First cleanse

I’m so very new to this and I’m sorry if it’s been asked 100 billion times. I’m gonna do my first cleanse of my home today. I have a sage smudge stick and then also some wood sticks. I can’t remember what they’re called do you have any advice for me, should I chance something I make up? Should I just meditate before hand? Is there anything else I should do? Should I use the whole stick? Is there a certain way to be respectful and not be disrespectful. Any certain way to put it out what I’m supposed to do afterwards can I keep it?

I’m also going to set up my first altar and book of shadows. Does anyone have any starting advice for that?