so they don’t add to your to-do list right after surgery.

Bathrooms

Scrub sinks, toilets, and tubs. Disinfect handles and light switches. Stock up on toilet paper and hand soap.

Bedding

Wash all your sheets and pillowcases. Have 2–3 clean sets ready to go so you don’t have to do laundry right away.

Comfy Clothes

Wash your loose PJs, robes, undies, and anything you plan to lounge in. Organize them in easy-to-reach spots

Trash Cans

Empty them and give them a good rinse—especially bathroom and kitchen bins.

Guest Bathroom/Bedroom

If friends or family are coming to help, give the guest room and bathroom a simple refresh so they can settle in and help with ease.

Pre-Op Appointment

If you have a support person who can attend, bring them. Your care team will likely send you home with printed instructions, but a second set of ears helps catch details and makes it easier to remember what matters once you are home.

A few things that helped us:

Bring something for note-taking
Bring a current list of medications, allergies, and your pharmacy information
Arrive with your top three questions so you leave with clear answers
Confirm timelines for driving, lifting, stairs, showering, work, and exercise
Review pain management, bowel care, spotting, incision care, and red flags
Ask who to call after hours and how you will reach the team quickly

A full forty minutes were scheduled for my pre-op appointment, and we needed every one of them. My doctor and the surgery scheduler covered a lot of information. I was grateful my husband came with me. He took notes while I listened and asked questions. If you have a support person who can attend, bring them. Your care team will likely send you home with printed instructions, but a second set of ears helps catch details and makes it easier to remember what matters once you are home.

Your Home
Support Plan

For the kiddos, line up school pick-up and drop-off for the first couple of weeks. I was able to drive without discomfort near the end of week two, but timing is personal, so ask your doctor when it is safe for you. If you have little ones, you will not be able to pick them up, so have that conversation before surgery and plan snuggle alternatives, like couch cuddles and hand-holding. If you have pets, someone else will need to handle the litter box and dog cleanup since bending will be limited.

And please ask for help; I know it can feel hard, but extra hands let you rest, and rest is what helps your body heal.

I put together a section just for caregivers. You can find it under Support and Gift Ideas.