Hosting Christmas this year? While decking the halls is fun, ensuring your home runs smoothly during the festive season is even more important.
From keeping your oven and dishwasher in top shape to ensuring your boiler is ready for winter guests, here’s your ultimate checklist to prepare your home for a stress-free Christmas.
Start early and make a checklist
The key to a stress-free holiday season is to plan ahead. A few weeks before Christmas, create a priority list of all the things you need to do to get your home ready. Think about:
- Cleaning and organising: Focus on areas guests will notice most, like the living room, guest bedroom, and bathroom.
- Checking your appliances: Your oven, dishwasher, and washing machine are critical for hosting. Ensure they’re all in working order.
- Decorating and last-minute touches: Add festive decorations, but don’t forget to tackle any unfinished DIY projects.
By dividing your to-do list into manageable chunks, you’ll avoid last-minute chaos and save precious time.
1. Make sure your appliances are ready
Hosting Christmas dinner? Don’t let a broken appliance ruin the festive spirit. Here’s how to get them ready for Christmas:
Oven
Your oven will be working overtime to cook the Christmas dinner, so it’s important to check it’s in good condition.
- Clean it thoroughly: Grease and food debris can affect how well it cooks.
- Test its functions: Make sure the grill and fan work and that it heats evenly.
- Schedule repairs: If your oven isn’t performing well, book a professional white goods repair with JustFix to avoid any stress.
Dishwasher
A well-functioning dishwasher is a lifesaver during the holidays.
- Clean the filter: A clogged filter can cause unpleasant smells and poor performance.
- Run a cleaning cycle: Use a dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar to remove grease and grime.
- Check for leaks: If your dishwasher is leaking or making odd noises, don’t wait—JustFix can send an expert in white goods repairs to fix the problem.
Washing machine and dryer
With guests staying over you’ll need fresh towels and bed linen, and clean clothes ready to go!
- Check the drum and detergent drawer: Keep them clean to avoid bad smells. See our advice on how to clean your tumble dryer and why your dryer might not be drying clothes here.
- Clear the dryer lint filter: This ensures quicker drying times and reduces fire risks.
- Book repairs if needed: JustFix white goods repairers can get your washing machine or tumble dryer running smoothly in no time.
2. Give your home a deep clean
Before the decorations go up, it’s the perfect opportunity to do a deep clean. A clean house not only feels welcoming but also lifts your spirits as the festive period approaches.
- Tackle one room at a time: Start with the areas where guests will spend the most time, like the living room or dining room.
- Clean your kitchen appliances: Use baking soda and white vinegar to deep clean your oven, microwave, and fridge. Don’t forget to remove limescale from your kettle and coffee maker!
- Refresh the guest room: Change the bedding, add fresh towels, and stock up on essentials like toiletries and extra toilet paper.
3. Service your boiler for a cosy Christmas
The last thing you want during Christmas Eve celebrations is for your heating to fail. Your boiler is essential for keeping your home warm and your water hot.
- Book a boiler service: Regular servicing ensures your boiler runs efficiently and prevents breakdowns. Find out what a boiler service includes and how long a boiler service takes with our comprehensive guides.
- Bleed your radiators: Cold spots mean trapped air, and bleeding them ensures even heating. Our guide on how to bleed your radiators provides handy step-by-step advice.
- Test your thermostat: Check it’s working properly to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Need reliable heating for the holidays? JustFix offers expert boiler servicing and boiler repairs, giving you peace of mind when the cold weather sets in.
4. Test your electrics for safety
From fairy lights to kitchen appliances, Christmas puts extra demand on your home’s electrics. Ensuring everything is safe and functioning properly is vital—not just for convenience but also for your family’s safety.
Here’s what to check:
- Inspect extension cords and plugs: If you notice frayed wires or damaged plugs, replace them immediately to avoid hazards.
- Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors: These are crucial during the colder months when heating systems are running more often. Ensure batteries are fresh and alarms are working properly.
- Check outdoor lighting: If you're lighting up your home’s exterior, confirm that all lights and cables are weatherproof and designed for outdoor use.
While these checks are a great starting point, some electrical issues require professional attention. That’s where our network of accredited electricians comes in. JustFix electricians are fully qualified to inspect and repair your home’s electrics, ensuring they’re safe and efficient for the festive season.
Whether you need a quick safety check, rewiring for additional lighting, or help troubleshooting a power issue, booking a JustFix electrician is the best way to avoid unnecessary stress. Let us handle the hard work while you focus on welcoming guests and soaking up the holiday spirit.
5. Give your home a festive makeover
Hosting over the holidays is the perfect opportunity to tackle those decorating jobs you’ve been putting off. A fresh look can transform your home, creating a warm and inviting space for friends and family.
- Paint a room: Whether it’s the guest bedroom or a living space, a fresh coat of paint can brighten up any area.
- Fix minor wall imperfections: Patch up scuffs, holes, or scratches to create a polished finish.
- Add a splash of festive colour: A quick touch-up with holiday-themed hues can bring a warm, seasonal vibe to your space.
Not sure where to start or short on time? JustFix’s professional painters and decorators are here to help, from painting walls to handling last-minute repairs.
With their expertise, your home will look picture-perfect—just in time for guests.
6. Prep any guest bedroom and bathrooms
Whether you're inviting friends over or accommodating extended family, making overnight guests feel comfortable is an important part of hosting.
- Freshen up the guest room: Add a welcoming touch with festive decorations, like a small Christmas tree or scented candles.
- Stock the bathroom: Ensure there’s enough soap, toilet paper, and a basket of toiletries for guests to use.
- Provide extras: Fresh towels, cosy blankets, and even a spare room heater can make your guests feel at home.
7. Don’t forget the little things
The holidays can be hectic, but small details can make a big difference.
- Wrap presents early: To make the process easier, set up a gift-wrap station with wrapping paper, ribbons, and scissors.
- Declutter common areas: Remove unwanted items to create more space for entertaining.
Why choose JustFix this holiday season?
Preparing your home for Christmas doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether it’s repairing a faulty appliance, servicing your boiler, or taking care of decorating jobs, JustFix is here to help.
- Local service: We connect you with qualified professionals in your area.
- Fair, fixed prices: No hidden costs, just reliable repairs.
- Convenience: Book online or on the JustFix app and choose a time that works for you.
Spending time with family, baking a gingerbread house, or enjoying a warming cup of mulled wine should be your focus this Christmas, not pesky home repairs. Let JustFix take care of the hard work, so you can have a happy Christmas!
