As the festive season approaches, homes become busier than ever. From hosting family gatherings to cooking large meals, your home works overtime during this period. At BIG Warranties, we know how important it is to keep everything running smoothly - especially when appliances and home systems are under extra pressure. With a little preparation, you can enjoy the celebrations stress-free and avoid unexpected disruptions.

1. Give your appliances a pre-festive check

Your kitchen appliances will be the hardest-working items during the Christmas period. A quick check now can prevent breakdowns later.

Key steps include:

• Clean oven and hobs to improve efficiency and reduce fire risks.
• Clear fridge and freezer vents and ensure doors seal properly.
• Run a dishwasher cleaning cycle to improve performance ahead of big meals.

If any of your appliances have been acting up recently, now is the perfect time to get them inspected before festive hosting begins.

2. Declutter high-traffic areas

With guests coming and going, keeping hallways, living rooms, and kitchens clutter-free helps everyone move comfortably and safely.

• Store away summer items you won’t need.
• Create space for coats, shoes, and festive décor.
• Childproof sharp corners or loose objects if you’re expecting little ones.

A tidy home also makes it easier to entertain and reduces stress in busy moments.

3. Prepare your heating system

Nothing derails a festive celebration faster than a broken boiler or cold house.

• Check your boiler pressure and thermostat settings.
• Bleed radiators to improve heat distribution.
• Book a boiler service if it’s overdue - especially before the coldest months arrive.

This simple preparation can save you from last-minute emergencies at the worst possible time.

4. Inspect plumbing before hosting

Increased water usage can put pressure on pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Look out for:

• Slow-draining sinks
• Leaking taps
• Low water pressure
• Unpleasant smells from drains

Addressing minor issues early prevents bigger problems, like blockages or burst pipes, during family gatherings.

5. Stock up on essential household supplies

Avoid last-minute panic by ensuring you’re fully prepared:

• Spare light bulbs
• Batteries for decorations and gifts
• Cleaning products
• Backup toiletries
• First-aid essentials

These small steps ensure you’re covered no matter how busy the season gets.

6. Safety-check your home

With candles, decorations, and extra cooking, fire safety is crucial.

• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Avoid overloading plug sockets.
• Keep flammable items away from heat sources.
• Ensure Christmas lights are in good condition.

A safe home is a happy home - especially during the festive rush.

7. Plan your festive cooking schedule

The kitchen sees a lot of action during the holidays. Stay organised by planning:

• Cooking times and temperatures
• Food prep in advance
• Storage space for leftovers
• A clear cleaning rota

Less chaos in the kitchen = more time to enjoy festivities.

‍

Stay protected through the festive season

A little preparation goes a long way in creating a smooth, stress-free festive period. But even with careful planning, unexpected breakdowns can still happen. That’s where we can give you extra peace of mind.

Explore our home emergency and appliance insurance policies to stay protected throughout the festive rush and beyond. A small investment now can save you from big seasonal headaches later.