Winter is when small hazards become big problems. Damp shoes make floors slick, short days hide edges and cold mornings leave joints feeling wooden. The staircase is where all of that comes together. A quick, focused safety check now can prevent a wobble later and keep every floor easy to reach.
This 15-minute audit is designed for real life. You can walk it through on your own or with a family member. Set a timer, start at the bottom step and work upwards. If you spot anything that needs attention, jot it down. Small changes add up and, if the stairs are still the sticking point, a stairlift removes the climb altogether.
Light you can trust
Good light is the friend of safe movement. Check bulbs over the staircase and landing. Are they bright enough and the same tone all the way up? Replace tired bulbs with warm, bright LEDs. Make sure you can reach a switch before stepping onto the first tread. If you use night-time routes to the bathroom, plug in a low-glare night-light so you can see your feet without waking the whole house.
Clear the path you actually use
Look at the steps themselves. Remove baskets, books and anything resting on edges. Roll up loose runners for winter if they shift underfoot. Give treads a quick wipe to lift any damp brought in on shoes. At the top and bottom landings, keep half a metre clear so you have room to turn safely without twisting.
Make edges easy to read
If the stair edges blend into the tread, add a subtle contrast strip. It does not have to shout. A slim, non-slip strip in a slightly lighter or darker shade gives your eyes a clear line to follow. Check that the carpet or nosing is firmly fixed with no frayed corners. On wooden stairs, a fine-grit clear tape can add grip without changing the look.
Trust your handrails
Hold the rail and give it a proper shake. It should feel rock solid from the first step to the last. If your rail stops short of the landing, consider extending it. A continuous rail removes the awkward gap where people often let go too soon. If you struggle with grip, a slightly chunkier profile or a smooth round rail can be more comfortable for sore hands.
Dress for steady feet
Soft slippers are cosy but can slide. Choose footwear with a firm heel cup and a non-slip sole. Keep a second pair upstairs so you are not tempted to climb in socks. Place a small chair or sturdy bench near the bottom of the stairs so you can sit to change shoes without wobbling.
Manage what you carry
Hands are for balance, not loads. Keep a small basket upstairs and one downstairs for items that need moving later. If you do carry something, keep it light and below elbow height so you can still see the steps. Never carry a hot drink on the stairs.
Plan the night-time route
Most slips happen when you are sleepy and in a hurry. Decide now how you will get to the bathroom at 2am. Clear the landing, plug in a soft night-light and keep a dressing gown within reach so you are warm enough to move without rushing. If you wake stiff, take a moment to stand fully upright before you start the climb or descent.
Check your energy, not just your balance
Winter drains energy. If the stairs leave you breathless or your knees complain step by step, that is a safety signal. The goal is not to tough it out. The goal is to move between floors without strain. If you are planning your day to avoid the staircase, it is time to consider support that removes the risk.
Where a stairlift fits in
A stairlift turns the hardest part of your home into the simplest. You sit, fasten the belt, rest your feet and glide at a steady pace. Straight staircases usually take a slim rail fixed to the treads, so there is no mess or redecorating. Curved stairs are measured for a made-to-fit rail that follows every turn. Seats, arms and footplates fold to keep the stairs clear. Battery backup means you can still travel during a power cut, and modern controls are light to the touch if you live with arthritis.
How we help in Derby
Our free home assessment takes about 30 to 45 minutes. We measure, listen and recommend options based on how you move, not just the shape of the stairs. If turning at the top is tricky, a powered swivel brings the seat to face the landing so you can stand without twisting. If there is a doorway near the bottom, a hinged rail lifts out of the way. You will get a clear written quote and timeframes, plus rental choices if you want seasonal flexibility.
Consider a winter rental
If mobility dips when it is cold or you are recovering from an operation, renting a stairlift through winter can be ideal. Installation is quick, servicing is included and you can extend or remove it when spring arrives.
Ready to make your stairs winter-safe?
Call Direct Stairlifts on 0800 530 0025 to book your free home assessment. Visit our Derby showroom to try models in person, or request a brochure. If you already own a stairlift, book a winter service so it runs perfectly when you need it most.
