Last Updated: 28.11.25
It’s almost Christmas already and as things start to get busier at home, it’s worth taking a few minutes to make sure your stairlift stays safe and reliable when you need it most.
Christmas means many things and for many of us, our houses will be filled with friends and family regularly over the festive period.
Grandkids, cousins, nephews and nieces could all visit, as well as family friends and neighbours.
It will all be good-natured but some parties can see guests getting a little too excitable.
And when the house is full, it only takes a moment for something to be pressed, knocked or left in the wrong place.
Your stairlift will remain as important to you as ever, so how do you ensure that it’s protected and that those around it are also not in danger?
Here are a few simple tips to keep your home safe and secure during a busy Christmas.
Keep It Locked
The best way to ensure that children and other guests don’t get tempted to ride up and down on the stairlift is to lock it so that it cannot be operated.
It might seem obvious but a stairlift can look like something fun to younger visitors, especially when a lot is going on.
Locking it gives you peace of mind. You’re not having to watch it every five minutes or wonder if someone’s pressed the controls out of curiosity.
If you do decide to lock it, make sure you keep the key nearby so you can quickly access it when needed.
Your own convenience should remain paramount in your considerations.
You still need it when you need it.
Fold Away Foot Plate & Arm Rests
With so many extra people in your house, it’s likely that foot traffic up and down your staircase will also increase.
People are heading to the bathroom. Kids running about. Guests carrying plates or drinks, not always looking where they’re going.
As you’ll know, stairlifts can take up a fair amount of space with elements such as the foot plate and arm rests extending out across the stairs.
That can easily become a trip hazard, or something that gets knocked without anyone meaning to.
To reduce the chance of injury and damage to your equipment, it’s worth folding away parts of the stairlift that can be.
It only takes a moment but it clears the space and keeps things safer when the house is busy.
Consider Protective Covering
Most stairlifts come with a cover, or at least have one available to fit and Christmas may be the time to get it out.
If your house is full of people eating, drinking and being merry, the chance of spillages on your stairlift is greatly increased.
Drinks get put down where they shouldn’t. Plates end up balanced on anything flat for a second.
That’s usually all it takes.
So, before your guests arrive, pop the cover back on the stairlift so you know it will be safe, clean and undamaged once they have departed.
It’s a small bit of effort now that saves you from dealing with marks, mess or damage later.
After The Party
Once your event is over, make sure you properly prepare the stairlift for use again.
Remove the cover, then fold the footplates and arm rests back out. Also, make sure the stairlift track or rail is clear and free of obstacles.
Things can be dropped during festive gatherings and children, especially, have a habit of leaving bits and pieces where they shouldn’t.
Small toys, wrapping paper and even bits of food can end up in the wrong place without anyone noticing.
Take a few minutes to check everything over once the house is quiet again. Nothing complicated, just a quick look so you know it’s all ready to use safely.
Need Help?
If you’ve been thinking about getting a stairlift, or your current one isn’t quite doing the job anymore, now’s a sensible time to sort it.
Before the house fills up and before things get more difficult than they need to be.
A short conversation can clarify things. No pressure, just straightforward advice based on your home and what will actually work for you.
Get in touch with us today and we’ll help you talk through the best options at your own pace.