Simple Changes to Make Your Home Safer After the Holiday Rush
The weeks after the holidays are the perfect time to look around your home with fresh eyes and focus on post-holiday home safety. Once the decorations are packed away and guests have gone home, you can declutter, rearrange furniture for better mobility, and take a few smart steps to prevent falls. For older adults, caregivers, and anyone with mobility challenges, this “reset” can make daily life safer and less stressful.
Holiday Clutter and Hidden Trip Hazards
The holidays can leave a trail of extra stuff behind—extension cords, gift bags, boxes, new gadgets, and furniture that’s been moved around for company. All of that can quietly turn into trip hazards, especially for seniors or anyone using a cane, walker, or scooter.
- Roll up and remove temporary extension cords used for lights or decorations
- Put away extra chairs or folding tables brought in for guests
- Remove stacks of boxes, bags, and holiday décor from hallways and entryways
- Check that all walkways are wide enough for a walker or rollator
A clear path isn’t just about looking tidy—it’s about making sure there’s nothing underfoot that could catch a toe, a cane tip, or a walker wheel.
Decluttering for Better Mobility at Home
Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Think of it as creating safe lanes in your home:
- Entryway:
- Keep shoes, boots, and bags off the floor and in a bin or on a rack
- Put a non-slip mat by the door, especially in winter weather
- Hallways:
- Remove small tables, baskets, and decorative items that stick out
- Make sure there’s room for turning with a walker or wheelchair
- Living Room:
- Pick up throw blankets and magazines from the floor
- Limit or remove small rugs that slip or bunch up
- Check that coffee tables and side tables aren’t crowding the main path
If you or a loved one use a mobility device, walk through the home and notice any tight spots where you have to twist or turn sharply. Those are areas to declutter and open up.
Rethinking Furniture Placement for Safety
The layout that looked cozy for holiday gatherings may not be the safest for everyday life. After the season, it’s a good time to rearrange furniture with mobility in mind.
- Keep a clear, direct path from:
- Bedroom → Bathroom
- Favorite chair → Kitchen
- Front door → Main seating area
- Make sure:
- There’s a sturdy seat near the entrance for putting on/taking off shoes
- Walkways are wide enough to pass without bumping into corners
- Frequently used items (remote, phone, glasses, medications) are within easy reach from your main chair
If getting in and out of a regular recliner has become difficult, this may also be the moment to consider a lift chair. A properly sized lift chair can make standing up safer, reduce strain on the knees and back, and lower the risk of falls.
Fall Prevention in the Bathroom and Bedroom
Two of the highest-risk areas for falls are the bathroom and the bedroom, especially at night.
Bathroom:
- Add non-slip mats inside and outside the tub or shower
- Install grab bars by the toilet and in the tub/shower area
- Use a raised toilet seat or a safety frame if sitting and standing are difficult
- Keep towels and toiletries within easy reach so there’s no leaning or stretching on wet surfaces
Bedroom:
- Keep a clear path from the bed to the bathroom—no laundry baskets, boxes, or small tables in the way
- Use a night-light or motion-sensor light for nighttime trips
- Make sure the bed height is comfortable—too high or too low can make standing more difficult
- Keep a phone or cordless handset nearby in case of an emergency
These small changes can significantly reduce the risk of slips, trips, and nighttime falls.
When to Consider Mobility Equipment
Post-holiday is also a good time to honestly ask: “Is the way I’m getting around still working for me?”
You may want to explore mobility equipment if:
- You’re holding onto furniture to move around the house
- You feel unsteady when getting out of chairs or off the couch
- You’ve had a recent fall or a “near miss”
- Stairs, door thresholds, or getting out of bed feel harder than they used to
Equipment that may help:
- Lift chairs for safer sitting and standing
- Walkers and rollators for better stability and balance
- Scooters for longer trips when walking is tiring
- Grab bars, rails, and bathroom safety aids for extra support
Trying out equipment in person can help you find the right fit and the right features for your home and lifestyle.
How Mobility Plus Northfield Can Help
If you’re not sure where to start, an in-person visit can make a big difference. At Mobility Plus Northfield, you can:
- Test different lift chairs to find the right size and comfort level
- Ask questions about walkers, rollators, and scooters for your specific needs
- Learn about safety add-ons like grab bars, ramps, and threshold solutions
Sometimes just seeing what’s available—and sitting in a few chairs—can make it easier to picture how you can stay safer and more independent at home all year long.
A Fresh Start for a Safer New Year
The holidays may be over, but they leave behind a valuable opportunity: a chance to reset your home for post-holiday home safety. By decluttering walkways, rearranging furniture for better mobility, and investing in a few smart safety upgrades, you can help prevent falls and make everyday life more comfortable for yourself or a loved one.
A little effort now can pay off all year long in confidence, independence, and peace of mind.
More information about Mobility Plus Northfield can be found here: https://www.mobilityplus.com/northfieldoh/
