The holidays bring cozy gatherings, beautiful décor, and lots of foot traffic — but they also bring extra strain on your home. Before guests arrive and celebrations begin, a little preparation can save you from mid-party mishaps and costly repairs. Here’s a handyman-approved checklist to get your home holiday-ready.
1. Start with a Safety Check
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries and ensure each floor has a working unit. Batteries should be replaced once a year. Detectors should be replaced every 10 years at the most.
- Inspect extension cords and power strips. Holiday lighting puts extra load on outlets — replace frayed cords and avoid chaining power strips.
2. Give Your HVAC System Some Love
- Replace air filters to keep your system running efficiently.
- Clear debris from outdoor units.
- If it’s been a year or more, schedule a tune-up — guests + cooking = a warm house, and you’ll want your system performing smoothly.
3. Prep the Guest Spaces
- Tighten loose door handles, fix squeaky hinges, and patch minor wall scuffs.
- Check that all outlets and lamps work.
- Add weatherstripping to drafty windows to keep guest rooms warm and comfortable.
4. Tackle Plumbing Before the Crowds Come
- Check for slow-draining sinks or tubs and clear them now.
- Inspect under-sink cabinets for leaks.
- Test guest bathroom toilets to ensure they flush properly — a small repair now prevents an awkward holiday moment later.
5. Boost Kitchen Readiness
The kitchen takes the biggest holiday beating.
- Sharpen knives, tighten cabinet hardware, and clean dishwasher filters.
- Make sure the garbage disposal is running smoothly — a jam during a big meal prep is no fun.
6. Exterior Touch-Ups
- Replace burnt-out exterior bulbs for safety and visibility.
- Clean out gutters to prevent overflow during winter rains.
- Check walkways for tripping hazards before guests arrive at night.
7. Add Your Holiday Flair
Once the essentials are set, enjoy decorating:
- Hang lights securely using clips instead of nails.
- Keep décor away from heat sources.
- Test timers so everything turns on and off automatically.
Final Tip: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
A few simple handyman tasks now will help you relax and enjoy your home when the holidays arrive. If a bigger fix pops up, don’t hesitate to bring in a pro—holiday peace starts with a well-prepared home.