Christmas means guests, and guests mean your home gets scrutinised more than usual. Here's how to get ready without the stress.
Start Early: The Big Jobs
Do these in November - don't leave them until Christmas week.
Heating Check
Nothing worse than the heating failing when the house is full.
- Bleed radiators - Get rid of cold spots
- Check boiler pressure - Should be 1-1.5 bar
- Test all radiators work - Including spare room
- Book emergency repair contact - Just in case
Hot Water Check
More people = more showers = more demand.
- Test hot water reaches all taps
- Check shower pressure - Adequate for back-to-back showers?
- Know your immersion - If you have one, know how to boost
Toilet Tests
Embarrassing if it breaks during the visit.
- Check all toilets flush properly
- Tighten wobbly seats
- Check filling mechanisms - No running toilets
Guest Room Preparation
If you have a spare room that's been neglected:
The Basics
- Does the door close properly? - Fix sticking/latching issues
- Do lights work? - Replace dead bulbs
- Radiator working? - Bleed if needed
- Window opens/closes? - Security and ventilation
- Curtains/blinds work? - Privacy matters
Furniture
- Bed assembled and stable - No wobbly frames
- Bedside lamp works - Guests need to read
- Somewhere to put clothes - Even temporary rail helps
- Mirror available - Standing or wall-mounted
Comfort Details
- Plug sockets accessible - For phone charging
- Wi-Fi password visible - Frame it or write it on a card
- Fresh bedding - Washed, not just taken from cupboard
Bathroom Refresh
Guests judge bathrooms. A quick refresh makes a difference.
Quick Wins
- Re-silicone if needed - Grotty sealant = grotty impression
- Clean grout - Or regrout if really bad
- Tighten toilet seat - No one likes a wobbly seat
- Fix dripping taps - The sound is annoying overnight
- Check extractor fan - Steamy bathrooms aren't pleasant
Guest Comfort
- Towel hooks or rail - Enough for everyone
- Mirror lighting - Can guests see to shave/make up?
- Toilet roll holder - Not just roll on windowsill
- Waste bin - With a bag in it
Living Areas
Where you'll spend the most time together.
Seating
- Enough seating for everyone? - Even if temporary
- Wobbly furniture fixed - Tighten legs, reglue joints
- Fire pit for kids? - Fireguard if needed
TV and Entertainment
- TV working properly - Check inputs, sound, remotes
- Secure TV bracket - Kids and chaos happen
- WiFi adequate? - Multiple devices streaming tests it
Lighting
- All bulbs working - Replace any dead ones
- Dimmer switches? - Nice for evenings
- Christmas lights safe - Check for damage
Safety and Security
Especially important with children visiting.
Child Safety (If Kids Coming)
- Stair gates if needed
- Secure heavy furniture - TVs, bookcases
- Cover plug sockets
- Lock away chemicals - Cleaning stuff, etc.
- Check for small object hazards
General Safety
- Smoke alarms work - Test them
- CO alarm works - Especially with fire/gas use
- Fire extinguisher? - Know where it is
- Clear exits - Don't block doors with stuff
Kitchen Prep
The busiest room over Christmas.
Appliances
- Oven working properly? - Test before the big day
- Fridge cold enough? - Adjust for extra food
- Dishwasher working? - You'll use it a lot
- Extractor fan working? - Essential for cooking smells
Space
- Clear worktops - Hide the clutter
- Enough plates/glasses? - Or borrow/buy
- Bin emptied frequently - More people = more rubbish
Outdoor Areas
Even in winter, these matter.
Entrance
- Pathway clear and safe - No trip hazards
- Outside light working - Dark evenings
- Doorbell working - If you have one
- Welcome mat - Catches the mud
Parking
- Space for cars - Clear driveway
- Outdoor lighting - Can people see?
Garden (If Used)
- Paths safe - Not slippery with leaves
- Gates secure - For kids/dogs
- Hot tub ready? - If you're lucky enough
Last-Minute Checklist (Week Before)
- Deep clean bathrooms
- Change guest bed sheets
- Stock essentials (toilet roll, soap, towels)
- Clear coat hooks/storage for visitors
- Test heating one more time
- Check all lightbulbs
If Things Go Wrong
Keep handy:
- Plunger (for toilets)
- Spare bulbs
- Spare batteries
- Torch
- Phone numbers for emergency trades
Need help getting ready? I can run through your pre-Christmas checklist - from fixing that spare room door to mounting the TV. Book early - December fills up fast. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.
Sam Hembury
Sam is the founder of Hembury Contracting, providing professional handyman services across Exeter and Devon. With years of experience in property maintenance, he shares practical tips to help homeowners tackle common tasks.