By Pam Oldaker – PowerOfPam
The holiday season is a wonderful time to showcase the warmth and charm of your home — twinkling lights, cozy décor, and cheerful curb appeal can all make your property feel even more inviting to buyers. But with decorations, gatherings, and increased foot traffic, it’s also important for sellers to think about safety and preparation during this busy time.
At PowerOfPam, we want to help ensure your home shines brightly and safely this season. Here are essential holiday home safety tips to follow when preparing for showings in East Cobb, Marietta, Alpharetta, and North Metro Atlanta.
1. Keep Walkways Clear and Well-Lit
Holiday décor sometimes means extra cords, wreaths, inflatables, and pathway lights — all wonderful touches, but also potential tripping hazards.
Before any showing:
- Clear leaves, branches, and delivery boxes from walkways
- Ensure holiday lights and extension cords are safely tucked away
- Add timers or solar lights to improve evening visibility
A safe, well-lit entryway helps buyers feel welcome and confident as they approach your home.
2. Use Safe, Minimal Decorations Indoors
Buyers should be able to navigate easily and see the full features of your home. Oversized décor, clutter, or too many sentimental items can block pathways or distract from the space.
Opt for:
- Slim trees instead of wide ones
- Light-themed décor rather than fragile or excessive pieces
- Battery-operated candles instead of real flame
Friendly reminder: some buyers bring children — and little hands love shiny ornaments!
3. Secure Gifts, Packages, and Personal Items
With holiday shopping in full swing, it’s common for gifts to be stored around the home. During showings, it’s best to keep presents:
- Out of sight
- Stored in closets or locked cabinets
- Away from windows
This keeps your home tidy and protects valuable items.
4. Mind the Temperature and Scents
Creating a warm atmosphere matters — but balance is key.
- Keep the home comfortably heated (especially for cold showings!)
- Avoid overpowering scents; gentle pine, vanilla, or cinnamon is perfect
- Don’t leave food cooking or open flames burning when you leave for the showing
Your goal is a subtle, welcoming environment that feels natural and inviting.
5. Protect Pets During Showings
The holidays can be stressful for pets — and showings add another layer.
To keep everyone safe:
- Remove pets from the home during showings, if possible
- Secure them in a crate or a separate room if removing them isn’t an option
- Store pet toys, beds, and food bowls to maintain a clean look
6. Keep Digital and Smart Devices Secure
Many homes today use smart security systems, video doorbells, and automated lighting. Before showings:
- Turn off notifications that automatically trigger alarms
- Silence devices that might alert during showings
- Hide chargers, tablets, or personal electronics
This protects your privacy and ensures buyers can browse comfortably.
Thinking of Selling This Holiday Season?
While some sellers hesitate to list during the holidays, the season can actually bring highly motivated buyers, warm curb appeal, and less competition. With the right preparation, your home can show beautifully — and safely.
If you’re considering selling or want expert advice tailored to your property, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact Pam today to schedule a consultation:
👉Click HERE
